Depressants : Often referred to as central nervous system ( brain and spinal cord ) depressants , these drugs slow brain function . They include sedatives ( used to make a person calm and drowsy ) and tranquilizers ( intended to reduce tension or anxiety ). Some drugs in this category ( Zyprexa , Seroquel , and Haldol ) are known as “ antipsychotics ;” some drugs ( Xanax , Klonopin , Halcion , and Librium ) are referred to as benzodiazepines (“ benzos ”); and some drugs ( Amytal , Nembutal , and Seconal ) are classed as barbiturates ( sleeping pills ).
Short-term effects include : Slow brain function , lowered blood pressure , confusion , dizziness , fever , visual disturbances , disorientation , lack of coordination , difficult or inability to urinate , slowed pulse and breathing , poor concentration , fatigue , slurred speech , sluggishness , dilated pupils , depression , and addiction . Higher doses can cause impairment of memory , judgment , and coordination , irritability , paranoia , and suicidal thoughts . In addition , some people can experience the opposite of the intended effect , such as agitation or aggression .
Long-term effects include : Rapid development of tolerance , depression , chronic fatigue , breathing difficulties , sexual problems , sleep problems , and increases the risks of high blood sugar , diabetes , weight gain , and withdrawal systems such as insomnia , weakness , and nausea if use is reduced or stopped . As a dependency on the drug increases , cravings , anxiety , or panic are common if the user is unable to get more .
Opioids and morphine derivatives : Generally referred to as painkillers , these drugs contain opium or opium-life substances and are used to relieve pain . Some well-known brand names are OxyContin , Demerol , Tylenol with Codeine , and Dilaudid .
Short-term effects include : Drowsiness , slowed breathing , constipation , unconsciousness , nausea , and coma .
Long-term effects include : Dependence , addiction , tolerance , and withdrawal system such as restlessness , muscle and bone pain , insomnia , diarrhea , vomiting , and cold flashes if use is reduced or stopped .
Stimulants : A class of drugs intended to increase energy and alertness but which also increases blood pressure , heart rate , and breathing . Some well-known brand names are Ritalin , Concerta , Biphetamine , and Dexedrine .
Short-term effects include : Exhaustion , apathy , and depression . It is the immediate and lasting exhaustion that quickly leads the stimulant user to want the drug again and soon they are not trying to get “ high but rather trying to get “ well ” – to feel any energy at all .
Long-term effects include : Addiction , hostility , paranoia , high body temperatures , and irregular heartbeat .
Antidepressants : Psychiatric drugs that are supposed to manage depression . Some well-known brand names are Prozac , Paxil , Celexa , Zoloft , Effexor , and Remeron .
Short-term and long-term effects : Insomnia , irritability , nervousness and anxiety , violent thoughts and actions , agitation , suicidal thoughts or suicide , tremors , hostility , sweating , irregular heartbeat , aggression , criminal behavior , confusion and incoherent thoughts , paranoia , hallucinations , psychosis , akathisia .
At Gwynedd Mercy University , our alcohol and other drug services program is based on a model of care focused on prevention , early intervention and education . We offer a holistic approach to health and well-being that is grounded in current research with evidencedbased health and mental health interventions . Incorporating R . A . I . S . E ( Reducing Alcohol Incidents through Student Education ) into our program supports our efforts to foster a healthy social and residential environment through education and programs . Additionally , R . A . I . S . E . seeks to correct the misperceptions of alcohol use on college campuses , mainly through a frequent social norms campaign .
Our AOD / R . A . I . S . E . Counselor provides a range of services for the University community that includes : social norming information , outreach , assessment , education and referrals to community providers . The services provided are conducted on a voluntary basis or may be required as part of the judicial process . All university services are offered at no additional charge to students . However , you may incur a cost if evaluations and / or treatment are required to be received by a community-based provider .
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