Uppers and downers are two types of drugs that have different effects on the body. Uppers speed up the central nervous system, while downers slow it down and cause people to feel tired. Mixing these drugs can cause serious complications to your health and will not “cancel out” one another.
Many people who abuse uppers and downers need professional addiction treatment to overcome their substance abuse and get their life back.
What are Uppers?
Uppers are drugs that target the central nervous system and increase the heart rate and blood pressure. They also boost dopamine levels in the brain that make us “feel good.” Uppers are stimulant substances and can include prescription stimulants.
Uppers include drugs such as:
Side Effects of Uppers
Also known as stimulant drugs, uppers can cause many side effects, including:
Feeling extremely happy
Improved self-confidence
Feeling “high”
Increase in energy
Inability to sleep
Feeling alert
Anxious
Depressed
Increased blood pressure
Intense cravings for the drug
What are Downers?
Downer drugs are the complete opposite of upper drugs. Downers lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Many of these types of drugs are prescribed by physicians in the form of prescription drugs to help individuals with sleep disorders. However, even prescription drugs are extremely dangerous. You should speak with your healthcare provider before taking any prescribed drugs and ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
Downers include drugs such as:
Side Effects of Downers
Downers, also known as depressants, can cause the following side effects:
Impaired mental function
Feeling very tired
Reduced reaction time
Moderate feelings of euphoria
Blackouts
Dizziness
Lowered inhibitions
Relaxed muscles
Is it Harmful To Combine Uppers and Downers?
Combining uppers and downers is extremely dangerous. Even just taking any of these drugs by themselves has severe health risks. Taking them together can mean a greater risk of having unwanted side effects.
There are many dangerous drug interactions that can occur when mixing a stimulant drug with a depressant drug or multiple drugs, including seizures and/or a life threatening overdose. It’s also easier to overdose when mixing drugs since you have no idea what other substances are in the drugs and what those potentially harmful interactions could be. Combining uppers and downers can even potentially induce feelings of depression or suicide.
Additionally, taking these types of drugs together does not cancel out the side effects.
In fact, combining uppers and downers will put an enormous amount of stress on your heart. Your body can have many different reactions all at the same time as a result of the side effects of the drugs, which could result in heart failure.
Get Drug Addiction Treatment Today at Malibu Detox
If you struggle with drug addiction or know someone who is abusing drugs, treatment is available. At Malibu Detox, our substance abuse treatments serve as a catalyst to help you overcome your addiction and reach the long-term sobriety you need. We accept most major and private insurance plans and work with you to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
