Depressants

Summary of drug categories includes:
- Stimulants: increase arousal of the central nervous system.
- Depressants: impede nervous system functioning.
- Narcotics: pain-relieving effects.
- Hallucinogens: alter perception and consciousness.

Cocaine provides pleasurable effects but comes with serious consequences:
- The brain may undergo permanent changes due to addiction.
- Psychological and physical dependence develops; users may become obsessed with obtaining the drug.
- Mental and physical health deterioration over time, which can lead to extreme cases of hallucinations, like feeling insects on the skin.
- Overdose can be fatal.
Usage Statistics:
- Approximately 5.5 million occasional users in the U.S.
- Nearly 1.5 million regular users.
- Withdrawal can be difficult; high school use has declined but remains a significant issue.

Depressants slow down the central nervous system:
- Small doses can induce euphoria and drunkenness.
- Large doses lead to slurred speech, poor muscle control, and potential loss of consciousness.
Alcohol:
- Most commonly used depressant; average U.S. adult consumes about 1.94 drinks daily.
- Over a third of college students reported drinking in the last 30 days, with a concerning rise in binge drinking.
- Binge drinking defined as:
  - Men: 5 or more drinks in one sitting.
  - Women: 4 or more drinks.
- Binge drinking statistics particularly high among young adults.

Effects on Individuals:
- Two-thirds of lighter drinkers report disturbances in study or sleep due to heavy drinkers.
- A quarter of women report experiencing unwanted sexual advances from intoxicated peers.
Gender Differences:
- Women generally drink less than men but experience more severe impacts from alcohol abuse.
Cultural Influences:
- Alcohol consumption varies among cultures:
  - European teens drink more than U.S. teens.
  - East Asian individuals often drink less and have fewer alcohol-related problems due to adverse physical reactions.

Initially increases sociability and reduces stress;
With higher doses, depressive effects occur:
- Emotional instability, impaired memory, poor judgment, and slurred speech.
- Risk of alcohol poisoning increases with excessive consumption.

Approximately 14 million Americans are alcoholics; 1 in every 13 adults struggles with alcohol abuse.
Characteristics of alcoholism:
- Dependence on alcohol despite serious consequences.
- Increasing tolerance leads to higher consumption.
- Users might drink continuously or binge occasionally.
Genetic factors may increase risk, although some without alcoholic family history also develop problems.

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants:
- Examples include nimbutyl, seconal, and phenobarbital.
- Induce relaxation but can lead to faulty judgment and sluggishness at higher doses.
- Highly addictive and dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Known as a date rape drug:
- When combined with alcohol, it can incapacitate individuals, causing amnesia regarding the event of assault.