Which of the following is a serious risk associated with CNS depressants?

CNS (central nervous system) depressants are substances that can slow down brain activity, which can lead to significant health risks. Among these risks, possible coma is especially serious. When individuals consume CNS depressants, they can experience profound sedation that can suppress normal respiratory functions and lead to loss of consciousness. This state can progress to a coma if the depressant is taken in high doses or if it interacts dangerously with other substances, such as alcohol or other medications.

This risk is particularly concerning because a coma requires urgent medical attention to restore normal brain activity and function. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to long-term health complications or even death if not treated promptly.

Other options present risks, but they do not carry the same immediate and profound threat to life that a coma does. For example, lung damage might be a concern with certain substances, but it is not a direct result of CNS depressants. Chronic insomnia refers to persistent difficulty sleeping, which, while distressing, is generally less urgent in nature than the risk of coma. Flashbacks are often associated with certain hallucinogens, not CNS depressants, highlighting a misunderstanding in linking these conditions.