DEPRESSANTS
THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DEPRESSANTS INCLUDING:
Alcohol (See Alcohol Learning Center.)
Inhalants
Tranquilizers
Barbiturates
Opiates (also called Narcotics)
Over-the-counter cough medicines
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF SOMEONE IS ABUSING DEPRESSANTS?
Most people don't carry a sign telling you they are abusing depressants, but there are some signs you can look for:
ALCOHOL
Slurred speech Slurred speech
Alcohol odor on breath Drowsiness
Lack of coordination Confusion
INHALANTS Lack of coordination
Runny nose
Chemical odor on breath
Confusion
Dizziness
Hallucinations
Skin irritation around nose and mouth
TRANQUILIZERS
Drowsiness
Confusion
Mood swings
Lethargy (exhaustion, having no energy)
OPIATES
Nausea
Reduced Hunger, thirst & pain
Slurred speech
Needle marks on arms
Lethargy
OVER-THE-COUNTER COUGH MEDICINES
Over-the-counter cough medicines contain dextromethorphan (known as "dm" or "dxm"), a cough suppressant. At high doses this can cause:
Lack of coordination
Confusion
Mood swings
Drowsiness
Hallucinations
Delusions
Like all depressants, dextromethorphan, can cause fatal overdose.
REMEMBER
These are only guidelines. ANY change in behavior is worth checking out!!