What Is a Depressant?
Depressants are substances that reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity, slowing down the body and mind. When taken as a prescription medication, depressant drugs can help treat things like anxiety and sleep disorders. However, when someone takes too much medication or drinks too much alcohol, they can become physically dependent. Our Agoura Hills (Los Angeles area) treatment center can help these individuals recover.
Commonly Abused CNS Depressants
There are several types of depressants that are commonly abused, many of which are prescription medication meant to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and seizure disorders.
These include:
- Barbiturates: Older medications like Pentothal, Nembutal, and phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines (or “Benzos”): Newer anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, which have largely replaced barbiturates
- Sedative-hypnotics: Sleeping pills for short-term insomnia treatment, such as Ambien and Lunesta
- Opioids: A type of painkiller that includes prescription drugs like Fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, as well as illicit street drugs like heroin
- Alcohol: Technically known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, this includes all kinds of drinking alcohol
The Damaging Effects of Depressants
For many, depressants start out as a medication or a self-soothing method. Even if they have a genuine prescription for benzodiazepines or other medications, it can be tempting to take an extra pill or drink a little extra alcohol on a “bad day.” As this continues, it interrupts natural brain chemistry and creates a physical dependency.
Abusing central nervous system depressants can be devastating. In the short term, being drunk or high can lead to unnecessary risks and dangerous, impulsive decisions. Long-term depressant abuse can cause irreversible, life-threatening organ damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver. It can also cause relationships and careers to deteriorate.
The risks of overdose and death from depressants are high. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous and can get worse as tolerance builds. An excessive dose of depressants, especially in someone whose organs have already been damaged by years of drug and alcohol use, can easily be fatal.
Recognizing Addiction to CNS Depressant Drugs
Potential signs and symptoms of depressant substance use may include:
- Appearing very relaxed or sedated
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
- Slurred speech
- Slow, clumsy movement
- Lowered inhibitions and riskier behaviors
- Confusion and memory problems
- Seeing multiple doctors for barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids, etc.
- Drinking more than usual
- Problems in relationships and workplaces
- New or worsening health disorders
Our Comprehensive Approach to Depressant Addiction Treatment
At our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA, we provide individualized addiction treatment services with a focus on long-term success. We also take a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person’s life and health, treating not just the substance abuse, but the whole person.
Our Los Angeles area outpatient and inpatient residential treatment programs use a variety of evidence-based addiction treatment techniques, including:
- Medical detox: A medically monitored detoxification period, during which staff help manage withdrawals safely through tapering and medications (when appropriate)
- Group and individual therapy sessions: Professionally led behavioral therapy sessions, using tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational enhancement and more
- Life skills training: Learning life skills and coping methods for their new sober life
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Help for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, without the benzodiazepines or other medications that may have started the addiction
- Aftercare: Post-treatment support through ongoing meetings and other relapse prevention resources
Why Choose Del Arroyo Recovery Center for Addiction Treatment in California?
At our substance abuse treatment center in Agoura Hills, Southern California, our experienced, addiction specialists create a comfortable, judgment-free environment for recovery and growth. We use personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to ensure real, lasting change. Our focus on long-term recovery also extends beyond rehab, with active support groups and a strong alumni network.
Get Professional Depressant Addiction Treatment in California
Alcohol abuse and addiction to prescription CNS depressants can derail your life and destroy your health. Whether you’re addicted to benzodiazepines (“benzos”), barbiturates, opioids, sleeping pills, or alcohol, there is hope for change.
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, we can help you break free from the cycle and heal the roots of your addiction to central nervous system depressants. Contact us today to take the first step toward freedom from depressant drugs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-area individualized addiction treatment programs and explore your options.