What type of substance is known to slow down Central Nervous System processes?

The type of substance that is known to slow down Central Nervous System (CNS) processes is classified as a depressant. Depressants are a category of drugs that work by decreasing brain activity, which results in a calming effect on the body. This includes slowing down heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing feelings of anxiety or stress. Common examples of CNS depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain types of sleep medications.

While alcohol is a depressant and does slow down CNS processes, the broader category of depressants encompasses a range of substances that share this effect, thus making depressant the correct classification. Stimulants, on the other hand, are substances that would generally speed up CNS activity. Inhalants can produce various effects depending on the substance used; they can act as stimulants, depressants, or hallucinogens. Therefore, identifying the general category of depressants best addresses the question of what type of substance is known to slow down CNS processes.