Having a serious drug addiction can negatively impact your life in a variety of ways. You might not be even able to function properly without the substance. This can happen with different types of drugs, even those that are legally prescribed.
However, there are two common categories of drugs that can lead to a serious substance use disorder: stimulants and depressants. Also known as “uppers” and “downers,” you might wonder how these substances differ. It’s also common to wonder whether uppers are as addictive as downers. This is what you need to know and how you can reach out for help.
What Are Uppers?
Uppers are drugs that fall under the stimulant category that cause your body to become mentally and physically stimulated. They give you a boost in energy, alertness and mood, but these effects are only temporary. After the drug wears off, it’s typical to feel your energy zapped and to experience fatigue, exhaustion and depression. You might also have certain feelings of being disconnected from everything and everyone around you and sink into yourself. This is known as a crash.
Many people addicted to stimulants quickly become dependent on the drug because they want to achieve that euphoric high over and over again. Stimulants work by causing excess dopamine and noradrenaline in the central nervous system, which gives off that euphoria. However, this also causes the body to naturally produce less of those chemicals, leading to feelings such as apathy and depression.
As a result, the person ends up using more and more just so that they can continue feeling normal. Some of the most commonly abused uppers include the following:
- Adderall
- Caffeine
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Nicotine
- Ritalin
Although some of these drugs are legal and may seem harmless such as caffeine, taking them in excess can still produce those effects before and after. However, stopping your use of these substances is the best way for your body to re-regulate itself so that you can feel normal again. In some cases, if you were prescribed stimulants, you might have to take lower dosages of another medication to escape adverse side effects. Speaking with your doctor is crucial.
What Are Downers?
Downers are drugs that are also known as depressants. There are two categories of these substances: opiates and sedative-hypnotics. These drugs achieve a sense of relaxation in the mind and body and also control the production of dopamine, which results in similar issues as with uppers.
They can leave you feeling disconnected, apathetic and depressed over time when taken in excess. These drugs are also highly addictive and carry a high risk of overdose. Normally, when depressants are prescribed, it’s to treat serious, chronic pain while the patient is closely monitored by a doctor.
Unfortunately, they are heavily abused both when legally prescribed and illegally bought on the street. Opioids are a common example of downers that lead to huge numbers of overdose deaths. Other types of opiate depressants include the following:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
Depressants that are classified as sedative-hypnotic downers are often prescribed to treat insomnia or to sedate patients during surgery and other medical procedures.
Some common examples include the following:
- Barbiturates
- Phenobarbital
- Quaaludes
- Rohypnol
- Valium
- Xanax
Alcohol and muscle relaxers are also considered downers. These drugs make you feel drowsy and give off the sensation that you’re floating. They also slow down your breathing and heart rate, which can be dangerous if you abuse them. If you’re addicted to depressants, you cannot simply quit cold turkey; you must seek help for your substance use disorder and undergo the detox process as the first step.
Are Uppers as Addictive as Downers?
There is no one answer to whether uppers are as addictive as downers. Both types of drugs are extremely addictive because they provide certain effects that make the user feel a certain way that they enjoy. Stimulants affect the brain’s pleasure centers and make the person feel invincible and happy. Depressants calm the body and mind while easing pain.
However, when the effects of both of these types of drugs wear off, the individual is left feeling depressed, overly fatigued and apathetic to everything around them. Due to all of that, it’s not surprising that so many people become addicted to these substances. Ready to get the help you desperately need? We’re here for you every step of the way and can match you with the best treatment facility to fit your needs. Call us today at 833-610-1174.