414
Another class of commonly used depressant drugs is the barbiturate compounds. These are all dangerous prescription drugs, and are usually prescribed as sleeping pills. They depress the central nervous system. Most barbiturates are highly addictive. Marketed in red, yellow, and blue capsules, and as colorful (rainbow) combination drugs—Nembutal, Seconal, etc. — barbiturates cause rapid drowsiness and eventual sleep. Overdose with barbiturates, particularly in combination with alcohol, is a common method of high-society suicide. Any sudden withdrawal of barbiturates from an addict can be hazardous. The person will feel better in twelve to sixteen hours, but later may develop tremors and twitching behavior. Severe convulsions could occur up to the third day during detoxification. Rarely, rapid barbiturate withdrawal has caused sudden death! Barbiturate addicts are mentally “hooked,” psychologically dependent, as well as addicted physically. The body rapidly builds up tolerance, as it does with heroin. Then, increased doses are required for the same effect. The best safeguard against barbiturate addiction is the avoidance of sleeping pills entirely. However, when addiction has occurred, the dosage should be tapered slowly to avoid seizures. We turn now to several stimulant drugs, commonly termed “uppers.” Amphetamines are the most dangerous stimulants, and are too often prescribed as diet pills. They all stimulate the central nervous system. The hapless user of amphetamines is usually overactive, unusually talkative, and frequently argumentative. After taking an amphetamine a person is temporarily unable to eat. He or she has no appetite, and seldom can lie down and rest. Unusual behavior appears as the inhibitions are released. There may be mental confusion, unpredictable and irrational behavior, or even violence. Severe fatigue develops in the over stimulated body, destroying reserves of