Drugs and Addictive Substances

What Kind of Drug Is It?

Barbiturates (pronounced bar-BIH-chuh-rits) are drugs that act as depressantsSubstances that slow down the activity of an organism or one of its parts. and are used as sedativesA drug used to treat anxiety and calm people down. or sleeping pills. Because they are depressants, they are often called "downers." According to Lawrence Clayton in Barbiturates and Other Depressants, "Any depressant will kill if taken in a large enough quantity." Accidental overdose can occur quite easily among barbiturate users.

The effects of barbiturates are very similar to those of alcohol and include increased feelings of relaxation, sleepiness, and a decrease in inhibitionsInner thoughts that keep people from engaging in certain activities.. Barbiturates are habit-forming drugs and should not be used on an everyday basis. They can cause depression in high doses and addiction when taken over a long period of time.