Which psychoactive substance is often used to relieve short-term anxiety?

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive medications that are widely recognized for their effectiveness in alleviating short-term anxiety. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces a calming effect on the central nervous system. This makes benzodiazepines particularly useful for individuals experiencing acute anxiety episodes, as they can provide rapid relief from distressing symptoms.

Stimulants, on the other hand, typically increase alertness and energy, but they are not used for managing anxiety and can often exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Opioids are primarily used to relieve pain and can produce sedation, but they do not specifically target anxiety and have a high potential for dependence and misuse. Hallucinogens alter perception and mood, and while they can induce feelings of euphoria or relaxation in some cases, they are not considered effective treatments for anxiety and can sometimes provoke anxiety or paranoia instead.

Thus, benzodiazepines stand out as a targeted treatment for short-term anxiety relief due to their quick onset of action and specific mechanism of enhancing inhibitory neurotransmitter activity.