Barbiturates and Other Depressants

📖 The Scoop

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that induce sleep or sedate users and may create a "hypnotic" feeling. They are used as anesthetics or to treat epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, or severe headaches. Benzodiazepines, another type of central nervous system depressant, are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are highly addictive and are sometimes illegally abused. When used improperly, they can cause death. Barbiturates and Other Depressants provides important information on the nature and chemistry of these drugs, their effects on the body, and treatments for addiction. Drugs are part of everyday life. They can be found on the street, in school, and at home, and although many drugs are beneficial when used properly, the potential for abuse and misuse is great. Understanding Drugs provides a fact-based look at the most common legal and illegal drugs available today, explains how they work, and identifies the risks and benefits of using them. Whether dealing with drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, or therapeutic drugs, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and prescription pain relievers, the best route to staying safe and healthy is to be informed. Book jacket.

Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction / Health & Daily Living / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse (fancy, right?)