Depressants

Effects of depressants

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Depressants affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (this varies from batch to batch with illegally produced drugs).

The onset and effects of depressants vary according to the type and specific chemical.

Some depressants may work instantly, with effects only lasting for a short time (such as inhalants). While for other depressants, it may take longer for the effects to start and may be slower to wear off.

In general, when small to low doses of depressants are taken, the following effects may be experienced:

• reduced inhibitions
• enhanced mood
• reduced anxiety and stress
• slowed reaction time
• impaired judgement
• slowed breathing
• increased risk of accident or injury.¹

Higher doses can result in:

• impaired judgement and coordination
• vomiting
• irregular or shallow breathing
• blackouts and memory loss
• unconsciousness
• coma
• death.¹

Overdose

If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose.

Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you have any of the following symptoms:

• vomiting
• awake but not responsive
• limp body
• pale or clammy face
• blue fingernails or lips
• slow breathing or not breathing at all
• slow heartbeat
• choking or gurgling sounds
• unconsciousness.¹

Mixing depressants with other drugs

The effects of taking depressants with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications – can be unpredictable and dangerous.

• Alcohol + benzodiazepines: decreased heart rate and breathing; overdose more likely.³
• Benzodiazepines + opiates (such as heroin): breathing difficulties; an increased risk of overdose and death.³

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.⁴

Health and Safety

Use of depressants is likely to be more dangerous when:

• combined with alcohol or other drugs, particularly
• driving or operating heavy machinery
• judgement or motor coordination is required
• a person is alone (in case medical assistance is required).

Use of any drug always carries some risk, however, if you choose to take it, always try a small test amount first.⁴ For example, the chemical composition of GHB/GBL is highly variable. It’s very easy to take too much GHB - the difference between the amount needed to get high and the amount that causes an overdose can be hard to judge.

If drinking alcohol, stay hydrated and have something to eat before and while drinking.

Tolerance and dependence

People who use depressants regularly, can develop a dependence and tolerance to them. Tolerance means they need to take larger amounts of depressants to get the same effect.

People who are psychologically dependent may feel an urge to use them when in specific surroundings or socialising with friends. With physical dependence, a person’s body adapts to the depressants and gets used to functioning with them.

People who depend on depressants may find that using the drug becomes more important than other activities in their life. Cravings can make it difficult to stop using depressants.

Reducing harm

Use of depressants is likely to be more dangerous when:

• combined with alcohol or other drugs, particularly
• driving or operating heavy machinery
• judgement or motor coordination is required
• a person is alone (in case medical assistance is required).

Use of any drug always carries some risk. But, if you choose to take it, always try a small test amount first.⁴ For example, the chemical composition of GHB/GBL is highly variable. It’s very easy to take too much GHB - the difference between the amount needed to get ‘high’ and the amount that causes an overdose can be hard to judge.

If drinking alcohol, stay hydrated and have something to eat before and while drinking.

Withdrawal

Giving up depressants after using them for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without them.

The severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the type of depressant, but generally withdrawal symptoms should settle down in about 5-7 days.

Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, but generally the withdrawal from depressants may include:

• cold or flu-like symptoms
• headache
• sweating
• aches and pains
• difficulty sleeping
• nausea
• mood swings⁷

Getting help

If your use of depressants is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

Help and Support Services search

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au