Which of the following is an example of a drug class that induces a calming effect?

Narcotics are a class of drugs that induce a calming effect by acting on the central nervous system. They primarily work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which leads to decreased perception of pain and increased feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Common examples of narcotics include opioids such as morphine and codeine, which can alleviate pain while also providing a sedative effect. This calming influence makes narcotics useful both in medical settings for pain management and in some cases, unfortunately, for recreational use.

In contrast, stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and energy, while hallucinogens primarily alter perception and can induce visual or auditory hallucinations, having a vastly different effect than calming. Anabolic steroids, which are often used to enhance muscle growth and physical performance, do not typically induce any calming effects and are associated with aggressive behaviors and other psychological changes.