Depressants Argument Essay

Depressants can be defined as drugs which lower the stimulation of specific areas of the brain, resulting in the depression of the mind. They can take many different forms, all of which manipulate the brain’s ability to function properly. Depressants were first discovered in 1864 by Adolf von Bayer, according to an article published by Talbot. Since then, they have been quite prominent in the illegal drug market. The article follows by stating, “One of the first depressant drugs marketed in America was Barbital in 1903” (“Depressants” 1), which would further indicate that depressants became significant in the illegal drug market around that time. Since depressants were first introduced into the market, use among teens has become an issue

However, abuse of these “anti-stimulants” is quite common and is what makes them such an issue in teens and young adults. Although depressants are very helpful for those struggling with illness, they bring a harmful cost to society through their death toll. As mentioned before, of all of the recording drug overdoses in 2014, about 30% were found to be caused by the abuse of depressants. By also recognizing the fact that alcohol can be considered a depressant, these drugs take a large economic toll on society as well. Drug and alcohol rehab centers can be expensive to establish and maintain, and these establishments can be costly. Possession of depressants for non-medical use can also lead to a sentence around one year. According to The Medical Uses of Depressants by Adam Cloe, “Depressants describe a class of pharmaceutical compounds that work by decreasing electrical activity in the central nervous system (CNS)” (Cloe 1). This medication, when prescribed by a medical professional, can be used for anesthesia, treatment for anxiety, sedatives, prevention of seizure and epilepsy, and narcolepsy treatment. These treatments were also common in the past, since depressants were first discovered in the mid 19th century. Depressants were also commonly used as tranquilizers and sleeping pills in the past, though today they are more commonly known to treat mental