Question

identify and explain effects of depressants and inhalants; how depressants and inhalants affect the mind and the body; and identify drugs used in facilitating sexual assaults.

Answer 1

Depressants refer to drug which reduces excitability and calms an individual. Depressants reduce physiologic or psychological activity. Depressants usually prescribed as treatment for anxiety, insomnia, pain, etc. If not prescribed by physician or authorized person, then the usage of depressant is considered as illicit substance abuse. Some depressants are alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, opioids, etc. Depressants have tranquilizing effect. Some effects of depressants are brain function slowing, lowered level of concentration, dizziness, fatigue, memory impairment, low pulse and blood pressure, etc.

Inhalants are chemical substances that are inhaled via nose or mouth as vapors or pressurized gases. Inhalants are prescribed for medical anesthetic purpose (dental surgery), therapeutic purpose, etc. Inhalants are classified as volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, nitrites. These inhalants have sedative effect on the user. If an individual using inhalant without prescription or not for medical purpose, it is termed as illicit abuse. These inhalants have anesthetic and sedative effect, like chloroform is used for sedation.

Depressants affect users mind through memory impairment, cognitive impairment, lowered concentration, etc. Depressants may cause irritability, paranoia, addiction, and also depression by affecting central nervous system. Also depressants affect physical body through fatigue, increased blood sugar in body. Use depressants affect motor coordination of the body causing lack of coordination in movements.

Inhalants affect central nervous system. Example: Nitrites dilate blood vessels causing muscle relaxant effect. Mood stabilizer effect also observed with inhalation of chemical substances. Inhalants affect mind by changing mood and affect, impairing sensory perception for pain relief, providing euphoria feeling, etc. Inhalants are absorbed by lungs while inhalation process, this may affect body by intoxication, increased dependence, decreased motor coordination, etc.

Sexual assault can be described as form of violence which includes forced sex, drug facilitated sexual assault, torture, abuse, etc. If an individual is under the influence of drug and incapable of resisting sexual abuse from other persons, then it is considered as drug-facilitated sexual assault. Some drugs used for this sexual assault are benzodiazepines, ethanol, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), etc. Here, the intoxicated person becomes victim of sexual abuse due to lack of capability to resist the assault.