AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Barbiturates have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines due to their high risk of causing addiction or a fatal overdose. These limitations have resulted in illegal barbiturates being difficult to come by and as such, these drugs are less commonly found on the black market.

Detailed explanation-2: -The barbiturates once enjoyed a long period of extensive use as sedative-hypnotic drugs; however, except for a few specialized uses, they have been largely replaced by the much safer benzodiazepines. Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants and are similar, in many ways, to the depressant effects of alcohol.

Detailed explanation-3: -Benzodiazepines were first synthesized in 1955 and quickly became popular due to their low toxicity and perceived lack of addictive potential. By the 1970s, benzodiazepines had all but replaced barbiturates as the go-to medication for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

Detailed explanation-4: -This drug arose later as a safer alternative to barbiturates in the medical industry. It too is a depressant and lowers the heart rate and induces a sedated state. However, the major difference is significantly reduced lethality. This makes benzodiazepines a better option throughout the medical industry.