CNS Depressants

Addiction to Central Nervous System Depressants

If you or a loved one is addicted to CNS depressants, call our confidential and free 24-hour helpline now at 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). We'll help you find the drug detox programs you need.

Central Nervous System depressants (or CNS depressants) are primarily used by medical doctors in treating insomnia and anxiety. CNS depressants actually slow down brain activity to create a drowsy or calming effect that can be very beneficial to someone struggling with anxiety or a sleeping problem.

CNS depressants include narcotics, barbiturates and sleeping pills such as Ambien. The initial effects of CNS depressants leave the user feeling sleepy and uncoordinated which could be a desirable effect for some people causing them to take more of the drug. Over time, people who abuse a CNS depressant can build a tolerance for the drug and will require more of it to experience that same initial rush.

Withdrawal from CNS Depressants

The longer a person abuses CNS depressants the harder it will be to stop taking them. The person may experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug.

Since central nervous system depressants slow down brain activity it is extremely dangerous to abruptly stop taking them without the guidance of a licensed physician. Brain activity can actually bounce back too quickly resulting in seizures, other serious medical conditions or death. A medically-supervised detox program is the best way to go about treatment for an addiction to CNS depressants because it will minimize any dangerous and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and teach users how to stay away from drugs.

If you are suffering from an addiction to CNS depressants, please call 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869) to locate treatment programs in your area. Addiction treatment professionals are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential.