Depressants, such as tranquillisers and barbiturates, calm nerves and relax muscles. Many are legally available by prescription (such as Valium and Xanax) and are bright-coloured capsules or tablets.

Street Names: downers, goof balls, barbs, ludes

How They're Used: Depressants are swallowed.

Effects & Dangers

• when used as prescribed by a doctor and taken at the correct dosage, depressants can help people feel calm and reduce angry feelings.

• Larger doses can cause confusion, slurred speech, lack of concentration, and tremors.

• Very large doses can cause a person to stop breathing and result in death.

Addictiveness: Depressants can cause both psychological and physical dependence.

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