Author Question: Compare and contrast benzodiazepines and the barbiturates. Discuss medical uses for these substances ... (Read 80 times)

clmills979

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 551
Compare and contrast benzodiazepines and the barbiturates. Discuss medical uses for these substances and the potential for abuse and/or addiction.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Define psychoactive substance and give examples of the different categories of psychoactive drugs. Discuss whether these drugs are psychologically or physiologically addictive.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



mrphibs

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 307
Answer to Question 1

Benzodiazepines are drugs used to reduce anxiety, including Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, and Halcyon. These drugs impact the GABA system, and their use can result in tolerance and dependence. In recent years, Rohypnol has become known as the date rape drug.. Barbiturates include Amytal, Seconal, and Nembutal and are prescribed to help people sleep. They affect the GABA system and can be addictive. These drugs relax the muscles and produce mild well-being, but can also impact speech, concentration, and walking. Overdoses can result in suffocation.

Answer to Question 2

Psychoactive substances alter mood, behavior, or both.
Depressants result in behavioral sedation and can induce relaxation. They include alcohol (ethyl alcohol) and the sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs in the families of barbiturates (for example, Seconal) and benzodiazepines (for example, Valium, Xanax). Depressants are physiologically addictive.
Stimulants cause us to be more active and alert and can elevate mood. Included in this group are amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine. Stimulants can be physiologically and psychologically addictive.
Opiates produce analgesia temporarily (reduce pain) and euphoria. Heroin, opium, codeine, and morphine are included in this group. Opiates are physiologically and psychologically addictive.
Hallucinogens alter sensory perception and can produce delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations. Marijuana and LSD are included in this category. Hallucinogens are not physiologically addictive but are psychologically addictive.
Other substances that are abused but do not fit neatly into one of the categories here include inhalants (for example, airplane glue), anabolic steroids, and other over-the-counter and prescription medications (for example, nitrous oxide). These substances produce a variety of psychoactive effects that are characteristic of the substances described in the previous categories.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

People about to have surgery must tell their health care providers about all supplements they take.

Did you know?

Asthma attacks and symptoms usually get started by specific triggers (such as viruses, allergies, gases, and air particles). You should talk to your doctor about these triggers and find ways to avoid or get rid of them.

Did you know?

In 1886, William Bates reported on the discovery of a substance produced by the adrenal gland that turned out to be epinephrine (adrenaline). In 1904, this drug was first artificially synthesized by Friedrich Stolz.

Did you know?

Drug-induced pharmacodynamic effects manifested in older adults include drug-induced renal toxicity, which can be a major factor when these adults are experiencing other kidney problems.

Did you know?

Interferon was scarce and expensive until 1980, when the interferon gene was inserted into bacteria using recombinant DNA technology, allowing for mass cultivation and purification from bacterial cultures.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library