DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines prescription sedatives.
What is it and what does it look like?
Prescription sedatives look like multi-colored tablets and capsules. Some can be in liquid form.
Other street names?
· Mebaral
· Quaaludes
· Xanax
· Valium
· Benzos
· Downers
· Chill pills
· Xandy bars
What are the short-and long-term effects?
It slows down the brain’s activity. When a user stops taking them, there can be a rebound effect, possibly leading to seizures and other harmful consequences.
What every parent should know?
The signs of abuse are slurred speech, shallow breather, sluggishness, disorientation and lack of coordination. Using prescription sedatives and tranquilizers with alcohol can slow both the heart and respiration which could possibly lead to death.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
