Depressant Addiction

• Alcohol is the most common CNS depressant drug. All alcoholic drinks are depressants, including beer, wine, rum, whiskey, and vodka. Alcohol’s immediate effects include poor judgment, slower reaction times, and memory problems. Over time, drinking can make mental health worse and cause health problems like liver damage. We treat alcohol addiction with medication assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and social services. 
• Barbiturates are often referred to as sleeping pills. Common brand names include Amytal, Seconal, Pentothal, and Nembutal. Barbiturates can be highly addictive and seriously affect brain functioning. Misuse can make it difficult to breathe or swallow, with potentially fatal consequences. Barbiturate addiction is treated through a structured program. Your plan might include group therapy, individual counseling, and social services. 
• Benzodiazepines, or benzos, were created as a safer alternative to barbiturates. However, they are still addictive, with similar negative effects on the brain. Name brands include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, Klonopin, and Restoril. A benzo addiction won't simply go away without treatment. With individual therapy, group counseling, and comprehensive support, it is possible to heal. 
• Other depressants include Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata. These insomnia drugs are similar to benzos but have a different chemical structure. Additional CNS depressants include meprobamate, methaqualone (Quaalude), and the illegal drug GHB.  

Depressants can cause slurred speech, sluggishness, and impaired decision-making. All CNS depressant drugs can be addictive and may lead to a substance use disorder (SUD). It’s important to seek treatment for depressant misuse as soon as possible. 

Depressants are sometimes confused with hallucinogens, but they are distinct classes of drugs. Hallucinogens fall into two broad categories: classic (like LSD) and dissociative (like PCP). 

Hallucinogens create an altered awareness of reality, including visual and auditory hallucinations. They can also bring on emotional mood swings. They can lead to addiction, but are generally less addictive than depressants, opioids, and stimulants. Addiction to hallucinogens should be treated. A comprehensive program using counseling, social support, and medication is effective for most. 

Misusing CNS depressant drugs is always a health risk, including the risk of overdose. Depressants also slow reaction time, making common activities like driving much more dangerous. Combining multiple depressants greatly increases these risks. This is because most CNS depressants work similarly, so their effects are compounded.  

Many people don't realize that alcohol is a depressant. Most barbiturate overdoses include alcohol use. Mixing other depressants has similar effects. 

Warning signs of a problem with depressants may include: 

• Chronic fatigue 
• Withdrawal symptoms between uses 
• Depression or apathy 
• Unexplained absences from work and other activities 

CNS depressants cause tolerance over time, meaning users need more of the drug to get the same effect. This makes it easier to overdose. Depressants can also take control of a person's life. Substance use may become more important than work, sleep, or hobbies.  

If you think you or a loved one is struggling with a depressant addiction, right now is the best time to get help. At BrightView Health, most patients begin treatment within 24 hours of contacting us. Our treatment programs specialize in local comprehensive addiction treatment. We have locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Our flexible, whole-person, evidence-based care is a better approach to addiction treatment. 

Facing depressant addiction isn’t easy, but you can do it with the right support. The first step is knowing what to expect. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and by the type of depressant used, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or sleep medications. 

Quitting depressants suddenly can lead to more severe symptoms. Because of this, withdrawal is often managed by tapering under medical supervision. During this process, patients may still experience symptoms such as: 

• Anxiety 
• Sweating 
• Headache 
• Nausea 
• Seizures 
• Trouble sleeping 

While these symptoms are not always life-threatening, medical supervision is strongly recommended for all types of depressant withdrawal to keep the process as safe and comfortable as possible. 

BrightView works to remove the stigma of depressant addiction treatment. We have locations across Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. We take walk-ins on weekdays and are happy to answer any questions you have. You deserve to take your life back, and we’re here to help you do that.  

Our approach addresses every aspect of recovery. Individualized plans combine medication assisted treatment with counseling, group therapy, and case management.  

Depressant addiction is a chronic condition. People in recovery often need aftercare services or continuing care to stay on the right track. What this looks like depends on your needs. 

BrightView recommends joining peer support groups. Peer groups provide a safe space where those in recovery can draw strength from each other. You may also want to continue one-on-one counseling. As life happens, you will likely need new coping mechanisms to address new challenges. 

Regularly scheduled check-ins are often recommended during aftercare. Telehealth options give you easy access to your BrightView support team from anywhere.   

Should you return to drug use, BrightView will welcome you back without judgment. Battling addiction is hard, and BrightView is here to help you find hope and keep fighting.