SOC 204 Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs
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This document summarizes information about sedative-hypnotic drugs from a chapter in a textbook. It defines sedative-hypnotic drugs as central nervous system depressants that produce relaxing to sleep-inducing effects. It describes the main types of sedative-hypnotic drugs and how they are classified based on potency and duration of effects. The document also discusses specific drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-barbiturate sedatives, and covers their medical uses, dangers, and effects.
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SOC 204 Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs
- 1. SOC 204 Drugs & Society Goldberg Chapter 9 Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs
- 2. Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs (depressants) • Drugs that slow activity in the central nervous system • Include prescription drugs o To treat anxiety: sedatives o To treat insomnia: hypnotics • Alcohol is the most widely used depressant • Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed depressants
- 3. The nonmedical use of controlled medications by adolescents is increasing. A. True B. False True False 12% 88%
- 4. Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs • Sedative-hypnotic drugs are central nervous system depressants that produce relaxing to sleep-inducing effects • Three main types of sedative-hypnotic drugs: o Barbiturates o Nonbarbiturate sedatives o Minor tranquilizers
- 5. Classification • Classified based on potency and the length of time they act: o Ultra-short-acting o Short-acting (less than 4 hours) o Intermediate-acting (4 to 6 hours) o Long-acting (more than 6 hours) • Drugs that take effect rapidly have a higher abuse potential than slow-acting drugs
- 6. People who enter treatment for benzodiazepine abuse are likely to be older than people who enter treatment for abuse of other illegal drugs. A. True B. False True False 33% 67%
- 7. Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs A. Increase energy B. Depress the CNS C. Are very quick-acting D. Have little potential for abuse IncreaseenergyDepressthe CNS Are very quick-acting Havelittle potentialfor... 0% 0%0% 100%
- 8. Effects of Barbiturates • Produce a depressed, mood-altering action on the central nervous system – act on GABA • Slow activity of the cardiovascular, muscular and respiratory systems • Can cause confusion, inadequate emotional control, slurred speech, poor judgment, and intoxication
- 9. Those who enter treatment for abuse of prescription drugs are better educated than people abusing other kinds of drugs. A. True B. False True False 29% 71%
- 10. Dangers • Tolerance • Lethal in combination with alcohol • Withdrawal severe, can be fatal
- 11. Medical Uses • Used primarily to treat o Anxiety o Insomnia o Convulsive disorders • Short-acting barbiturates continue to be used for anesthetic purposes
- 12. Medical uses for barbiturates do NOT include: A. Treating depression B. Reducing anxiety C. Controlling seizures D. Inducing sleep Treatingdepression Reducing anxietyControllingseizures Inducingsleep 89% 0% 11% 0%
- 13. Non-barbiturate Sedatives • Older drugs with similar actions to barbiturates • With the advent of safer drugs, rarely used now
- 14. Adolescent boys are more likely to give medications to their friends than adolescent girls. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 15. Benzodiazepines • 1960 introduced chordiazepoxide (Librium) • 1970s introduced diazepam (Valium) • Dependence and overdose can occur o Rarer than with barbiturates o More common in combination with alcohol • Wider margin of safety and fewer side effects than barbiturates • Used to treat anxiety
- 16. Hypnotics • Non-benzodiazepines (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata) o Short-term treatment of insomnia o Short half-life o Less dependency, less tolerance, less carry- over
- 17. Doctors are more likely to prescribe barbiturates for sleep now than they were 20 years ago. A. True B. False True False 94% 6%
- 18. In comparison to barbiturates, benzodiazepines A. Have more severe side effects B. Are not addictive C. Do not cause withdrawal symptoms D. Have a wider safety margin Havem oresevere sideef...Are notaddictive Do notcause w ithdraw al... Havea w idersafety m argin 17% 83% 0%0%
- 19. Do you know someone who has had their drink spiked with GHB or roofies? A. I think so B. I don’t think so Ithinkso Idon’tthinkso 50%50%
- 20. Do you know someone who has drugged someone else by spiking their drink? A. I think so B. I don’t think so Ithinkso Idon’tthinkso 83% 17%
- 21. Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid • Naturally occurring chemical found in brain and body • Similar to GABA • Causes CNS depression • Has been used as an anesthetic • Considered a date-rape drug o Along with Rohypnol and Ketamine • GHB is listed on Schedule I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPtcU_8yvR4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwtBEkFXBjQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2udrpuNxcmM
- 22. When it is used in conjunction with alcohol, the effects of Rohypnol can be fatal. A. True B. False True False 44% 56%
- 23. Inhalants • High-dose exposure causes intoxication • Examples: o Volatile solvents o Aerosols, propellants, gases o Anesthetics o Nitrites http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g99h4qaCio
- 24. Inhalants • Most abusers are very young • Abuse tends to occur as localized fads • Dangers: o Kidney damage o Brain damage o Peripheral nerve damage o Irritation of respiratory tract o Severe headache o Death by suffocation
- 25. The highest rate of inhalant use by youths occurs among Asians. A. True B. False True False 60% 40%
- 26. More people die from inhaling air fresheners than from inhaling gasoline. A. True B. False True False 63% 38%
- 27. Nitrous oxide has been used as an anesthetic by dentists. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
Editor's Notes
- Depressants = drugs that slow activity in the central nervous system Include prescription drugs that treat anxiety (sedatives) and insomnia (hypnotics) As a group, also called sedative-hypnotics Alcohol is the most widely used depressant Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed depressants Barbiturates Barbiturates are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They are not, however, prescribed as often due to the availability of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Barbiturates can be addictive and have strong withdrawal symptoms and rebound (exaggerated) effects on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when they are abruptly stopped and can interfere with sleep. It is advisable, therefore, to stop barbiturates by slowly lowering their dose over a period of more than five or six days. It also is important to use the correct dose of barbiturates since a relatively small overdose may lead to coma or death. The main differences among barbiturates are their half-lives (duration of their effects). Drugs such as secobarbital sodium and pentobarbital sodium are short-acting, while others such as amobarbital sodium and butabarbital sodium are intermediate-acting, and phenobarbital and mephobarbital are long-acting. Examples of barbiturates: Nembutal (phenobarbital) Mebaral (mephobarbital) Amytal Sodium (amobarbital sodium) Butisol (butabarbital sodium) Seconal Sodium Pulvules (secobarbital sodium)
- Doubled in the last 15 years
- Barbiturates Barbiturates are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They are not, however, prescribed as often due to the availability of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Barbiturates can be addictive and have strong withdrawal symptoms and rebound (exaggerated) effects on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when they are abruptly stopped and can interfere with sleep. It is advisable, therefore, to stop barbiturates by slowly lowering their dose over a period of more than five or six days. It also is important to use the correct dose of barbiturates since a relatively small overdose may lead to coma or death. The main differences among barbiturates are their half-lives (duration of their effects). Drugs such as secobarbital sodium and pentobarbital sodium are short-acting, while others such as amobarbital sodium and butabarbital sodium are intermediate-acting, and phenobarbital and mephobarbital are long-acting. Examples of barbiturates: Nembutal (phenobarbital) Mebaral (mephobarbital) Amytal Sodium (amobarbital sodium) Butisol (butabarbital sodium) Seconal Sodium Pulvules (secobarbital sodium)
- In 2011, 4.3% of high school seniors had used a sedative for nonmedical purposes within the previous 12 months Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys One misconception among adolescents is that these drugs provide a medically safe high
- 37 for benzo, 34 for other illegal drugs
- Can cause confusion, short attention span, impaired cognitive functioning, inadequate emotional control, slurred speech, poor judgment, hangovers, and intoxication Barbital Sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat anxiety and nervousness; the original barbiturate Veronal Brand name for barbital Phenobarbital Second barbiturate developed Produces relaxation and relieves anxiety HAZARDS Reduced attention span Impaired cognitive functioning Diminished hand-eye coordination Inadequate emotional control Nausea Vomiting Birth defects Confusion Poor judgment Slurred speech Vertigo Diarrhea Respiratory failure Violent behavior Combination of alcohol and barbiturates can lead to accidental or intentional death Withdrawal is life-threatening without medical supervision: marked by profuse sweating, insomnia, muscular twitching, paranoia, vomiting, aches and pains, cramps, quick temper, nightmares, hallucinations, and seizures
- HAZARDS Reduced attention span Impaired cognitive functioning Diminished hand-eye coordination Inadequate emotional control Nausea Vomiting Birth defects Confusion Poor judgment Slurred speech Vertigo Diarrhea Respiratory failure Violent behavior Combination of alcohol and barbiturates can lead to accidental or intentional death Withdrawal is life-threatening without medical supervision: marked by profuse sweating, insomnia, muscular twitching, paranoia, vomiting, aches and pains, cramps, quick temper, nightmares, hallucinations, and seizures
- The effectiveness of barbiturates as sleep agents is questionable, because they interfere with rapid eye movement (REM), and may result in rebound insomnia Anticonvulsants These drugs may be used to treat conditions that contribute towards sleep disruption such as restless legs syndrome, nocturnal eating syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and insomnia related tobipolar disorder. Examples of anticonvulsants: Tegretol (carbamazepine) Carbatrol (carbamazepine extended-release) Depakene (valproic acid) Depakote (divalproex sodium) Neurontin (gabapentin)
- Chloral hydrate (“knockout drops” or Mickey Finns) Induces sleep Works rapidly Margin between effective dose (ED) and lethal dose (LD) is slight Risk of hepatoxicity Produces gastric distress, vomiting, and flatulence Paraldehyde Effective and safe central nervous system depressant Used with severely disturbed mental patients Produces a terrible smell and taste Bromides Used to treat epileptic convulsions Build up in the body, cause depression, and can be highly toxic Meprobamate (Miltown and Equanil) Minor tranquilizer used for psychosomatic conditions Severe withdrawal and low margin of safety Minor tranquilizer Drug used primarily to relieve anxiety Anxiolytic Anxiety-reducing drugs Methaqualone (Quaalude) Relieves tension and anxiety without barbiturate-like aftereffects Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely severe, including mania, seizures, vomiting, convulsions, and death Induces dreamlike moods at low dosage levels Memory is affected Especially lethal in combination with alcohol
- In 2011, 4.3% of high school seniors had used a sedative for nonmedical purposes within the previous 12 months Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys One misconception among adolescents is that these drugs provide a medically safe high
- Nonbarbiturates Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines have a variety of uses, which include inducing sedation and sleep, relieving anxiety, agitation, and muscle spasms, and prevention of seizures. In general, they help in increasing total sleep time. With benzodiazepines, there may be issues of dependence, toxicity and abuse. Examples of benzodiazepines: Prosom (estazolam) Dalmane (flurazepam) Doral (quazepam) Restoril (temazepam) Halcion (triazolam) Valium (diazepam) Non-benzodiazepines This is a newer class of drugs that is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. They cause the onset of sleep to occur faster and allow for a longer period of sleep throughout the night. Non-benzodiazepines have a short half-life and have less chance of causing dependency, tolerance, and impairment of daytime activities due to carry-over effects. Examples of non-benzodiazepines: Imidazopyridines: Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo (zolpidem) (class of its own) Sonata (pyrazolopyrimidine) (class of its own) melatonin receptor stimulator: Rozerem (ramelteon) Notec (chloral hydrate) Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- 1960: Introduction of chlordiazepoxide (Librium), the first commercially marketed benzodiazepine Reduces anxiety without inducing sleep Much larger safety margin than barbiturates Physical dependence rare Overdose rare and usually only when combined with other depressants like alcohol 1970s: Diazepam (Valium), a lower-dose benzodiazepine, became for a time the best seller among all prescription drugs Benzodiazepines Dependence and overdose can occur; dosage and time course are critical factors Overdose deaths more likely for drugs sold in higher doses Psychological dependence more likely with drugs that have a rapid onset of effects Physical dependence more likely with drugs that have a short duration of action More differences among the barbiturates and among the benzodiazepines than there are between these two classes of drugs? Rhohypnol A 1990s’ version of a “Mickey Finn” Produces profound intoxication when mixed with alcohol Reports surfaced of the drug being slipped into drinks and used as a “date-rape” drug Changes in laws and in the formulation of the pills should reduce its abuse
- Naturally-occurring chemical found in the brain and body Structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA Causes CNS depression, especially when combined with alcohol Has been used as an anesthetic Behavioral effects similar to alcohol Lack of coordination and slurred speech Considered a date-rape drug Except for a specific formulation used to treat cataplexy, GHB is listed on Schedule I
- Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Neurotransmitter that produces relaxation and sleepiness Used in opiate detoxification Potentially deadly; shuts down the respiratory system When mixed with alcohol, the person may lose memory and consciousness Other effects are vomiting, nausea, seizures, hallucinations, coma, and respiratory distress Rohypnol A depressant 5-10 times more powerful than Valium Dangerous in combination with alcohol Can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, blackouts, addiction, complete memory loss, and death Takes effect 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion, and lasts for 2 to 10 hours Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
- Inhalants serve as gateway drugs Twice as many 8th-grade students use inhalants as 12th-grade students Strong relationship between inhalant use and other problem behaviors and sensation-seeking Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/inhalants/international-statistics.html 22% first time users Long-term effects: nosebleeds, liver and kidney damage, sores, weight loss, depression, irritability, disorientation, paranoia, hostility, and bone marrow abnormalities
- Inhalants serve as gateway drugs Twice as many 8th-grade students use inhalants as 12th-grade students Strong relationship between inhalant use and other problem behaviors and sensation-seeking Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/inhalants/international-statistics.html 22% first time users Long-term effects: nosebleeds, liver and kidney damage, sores, weight loss, depression, irritability, disorientation, paranoia, hostility, and bone marrow abnormalities Volatile solvents and other compounds used for intoxicating purposes Have depressant effects similar to sedative-hypnotics High-dose exposure causes intoxication, with effects similar to alcohol Products that can be abused by inhalation include gasoline, glue, paint, lighter fluid, spray cans, nail polish, correction fluid Volatile solvents (petroleum, acetone, toluene) Paint, paint thinner and remover, nail polish remover, correction fluid, glues, cements Overly informative news articles and education programs actually demonstrated how to abuse volatile solvents Abuse tends to occur as localized fads Most abusers are very young—solvents are readily available and inexpensive Aerosols, propellants, gases (butane, propane) Spray paint, hair spray, lighters, whipped cream Anesthetics (nitrous oxide, ether) Current and former medical anesthetics Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) was first used in the early 1800s Still used for light anesthesia, especially by dentists Used as a propellant for commercial and home whipping-cream dispensers Nitrites (isoamyl, isobutyl) “Locker room,” “Rush,” “poppers” Relaxes blood vessels which increases blood flow, but also lowers blood pressure. Used as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. With high doses there maybe lightheadedness or faintness Consumer Product Safety Commission has taken steps to remove poppers and other nitrites from the market since 1988 Glue (volatile hydrocarbon solvents) Psychoactive agent is toluene Possible immediate cardiorespiratory arrest Brain damage and memory loss Anesthetic inhalants Ether used as industrial solvent and anesthetic Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) Can cause irreparable brain damage or death due to decreased oxygen (hypoxia) Nitrite inhalants Inhaled for sexual purposes Amyl nitrite: used to treat angina pectoris and congestive heart failure Butyl nitrite: found in perfume and antifreeze Isobutyl: used to treat angina pain; causes vasodilation, flushing, and warmth Suppresses the immune system
- Glue (volatile hydrocarbon solvents) Psychoactive agent is toluene Possible immediate cardiorespiratory arrest Brain damage and memory loss Anesthetic inhalants Ether used as industrial solvent and anesthetic Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) Can cause irreparable brain damage or death due to decreased oxygen (hypoxia) Nitrite inhalants Inhaled for sexual purposes Amyl nitrite: used to treat angina pectoris and congestive heart failure Butyl nitrite: found in perfume and antifreeze Isobutyl: used to treat angina pain; causes vasodilation, flushing, and warmth Suppresses the immune system
- Inhalants serve as gateway drugs Twice as many 8th-grade students use inhalants as 12th-grade students Strong relationship between inhalant use and other problem behaviors and sensation-seeking Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/inhalants/international-statistics.html 22% first time users Long-term effects: nosebleeds, liver and kidney damage, sores, weight loss, depression, irritability, disorientation, paranoia, hostility, and bone marrow abnormalities Kidney damage Brain damage Peripheral nerve damage Irritation of the respiratory tract Severe headache Death by suffocation
- White, Hispanic, Asian, black
- Use has declined in recent years
- Chloral hydrate (“knockout drops,” “Mickey Finn”) Synthesized in 1832; used clinically in 1870 Induces sleep in less than an hour Abuse leads to gastric irritation Paraldehyde Synthesized in 1829; used clinically in 1882 Effective with a wide safety margin Noxious taste and odor Bromides Widely used as a sleep agent in patent medicines; appeared in OTC drugs through the 1960s Can accumulate in the body and cause toxic effects
- Discovery/introduction 1903: Barbital (Veronal) became the first barbiturate to be used clinically Other popular barbiturates include phenobarbital, amobarbital and secobarbital Grouped on the basis of the time of onset and duration of activity Low-dose, long-acting forms used for daytime relief of anxiety Higher-dose, shorter-acting forms used to induce sleep Short-acting (pentobarbital, secobarbital) Time of onset: 15 minutes Duration of action: 2 to 3 hours Intermediate-acting (amobarbital, butabarbital) Time of onset: 30 minutes Duration of action: 5 to 6 hours Long-acting (mephobarbital, phenobarbital) Time of onset: 1 hour Duration of action: 8 hours or longer Barbiturates Barbiturates are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They are not, however, prescribed as often due to the availability of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Barbiturates can be addictive and have strong withdrawal symptoms and rebound (exaggerated) effects on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when they are abruptly stopped and can interfere with sleep. It is advisable, therefore, to stop barbiturates by slowly lowering their dose over a period of more than five or six days. It also is important to use the correct dose of barbiturates since a relatively small overdose may lead to coma or death. The main differences among barbiturates are their half-lives (duration of their effects). Drugs such as secobarbital sodium and pentobarbital sodium are short-acting, while others such as amobarbital sodium and butabarbital sodium are intermediate-acting, and phenobarbital and mephobarbital are long-acting. Examples of barbiturates: Nembutal (phenobarbital) Mebaral (mephobarbital) Amytal Sodium (amobarbital sodium) Butisol (butabarbital sodium) Seconal Sodium Pulvules (secobarbital sodium) Classified based on potency and the length of time they act: Ultra-short-acting Short-acting (less than 4 hours) Intermediate-acting (4 to 6 hours) Long-acting (more than 6 hours) Drugs that take effect rapidly have a higher abuse potential than slow-acting drugs
- Sodium Pentathol Ultra-short acting barbiturate Administered intravenously Used as an anesthetic for brief surgical procedures Moves very rapidly into the brain Also used to make people relaxed and talkative (truth serum) Thiopental is currently the first of the three drugs administered for the death penalty Meprobamate The first modern antianxiety agent (anxiolytic) Widely prescribed beginning in the 1950s Like barbiturates, can produce psychological and physical dependence Still available as a prescription drug, although largely replaced by benzodiazepines Methaqualone 1965: Despite problems in other countries, methaqualone (Quaalude, Sopor) was introduced in the United States No initial monitoring- Package insert read “Addiction potential not established” Overprescribed; quickly became widely misused and abused 1973: Put on Schedule II 1985: Put on Schedule I Can cause confusion, short attention span, impaired cognitive functioning, inadequate emotional control, slurred speech, poor judgment, hangovers, and intoxication Barbital Sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat anxiety and nervousness; the original barbiturate Veronal Brand name for barbital Phenobarbital Second barbiturate developed Produces relaxation and relieves anxiety HAZARDS Reduced attention span Impaired cognitive functioning Diminished hand-eye coordination Inadequate emotional control Nausea Vomiting Birth defects Confusion Poor judgment Slurred speech Vertigo Diarrhea Respiratory failure Violent behavior Combination of alcohol and barbiturates can lead to accidental or intentional death Withdrawal is life-threatening without medical supervision: marked by profuse sweating, insomnia, muscular twitching, paranoia, vomiting, aches and pains, cramps, quick temper, nightmares, hallucinations, and seizures
- Benzodiazepines and barbiturates Bond with brain receptors Enhance the normally inhibitory effects of GABA Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics Selectively target the GABA-A receptor Seem to work better as sleeping pills than as antianxiety drugs Include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- Anxiolytics (anxiety-reducers) Sedatives often prescribed to reduce anxiety Four benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) are among the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States Concerns about use of sedatives as anxiolytics: Some anxiety disorders respond to anxiolytics while others seem to be treated more effectively by antidepressants or behavior therapy Patients may take the drugs for long period Anxiolytics may be overprescribed Is a person taking the drug to treat a disorder or to feel better in a general way? As sleeping pills Taking a large enough dose of a hypnotic drug helps a person get to sleep more quickly Insomnia is a common complaint, although people sometimes overestimate its severity Today, fewer hypnotics are prescribed than in the past, and they are usually taken for only a few nights at a time Concerns about use as sleeping agents Hypnotics may induce tolerance, dependence, rebound insomnia, and “hangover” effects After 1976, benzodiazepines displaced barbiturates in the sleeping-pill market Safety issues raised that Halcion produces adverse psychiatric reactions in some patients Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics Zolpidem (Ambien) binds selectively to GABA-A receptors Rapid onset and short duration of action Concern about people driving while still under the influence (from not allowing 8 hours of sleep after taking drug) Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Approved for long-term use Falling asleep w/o pills Have a regular sleep schedule When you go to bed, turn out the lights and relax Exercise regularly but not late in the evening Prepare a comfortable sleep environment in terms of temperature and noise Eat a light snack before bed Avoid tobacco use If you don’t fall asleep within 30 minutes, get up and do something relaxing before trying to fall asleep again Do not nap during the day Avoid chronic use of sleeping pills As anticonvulsants Barbiturates and benzodiazepines, in low doses or combined with other anticonvulsants, may be prescribed for seizure disorders (epilepsies) Potential problems Tolerance can make it difficult to find a dose that is effective but doesn’t cause excessive drowsiness Abrupt withdrawal is likely to cause seizures Dependence Psychological dependence—especially associated with short-acting barbiturates Physical dependence—potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome linked to large doses of sedative-hypnotics Barbiturate withdrawal: anxiety, insomnia, tremulousness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, seizures, disorientation, agitation, delusions, and visual and auditory hallucinations Benzodiazepine withdrawal is less severe: anxiety, irritability, or insomnia Cross-dependence occurs among the barbiturates, the benzodiazepines, and alcohol Toxicity Behavioral Alcohol-like intoxication with impaired judgment and coordination Increased risk of injury while driving or engaging in other activities Additive effects if combined with alcohol Physiological Respiratory depression Especially dangerous if combined with alcohol Patterns of abuse Most abuse associated with oral use of legally manufactured products Two types of typical abusers Older adults using prescription drug who develop tolerance and increase their dosage Younger people who obtain drugs to get high; may take high doses and/or mix with alcohol HAZARDS Reduced attention span Impaired cognitive functioning Diminished hand-eye coordination Inadequate emotional control Nausea Vomiting Birth defects Confusion Poor judgment Slurred speech Vertigo Diarrhea Respiratory failure Violent behavior Combination of alcohol and barbiturates can lead to accidental or intentional death Withdrawal is life-threatening without medical supervision: marked by profuse sweating, insomnia, muscular twitching, paranoia, vomiting, aches and pains, cramps, quick temper, nightmares, hallucinations, and seizures