Stimulants Vs Depressants
Stimulants and depressants have been experiencing their time in the spotlight due to the rising number of yearly co-involvement overdoses. Meaning in a large number of overdoses, either a stimulant or a depressant was taken alongside another drug.
This is a dangerous use of these drugs and often leads to overdose or worsened health conditions.
But what is the difference between depressants and stimulants? Are depressants more dangerous than stimulants? And are they dangerous on their own? These are questions we’re going to cover in this article.
What are Depressants?
Depressants are a category of substances that slow down or depress the central nervous system. This is done by increasing production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits brain activity.
Prescription depressants are helpful for:
- Preventing seizures
- Sleeping
- Relieving anxiety
- Relieving muscle spasms
However, when taken outside of a doctor’s orders, the results can be dangerous. Especially when mixing depressants like alcohol and valium. Some depressants are recreational or illicit.
Common Depressants
Depressants can be divided into several subcategories. The two pharmaceutical categories of central nervous system (CNS) depressants are:
- Benzodiazepines: Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan
- Barbiturates: Fiorina, Pentothal, Seconal
Opioids, such as oxycodone and morphine, are also considered depressants.
Other legal depressants aren’t prescription and are used recreationally include:
- Alcohol
- CBD
Some depressants are illegal. Heroin is the most common, but many prescribed depressants are taken outside of their prescription and abused.
Common Effects of Depressants
The most common side effect of depressants is fatigue. When a doctor prescribes you a depressant, you may feel unusually sleepy and uncoordinated for the first few days. However, your body will adapt as you continue to take your prescription, and the side effects will fade away.
The same can be said for alcohol as well. If you’re not used to drinking you’ll feel the intoxicating effects more than someone who drinks more often.
When any depressants are misused, they can create several negative side effects:
- Slurred speech
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Bottomed out blood pressure
- Shallow and slowed breathing
The intensity of these side effects will depend on several things:
- Are you taking it illicitly or according to a prescription?
- What kind of depressant are you using?
- How much do you weigh, and what is your body mass index?
- How often have you been taking the depressant?
Depressants cover a wide array of substances, and within that list are drugs that create a wide array of effects. This is also true of stimulants.
What are Stimulants?
Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. They stimulate the brain and activate various parts of the body.
Most common stimulants do this by increasing the production of dopamine and norepinephrine to help people focus, increase energy, and stay alert. You might think straight to Adderall, a common prescription for ADHD.
However, when taken outside of doctors orders, stimulants can be very dangerous.
Common Stimulants
Similar to depressants, stimulants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are prescriptions, others are over the counter, some are illegal, and others are sold at Starbucks.
The most common stimulants are:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidates
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Each of these has varying degrees of intensity, but they all speed up hormone development to help wake up, focus, or feel a sense of euphoria.
Common Effects of Stimulants
Caffeine is one of the most mild stimulants out there. However, if you drink coffee on an empty stomach, aren’t used to caffeine, or drink more than you typically would, you may feel some negative side effects.
The more potent a stimulant drug is, the quicker and more intense its side effects will be.
Here are the most common side effects of stimulants:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Palpitations
- Seizures
- Arrhythmia
Most stimulants are highly addictive. Cocaine and amphetamines greatly affect the reward system of the brain by flooding it with dopamine. Because dopamine is used to reinforce positive behavior, it’s easy to become addicted.
Similarities Between Stimulants and Depressants
Stimulants and depressants work differently, but they are very similar in a few ways:
- Both affect the central nervous system
- Both include prescription, illicit, and recreational substances
- Both can be addictive
- Both are helpful when taken as prescribed
- Both can affect mental health
Here are more details about how depressants and stimulants are similar.
Risk of Addiction
When it comes to the addictive nature of stimulants and depressants, neither one is considered more or less addictive. What matters more is which depressant or stimulant you are taking, and how you’re taking it.
Abusing these types of drugs increases the risk of addiction. Most prescription stimulants and prescription depressants are made to counteract symptoms of certain medical conditions. Taking these drugs without those conditions can harm your reward center and develop into an addiction.
If you’re prescribed stimulants or depressants, follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re worried about the risk of addiction or are feeling like you could be developing a dependence, have a conversation with your health provider.
Risk of Overdose
It’s possible to overdose on both stimulants and depressants. The risk of overdose depends on what drug is being used, and what the dosage is. However, neither category has a higher chance of overdose. They are both dangerous when abused.
Treating Addiction
Addiction treatment for both of these kinds of drugs is similar. In fact, differences in treatment are generally based on the individual rather than a substance. Not everyone will experience treatment the same way—and that’s a good thing. Everyone has different needs.
For most patients, they will need a medical detox or weaning period. Quitting depressants or stimulants outright can be dangerous depending on the severity of your addiction.
During and after treatment, you’ll most likely attend counseling sessions. Cognitive-based therapy is used often during addiction recovery, but group therapy and support groups are also very common.
The Difference Between Stimulants and Depressants
Although these categories of drugs have similar risks, stimulants and depressants are opposites. One speeds up the body, the other slows it down. Generally, both substances create a “high” effect, which makes addiction or abuse so likely. The only difference between them is what they do to your central nervous system.
Finding Help for Addiction
The depressant and stimulant medications discussed above are helpful, but even when taken according to prescription, there is still a risk of addiction. Whether you’re worried you may be developing dependence, or know you are addicted, Sequoia Behavioral Health can help.
Sequoia Behavioral Health can guide you down your journey toward sobriety. We take a holistic approach to therapy, we look for the root problem of your substance use disorder as well as medical treatment. Call today to schedule a consultation.