Downers are often unwittingly abused by those trying to alleviate anxiety or sleeplessness. They also act as a gateway drug, leading to the abuse of more harmful narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and crack. Readers get a full-color introduction to the frightening and unvarnished reality of such a seemingly harmless substance. Disgusting images show the physical effects on the body, and graphic text describes the emotional toll on addicts who thought they would never become addicted.