Sedative Addiction and Marijuana Information: Treat Sedative Addiction With Cannabis

Sedatives are compounds that cause physiological and mental slowing of the body. Sedatives are a category of drugs that function as central nervous system (CNS) depressants and slow down your brain activity, causing relaxation or drowsiness. The four main types of central nervous system depressants are ethyl alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.

Most of these drugs are used legitimately for pain relief, as anesthesia, or in the treatment of anxiety disorders, sleep problems, or seizures. However, when these drugs are taken recreationally or are taken in doses other than the dose prescribed by a physician, they can be dangerous and can lead to dependence and addiction.

Sedative dependence develops because these drugs act directly on the brain by enhancing the activity of a substance called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. It slows down the signals traveling between neurons in the brain. This decreases total brain activity. Physical dependence on sedatives occurs because the brain adapts to the altered levels of GABA activity. If the user stops taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms can occur as the body tries to readapt to normal functioning.

Some users also develop psychological dependence in addition to the physical dependence. Psychological dependence on sedatives occurs because the person believes that he or she cannot cope with normal life without using the drug.

Clinical Information Related to Sedative Dependence and Medical Marijuana

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