Substance abuse can involve stimulants and depressants, which are different classifications of drugs. Though they are very different, they do have some similarities and either can be abused and lead to addictions. When someone is addicted, treatment will vary based on what the person is using and how long they have been taking the drugs.
Mixing Them Can be Dangerous
It is crucial to note that the differences in stimulant vs. depressant addictions are significant, but both can lead to addictions. When someone is addicted to a substance and they mix it with a different type, the results can be incredibly dangerous and can lead to an OD or death. Those who are addicted to stimulants will need different treatment options compared to those who are addicted to depressants, but the key is that treatment is needed to help start the path to recovery and it is possible to recover from the addiction, no matter what substance the person uses regularly.
What Are Depressants?
Depressants are drugs that tend to slow your heart rate and breathing. They are designed to interfere with the central nervous system and can impact how the body responds to pain and anxiety. Depressants can include alcohol, opiates like heroin or Vicodin, and benzodiazepines, like valium. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and detoxing from them can be uncomfortable or dangerous. It is important for those who are addicted to depressants to seek help for recovery to give them a much better chance of being successful.
What Are Stimulants?
Stimulants are those substances that are used to create an energized effect. Used appropriately, they can help improve focus and alertness, and they have been shown to reduce tiredness and appetite. However, when they are abused, they can cause someone to feel jittery or paranoid. In some people, they can cause a feeling of euphoria. They can have severe side effects, such as seizures, stroke, rapid heartbeat, and aggression. Stimulants can include Adderall, nicotine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Treatment needs to be done cautiously to make sure it is done right and to give the person the best chance of recovery.
How to Tell if You’re Addicted
Many prescription drugs can be used as depressants or stimulants, so it’s important to understand the signs of addiction and what to do if you are unable to quit taking them on your own. If you’re taking more than the prescribed dose, taking other drugs along with the substance, or you suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance, it might be an addiction. It can start as a legitimate prescription and grow from there. When it does, it is crucial to get the help you need to start the path to recovery.
Stimulants and depressants are both used for medical concerns, but they can be abused, too. They also include illegal drugs that have limited to no medical benefits. When someone is addicted to a substance, the differences between stimulants and depressants can call for a different way to handle the issue to help them have a better chance of recovering and moving forward with their life. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction to any stimulant or depressant, look into the treatment options available today and find the right one.
