Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What type of drugs are characterized by their ability to relieve anxiety and promote sleep?

1. Stimulants

2. Hallucinogens

3. Depressants

4. Antidepressants

The correct answer is: Depressants

Drugs that relieve anxiety and promote sleep are typically classified as depressants. These substances act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and induce sleepiness. Depressants can enhance the effects of neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to decreased arousal and increased relaxation. In contrast, stimulants, such as caffeine and amphetamines, are designed to increase energy, alertness, and mood, which would have the opposite effect of promoting sleep. Hallucinogens, including substances like LSD and psilocybin, primarily affect perception and can cause hallucinations; they do not serve the purpose of alleviating anxiety or promoting sleep. Antidepressants might help with mood regulation and can alleviate certain anxiety disorders, but they do not specifically offer the sedative effects that one would associate with depressants.