Understanding Uppers and Downers
As we mentioned in the intro, both uppers and downers directly affect the central nervous system; however, they do so in very different ways. Uppers, or stimulants, work by increasing activity in the CNS, leading to feelings of heightened alertness, energy, and euphoria. These drugs stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which boost mood, motivation, and mental clarity. Some common medical uses for stimulants include the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Downers, on the other hand, work by depressing central nervous system activity. This happens because downers reduce the firing rate of neurons, which, in turn, causes drowsiness, relaxation, and sedation. Many downers act on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits brain activity and induces a calming effect. This is why these types of drugs are often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.How Uppers Affect the Body and Mind
As the name implies, uppers increase activity throughout the body, including increasing blood pressure, enhancing cognitive functions, and accelerating the heart rate. This is why, when someone takes an upper, they often experience feelings of alertness, energy, and heightened mood. However, excessive use, particularly when taken in ways other than directed or recreationally, can lead to negative psychological effects like anxiety, paranoia, agitation, and aggression. In some extreme cases, stimulant abuse can even cause hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. In addition to the effect that stimulants have on the brain, they also affect the body’s metabolism, leading to decreased appetite and a feeling of heightened physical energy. As a result, it’s not uncommon for someone taking a stimulant regularly to experience feelings of physical exhaustion as the body depletes its natural resources to maintain its overactive state. Physically, long-term stimulant abuse can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, arrhythmia, and stroke.Common Types of Uppers and Their Effects
Uppers come in many different forms, some illicit and some prescription. Even uppers that are prescribed medically to treat ailments and conditions come with side effects and risks.
On that note, let’s take a look at some of the more common stimulants and their effects, both positive and negative:
Adderall and Ritalin
One of the few medically prescribed stimulants out there, Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD by improving concentration, increasing focus, and boosting energy. While these drugs do have valuable medical uses and are successful in helping treat ADHD, they also have a propensity to be abused recreationally by those looking for cognitive enhancement.
When used for an extensive period of time, or when taken in ways other than directed, prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can cause sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, and heart palpitations. Users can also begin to build a dependency on the drug, ultimately leading to addiction.
Cocaine
A popular street drug and stimulant, cocaine produces an intense high, as well as increased energy and heightened alertness. While the high may be intense and euphoric, it is also typically short-lived, which can lead someone to use it constantly in order to maintain the high.
Because of this, prolonged cocaine use can lead to severe cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmias, as well as neurological damage, paranoia, and aggressive behavior. Cocaine addiction also comes with a significant risk of overdose, particularly when it is mixed with or cut with another substance, such as fentanyl.
Methamphetamine
Commonly known as meth, methamphetamines are a potent stimulant that produces intense feelings of energy, focus, and euphoria. It is also an appetite suppressant, often resulting in extreme weight loss.
Long-term meth use is most commonly associated with “meth mouth”, a severe dental issue, as well as skin sores, hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia.
MDMA
Known by the common street drug names of ecstasy or molly, MDMA is a stimulant that induces feelings of empathy, emotional closeness, and enhanced sensory experiences. As a result, it is a popular and fairly common “party drug”.
Common side-effects of MDMA include dehydration. However, chronic use can also lead to more severe issues, such as hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome, which can lead to organ failure or death.
How Downers Affect the Body and Mind
While uppers tend to increase energy and production, downers, as the name implies, do the opposite, producing sedative effects, slowing brain activity, and promoting relaxation. Someone taking a downer will often experience feelings of calmness, drowsiness, and tranquility. As a result, these drugs are often prescribed to help treat anxiety and sleep disorders. However, misuse of depressants can lead to dangerous consequences, including addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose.
On the mental side, downers can impair cognitive function, leading to confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. They can also cause mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, particularly when used and abused for a long period of time.
Physically, due to their sedative effects, downers can also affect coordination and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, as well as slow down the heart rate and breathing.
Common Types of Downers and Their Effects
Like uppers, downers also come in a variety of forms, including prescription drugs, illicit substances, and even items that can be purchased over-the-counter.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common stimulants and their effects, both positive and negative:
Alcohol
While alcohol is by far the most easily accessible substance of abuse, it also falls under the category of being a downer since it relaxes the body and provides feelings of euphoria. However, when abused or when consumed in large quantities, alcohol can also impair motor function, speech, and coordination, leading to slurred speech and difficulty walking.
Furthermore, chronic alcohol use and abuse can lead to liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, neurological damage, overdose, and death.
Benzodiazepines
Also known as benzos, benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Common benzos include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. While when taken as directed, benzos can help induce sedation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation, when abused or taken in ways other than directed, they can also lead to dependence, memory problems, and overdose, especially when combined with other depressants.
Opioids
Opioids are powerful painkillers that induce a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. They are commonly prescribed for the management of chronic pain but are also abused for their psychoactive effects. Common opioids include heroin, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Fentanyl, and morphine.
Opioids are highly addictive, even when taken as medically directed, and opioid overdoses can be fatal.
Key Differences Between Uppers and Downers
As we have mentioned, while both uppers and downers affect the CNS, they do so in opposite ways. Uppers stimulate the nervous system, leading to increased alertness, energy, and heightened mood, whereas downers depress the nervous system, causing sedation, relaxation, and drowsiness.
While both classes of drugs carry a high risk of addiction, the effects differ as well. Stimulant addiction often involves cravings for the euphoric and energetic effects, whereas depressant addiction may stem from the need to alleviate anxiety or induce sleep.
Then, there are also the conditions they treat. Uppers are commonly used for conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy, while downers are prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and pain relief.
The Risks of Mixing Uppers and Downers
The concept of mixing an upper and a downer is known as “speedballing”. While it is not uncommon, particularly when done recreationally, the practice of mixing booth can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly. The stimulant masks the depressant’s sedative effects, increasing the risk of overdose. Additionally, the combination puts immense strain on the heart, leading to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
Signs of Dependence and Addiction
If you or someone you know is currently taking a stimulant or a depressant, either medically or recreationally, knowing the signs of dependence and addiction is crucial for early intervention.
Some of the signs of a stimulant and/or a depressant addiction include:
- Increased tolerance, requiring higher doses
- Obsession with obtaining and using the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cravings
- Financial and social consequences
- Using beyond prescribed amounts
- Memory lapses and blackouts
- Physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms
- Overdose risks due to high tolerance
Treatment Options for Uppers and Downers Addiction
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the signs of addiction listed above, addiction treatment may be necessary.
Addiction treatment often involves a combination of medical and behavioral therapies, including:
- Detoxification
- Behavioral Therapy
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Support Groups
- Rehabilitation Programs
Learn More About Uppers Vs. Downers At Georgia Sky
For more information about the difference between uppers vs. downers, or to start the process of getting treatment for stimulant or depressant addiction, contact us today.