Types of Depressants

Benzodiazepines were created to replace barbiturates as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia. They were developed in the 1960s and were thought to be a safer alternative to barbiturates because there is less risk of death by overdose. Benzodiazepines are now commonly prescribed to treat sleeplessness and anxiety disorders. While benzodiazepines are generally safe if prescribed by a doctor and used correctly, many people abuse these drugs as well. People can become addicted from ordinary medical use. Researchers suggest that more than 60 percent of drugs that are often misused by patients are prescribed. One of the most common of these drugs, Valium, is a benzodiazepine.

Ordinary types of benzodiazepines are Valium, Librium, and Xanax. They are the most widely prescribed depressants in the United States. While benzodiazepines are proven to be safer than barbiturates, addiction can result in death. They are especially dangerous if combined with other drugs, for instance, narcotics such as heroin and cocaine. About 50 percent of people who are treated for cocaine or heroin abuse report abusing benzodiazepines, too.

As with barbiturates, people can become addicted to benzodiazepines from prolonged medical use or illegal abuse. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, a 1993 analysis of hospital emergency rooms reported that 69 percent of prescription drugs misused by patients were benzodiazepines.