Describe how depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens alter a person's consciousness. identify which category marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine fall under and describe their main effects.

Depressants alter consciousness by slowing the activity of the nervous system. They give people a sense of relaxation. Alcohol is an example of a depressant. Alcohol intoxication causes slurred speech, blurred vision, clumsiness, difficulty in concentrating, and impaired judgment. Stimulants alter consciousness by increasing the activity of the nervous system. They speed up heart rate and breathing. Nicotine is an example of a stimulant. It makes people feel more alert and attentive by causing adrenaline to be released. It also reduces appetite and increases metabolism. Nicotine is addictive and is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, breathing problems, and birth defects. Hallucinogens alter consciousness by producing hallucinations and causing relaxation or feelings of pleasure or panic. Marijuana is a hallucinogen. It causes people to relax and sometimes experience mild hallucinations. Marijuana alters consciousness by making time seem to pass more slowly and increasing consciousness of bodily sensations. It impairs perception, coordination, memory, and learning. It can also cause anxiety and confusion and raise heart rate and blood pressure.