Depressants
Depressants, also called “downers” or sedatives, cause the central nervous system to slow down. This relieves inhibitions, reduces higher order brain function and produces a state of drowsiness. Alcohol is the most commonly abused depressant. Also in this category, though, are prescription sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications and the notorious “date rape” drugs like Rohypnol and Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB). One of the most dangerous aspects of depressant abuse is called the synergistic effect. This refers to the way in which depressants interact with other drugs. Some depressants cause effects which last for up to 12 hours from the original dose. If the user ingests another depressant, such as alcohol, during this time, a fatal overdose can occur. This type of overdose may appear to others as if the user has merely fallen asleep.
Barbituates and Benzodiazepines are two groups of prescription depressants that have become commonly abused in the illicit drug world. Prescription barbiturates can be administered intravenously, or by pill. Brevital, Phenobarbital, Pentothal and Seconal are common examples. Benzodiazepines are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the country. These include sleep aids like ProSom and Halcion, and anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Librium, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan and Diazepam. In clinical settings, Benzodiazepines are used to induce sedation and produce amnesia for medical procedures. In regulated doses, and monitored by a physician, these medications can be effective treatments for certain medical disorders. When not taken carefully, they can be habit forming, and can also produce fatal overdoses.
Date Rape Drugs Depressants are commonly used to sedate unknowing victims, oftentimes with the purpose of facilitating a sexual assault. GHB and Rohypnol are two of the most commonly used substances in this category. Slipped into an unsuspecting person’s drink, these substances are odorless, colorless and tasteless. Within a short period of time, the drug can produce incapacitating levels of intoxication. Because of their disassociative properties, the drugs produce amnesia. Oftentimes, the assault is committed with the victim having no idea what is happening to them and no memory of the incident afterward. The drugs also have a very short half-life, which means that they are cleansed from the body within hours of use. For some victims, the first time they become aware of the assault is when a photo, video or related investigation reveals evidence.
Tip: GHB is also used recreationally. It can be transported in a water bottle, either for personal use or distribution. One way to tell is to shake the water bottle. If the water becomes cloudy, it is an indication that GHB may be present.
Signs of Use: People who are under the influence of depressants will have lower blood pressure and a lower pulse rate than normal. They will display nystagmus and have a lack of convergence. The will appear drowsy, be sluggish to respond to questions and may have droopy eyelids. Their speech may be slurred and they can perform poorly on sobriety tests. They will also exhibit poor judgement and reduced inhibitions. When ingested, these drugs will produce effects within 15 to 40 minutes. Some of the prescription doses can last for up to 12 hours. Please visit the Diagnosing Drug Use Page for more on this topic.
Common Paraphernalia of depressant use includes pills, pill wrappings and containers used to transport or store pills. GHB can be stored in small plastic bottles, such as old hotel shampoo bottles. Please visit the Paraphernalia page for more information on paraphernalia.
Preventing Depressant Abuse: Substance abuse can be prevented by following the suggestions outlined on the Preventing Substance Abuse Page. It is important to discuss the dangers of depressant use with your family. Particularly address the potentially fatal interactions of alcohol and other drugs with depressants, and review the prevalence of Date Rape Drugs within the social circle frequented by teens and young adults. Please visit the Preventing Drug Abuse Page for more information on prevention.
