Which substance is a depressant?

Prepare for the Abnormal Psychology Exam 2 with a comprehensive study guide featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Enhance your understanding with tailored hints and explanations. Gear up for success in your psychology exam!

Multiple Choice

Which substance is a depressant?

Explanation:
Depressants slow the central nervous system, reducing arousal, slowing breathing, and often producing sedation. Opioids fit this pattern because they dampen pain signaling and blunt CNS activity by acting on opioid receptors, which typically leads to sedation and respiratory depression. The other substances work differently: cocaine and amphetamines heighten CNS activity, increasing energy and alertness, while LSD is a psychedelic that alters perception rather than primarily depressing CNS function.

Depressants slow the central nervous system, reducing arousal, slowing breathing, and often producing sedation. Opioids fit this pattern because they dampen pain signaling and blunt CNS activity by acting on opioid receptors, which typically leads to sedation and respiratory depression. The other substances work differently: cocaine and amphetamines heighten CNS activity, increasing energy and alertness, while LSD is a psychedelic that alters perception rather than primarily depressing CNS function.

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