______ are drugs that slow down a person’s central nervous system (CNS).*1 pointGateway DrugsDepressantsStimulantsHallucinogen

The correct answer to the question is Depressants.

Explanation:

1. Definition: Depressants are substances that reduce the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to a calming effect. They can help with anxiety and can induce sleep, but they also have potential for dependency and negative side effects.

2. Examples: Common examples of depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Valium or Xanax), barbiturates, and opioids. These drugs function by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters that have inhibitory effects, thus slowing down brain activity.

3. Comparison with Other Options:

   • Gateway Drugs: These refer to substances that potentially lead individuals to experiment with harder drugs, but they do not specifically slow down the CNS.
   • Stimulants: These drugs, such as caffeine and amphetamines, have the opposite effect as they increase CNS activity and elevate mood and alertness.
   • Hallucinogens: These affect perception, mood, and cognitive processes, leading to altered states of consciousness, but again, they do not function primarily to slow the CNS.

Understanding the categorization of drugs is critical in the fields of psychology and substance abuse treatment, as it helps in identifying their potential effects on individuals and society.