Substances: Depressants and Stimulants

Counseling clients with substance abuse problems requires a broad body of knowledge about the common substances of abuse. In this Discussion, you will compare the physiological and psychological effects of two different types of substances in terms of how addiction occurs.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review this week's Learning Resources, focusing on the processes of addiction to depressants and stimulants, their properties, and their physiological and psychological effects.

• Analyze the properties of the various substances discussed, as well as their physiological and psychological effects on the body and the process of addiction that occurs with each.

• Review the DVD segment, "Substances and Addictions," with Dr. Tom Cargiulo, focusing on the information Dr. Cargiulo discusses about depressants and stimulants.

• Select two substances to compare, one each from the two following categories: depressants and stimulants.

• Reflect on how the substances are similar to and different from one another in terms of both physiological and psychological effects.

With these thoughts in mind:

Discussion Question : a comparison (similarities and differences) of the physiological effects, psychological effects, and addictive properties of two substances (one each from the two following categories: depressants and stimulants).