Which of the following drugs relieves anxiety and induces sleep?

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The drug that relieves anxiety and induces sleep is alcohol. Alcohol works as a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down brain activity and can produce calming effects for individuals experiencing anxiety. The depressant qualities of alcohol facilitate relaxation and can lead to drowsiness, making it easier for individuals to fall asleep. This dual action is why alcohol is often associated with both social relaxation and the tendency to use it as a sleep aid despite its potential to disrupt normal sleep patterns.

In contrast, cocaine is a powerful stimulant that increases energy and alertness rather than inducing sleep, while anabolic steroids are associated with muscle growth and performance enhancement without any sleep-inducing properties. Stimulants, in general, also serve to increase alertness and fight fatigue, which opposes the sedative effects associated with anxiety relief and sleep induction. Thus, alcohol is the most suitable answer when considering substances that both alleviate anxiety and promote sleep.

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