Drugs – Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Narcotics By Kyle Padgett

Need to Know Sedative - is a substance that depresses the central nervous system, resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, and slowed breathing, and possibly - at higher doses - slurred speech, staggering gait, poor judgment, and slow, uncertain reflexes. Hypnotic - (also called soporific) drugs are a class of psychoactives whose primary function is to induce sleep and to be used in the treatment of insomnia and in surgical anesthesia.

Need to Know Narcotics - is often used to refer to any illegal drug. That could include anything from prescription pills to cocaine. Narcotics also refer to drugs that are derived from opium which originates from the opium poppy plant, and is related to heroin, morphine, and other drugs common to opiate addiction.

Nice to Know Sedatives - can be abused to produce an overly- calming effect (alcohol being the classic and most common sedating drug). At high doses or when they are abused, many of these drugs can cause unconsciousness and even death. Some sedatives can cause physiological and psychological dependence when taken regularly over a period of time, even at therapeutic doses. Dependent users may get withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness and insomnia to convulsions and death.

Nice to Know Hypnotics - hypnotic medications also have a number of side effects such as daytime fatigue, motor vehicle crashes, cognitive impairments, and falls and fractures. Narcotics – narcotic use is associated with a variety of unwanted effects including drowsiness, inability to concentrate, apathy, lessened physical activity, constriction of the pupils, dilation of the subcutaneous blood vessels causing flushing of the face and neck, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and most significantly, respiratory depression.

Necessary Skills Having the ability to say NO! Stay away from the wrong crowds! Carry yourself at a higher standard (live above the influence)

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