Main Body
Ch. 1: Introducing Sedative/Hypnotics and CNS Depressants
The first reading is valuable in that it addresses a range of important issues and concepts related to the class of drugs we call sedatives/hypnotics and central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This topic follows the module about alcohol, which you should recall, is also a central nervous system depressant. This first chapter reading is Dupont, R.L., & Dupont, C.M. (2005). Sedatives/hypnotics and benzodiazepines. In R.J. Frances, S.I. Miller, & A.H. Mack, (Eds.), Clinical textbook of addictive disorders, third edition, (pp. 219-242). NY: Guilford Press.
In this first chapter will read about:
- the nature of the sedative/hypnotic and benzodiazepine substances;
- distinguishing between medical and nonmedical use (prescription abuse);
- the relevance of two pharmacokinetic principles (speed of onset & persistence) which are relevant to many types of substances, not only to the sedative/hypnotic and CNS depressants;
- principles of abuse and addiction (reinforcement, withdrawal, tolerance) with relevance to many types of substances, not only to the sedative/hypnotic and CNS depressants;
- effects of long-term use
- key terms used in the field of substance use disorders and addiction.
Click here for a link to our Carmen course where you can locate the assigned pdf file(s) for this chapter. You will need to be logged into our Carmen course, select Module 9, and proceed to the Coursework area. Under the Readings heading you will find a box with links to the readings for relevant coursebook chapters. Don’t forget to return here in your coursebook to complete the remaining chapters and interactive activities.
Please try this exercise to test your knowledge:
