Human Behavior Depressants Alcohol Barbiturates and The Opiates

Human Behavior Depressants: Alcohol, Barbiturates, and The Opiates

Depressants Chemicals that slow down behavior or cognitive processes Generally = alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates have depressant effects People use to reduce tension or forget troubles or many other reasons

Alcohol Depressant that is the intoxicating ingredient in whiskey, beer, wine and other fermented or distilled liquors. Problems: 30% of high school seniors say they get drunk Also trouble for middle-school students Devastating long term effects

Alcohol Continued 14 million Americans have a drinking problem (7% of population) Highest between 18 -29 Can harm every organ with chronic use Sexual dysfunction and infertility can result in overuse Second only to AIDS in death among young people

Alcohol Continued Alcohol is implicated in: 2/3 of all fatal car accidents 2/3 of all murders 2/3 of all spouse beatings Over 1/2 of violent child abuse 40% of heavy drinkers die before 65 High blood alcohol levels can effect involuntary functions Pg. 146 Chart

Women and Alcohol Women are especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol Women tend to weigh less = stronger effects Women’s brains may be more vulnerable to damage Almost a 2 to 1 ratio versus men

Binge Drinking on College Campuses 1/2 of college students between 18 -20 engage in “binge drinking” 5 or more drinks in a row for men 4 for women Campus environment plays a role (1% to 70% in different locations) Mostly getting drunk is the goal

Binge Drinking Problems Higher rates of: Missed classes Falling behind in school work Violence Vandalism Unprotected sex Injured

Barbiturates “Downers” Potentially deadly depressants, first used for their sedative and anticonvulsant properties, now used only to treat things like epilepsy and arthritis

Barbiturates Continued Similar to the effects of alcohol Can cause: Silliness, poor motor coordination, slurred speech, aggression During Pregnancy: Birth defects

Opiates Drugs, such as opium and heroin, from opium poppy, that dull the senses and causes euphoria and relaxation. Often synthetic drugs resemble them Like heroin Leads to death, increased chance of HIV/AIDS Withdrawal symptoms