What are tranquilizers and sleeping pills?
These drugs belong to a larger group of substances known as the sedative-hypnotics, which slow down or “sedate” the central nervous system (the brain, and spinal cord). This affects thinking, feeling, and body movement and function. Alcohol is a sedative, although we don’t often think of it that way. Diazepam (Valium®) is one example of a tranquilizer. In large doses, tranquilizers can make you sleep or become unconscious, just like sleeping pills can. In normal doses, tranquilizers make you feel calm, and they are prescribed to treat anxiety. Some tranquilizers and sleeping pills have been linked to “date rape.” Criminals have dropped these drugs into people’s drinks so that they will not fight against being raped. Victims get drowsy, dizzy, and confused. They may even black out. To avoid becoming a victim, stay aware of your environment and never leave your drink unattended. If you need to take tranquilizers or sleeping pills, use them for a short time only. In the long term, there a
