Question

why is alcohol classified as a depressant and cocaine as a stimulant?

Answer 1

Answer

Stimulants and depressants both affect your nervous system and brain function, although in opposite ways.

Stimulants excite your nervous system. They may increase your blood pressure and heart rate and give you more energy. In high doses, they can cause insomnia and make you jittery and impulsive (1).

Examples of stimulants include mild ones, such as caffeine, as well as much stronger prescription amphetamines or illicit drugs like cocaine.

On the other hand, depressants slow you down by decreasing your heart rate and blood pressure. They can help you feel relaxed and, on the extreme end, completely sedate you (2).

Benzodiazepines are one class of depressant drugs used to treat insomnia and anxiety, while prescription opiates are powerful products in this category.

Some compounds can have characteristics of both. Examples include nicotine, although it’s most frequently characterized as a stimulant, and alcohol, which is primarily a depressant but has some stimulant effects (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

You should not mix alcohol and stimulant or depressant drugs due to the risk of severe side effects.

SUMMARY

Stimulants excite your nervous system and may boost your energy, while depressants slow down your nervous system and relax you. Some substances have both stimulant and depressant effects.

Mark me as Brainliest Please