DEPRESSANTS

Group 2, 9-Solidarity
Learning Targets
We can :
• identify the meaning of depressants and some of its examples

• know its medical uses

• know the short and long term effects of the drug

• realize how drug abusers affect the lives of others

DEPRESSANTS
What are they?
What are
Depressants?

At the root of the word 'depressant' is

depress. ‘Depress' means to reduce your level
of activity - this is exactly what a depressant
does. Depressants are drugs that slow down
the activity of the central nervous system. By
decreasing the electrical activity in the brain,
depressants produce a calming effect in the
body and slow down the brain's normal
functioning. Depressants can decrease your
level of awareness, lower your pulse and
heart rate, and reduce breathing. For these
reasons, depressants are also referred to as
'downers'.
Types of Depressants
 Types of Depressants
Types of
ETHANOL Depressants
Ethanol This is a legal depressant for people over the
(Alcohol) age of 18. It suppresses the activity of the
mind and body of those who consume it.

Barbiturates These are a prescribed medication for anxiety

and insomnia. They are also known as
BARBITURATES sedative-hypnotics.

Benzodiazepines These are a prescribed medication for anxiety

and for their tranquilizing effect.

BENZODIAZEPINES
History and Development of
Depressants
 History and
Development
•Depressants were created on December 6, 1864
•It was discovered by Adolf von Baeyer
•They originated in Mesopotamia
•The first depressant that was used was Opium
•They were used as tranquilizers and were given
to people before surgeries

O
P
I
U
M
Medical Uses
Medical Uses

Depressants are often used to relieve

symptoms associated with a number of
different disorders, including:
•Anxiety, including social phobia, 
panic disorders, and general anxiety
disorder
•Obsessive-compulsive disorder
•Depression
•Insomnia
•Seizures
Reasons for taking Depressants
 Reasons for taking Depressants
Depressants are often used to relieve
symptoms associated with a number of
different disorders, including:
•Anxiety
•Obsessive-compulsive disorder
•Depression
•Insomnia
•Seizures
•Sometimes they can also induce
temporary euphoria,
Short-term and Long-term
effects of the Body
Short-term and Long-term effects of the Body
SHORT TERM LONG TERM
• Slow brain function
• Slowed pulse and breathing • Depression
• Lowered blood pressure • Chronic fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Breathing difficulties
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Sexual problems
• Dizziness • Sleep problems
• Slurred speech
• Agitation
• Fever
• Sluggishness
• High body temperature
• Visual disturbances • Delirium
• Dilated pupils • Hallucinations
• Disorientation or lack of coordination
• Convulsions
• Depression
• Difficulty or inability to urinate • May increase the risk of high blood
• addiction sugar, diabetes and weight gain
How do drug abusers affect the
lives of others?
How do drug abusers
affect the lives of
others?
Drug addiction not only affects the user, it
affects their friends, families, coworkers, and
anyone else they associate with. It breaks
bonds between the user and their loved ones,
which makes it even harder for the user to
seek out help.
Drug addiction is a detrimental disease that
affects the user’s mind, body, feelings, and
actions. Families and relationships are
destroyed due to constant, daily, or even
recreational drug use. When someone abuses 
drugs, they are not the same person as they
once were. Their priorities and desires are
very different.
wala na finish na
Members: Bihag, Dacutanan, Lumapas, Pableo, Pamas, Pepito, Roma, Tarriman