Depressants By: Emma Bannach and Mekenzie Catalano

Definition and Street Names Depressants are a drug that slows down the normal function of the central nervous system. They can be in the form of pills, powder, or liquid. Also called barbs, booze, candy, sleeping pills, and downers.

How Depressants Enter the Body and Effects ● Depressants can enter the body by injection, snorting, swallowed, or smoked. ● They reduce anxiety, induce sleep, and lower inhibitions. -Short-term effects:slowed pulse and breathing, slurred speech, drowsiness, low blood pressure, poor concentration, fatigue, and impaired coordination. -Long-term effects:addiction, chronic sleep problems, and death.

Medical Uses Depressants are used for anesthesia to put patients to sleep when preparing for surgery. Also used for anti-anxiety medication to relieve anxiety symptoms. Can help to treat narcolepsy, which is when people uncontrollably fall asleep.

Statistics about Alcohol and Marijuana Alcohol: 15,990 people died last year because of a number of alcoholic liver disease deaths ¾ of all adults drink alcohol and 6% are alcoholics 75% of all high school seniors report of being drunk at least once Marijuana: Over 94 million people have admitted to using it at least once People in the U.S. spent about $10.5 billion on the drug About 21% of 10th graders surveyed were current marijuana users

Interesting Facts About Depressants Depressants are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers. Marijuana can cause procrastination. Frequent Marijuana users become more dependent. One Marijuana joint has the same impact of 16 tobacco cigarettes. Marijuana smoke has 50-70% more chemicals that cause cancer than tobacco smoke.

Citation Page "Depressants." Drug Free. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec Cloe, Adam. "The Medical Uses of Depressants."Livestrong. N.p., 15 Mar Web. 16 Dec "Marijuana: The Basics." North Dakota State University. Web. 16 Dec