Medicines and drugs. Types of drugs of abuse. Medicines and drugs 2 of 4 Drugs of abuse 2. Sedatives Sedatives Sedatives are drugs that slow down the nervous system. Alcohol is a sedative.
Sedatives make people feel less anxious and more relaxed.
But they also slow down physical reactions, and cause sleepiness or unconsciousness. A mixture of sedatives is dangerous because vital processes like the heartbeat get slower too. Sedatives may be addictive. Caffeine is a stimulant. They may hear, see and think things which are not really happening.