Uppers vs. Downers: What’s the Difference?

Illicit drugs are generally divided into two main categories: stimulants and depressants. As their names suggest, stimulants (uppers) energize and elevate mood, while depressants (downers) calm and sedate. Upper and downer drugs are informal drug classifications that are commonly abused. They both affect the central nervous system differently and significantly alter a person’s mental and physical state. It is important to note that when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, both uppers and downers can provide therapeutic benefits.

Uppers are a category of drug known for their mental and physical stimulating effects. In contrast, downers, or depressants, slow down brain activity, resulting in relaxation, sedation, and drowsiness. Both types of drugs can have a euphoric effect, which leads many users to seek them out. Those who use downers may be looking for a way to relax, while those who seek out stimulants typically aim to boost alertness or stay awake.

Additionally, some individuals mix uppers and downers together. Research from the University of British Columbia published in PubMed indicates that people who engage in this practice often do so to achieve a specific high or to balance the effects of both types of drugs. Mixing the two types of drugs, a practice known as “speedballing,” can lead to severe health risks. While abusing either substance is dangerous on its own, combining uppers and downers can result in highly unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. They can increase strain on the cardiovascular system and the risk of overdose. 

What Are the Benefits of Uppers?

Uppers refer to stimulants, a group of drugs that increase energy, concentration, and alertness. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, stimulants are substances that invigorate bodily functions, particularly those that activate the central nervous system and brain. While illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are well-known, there are also several prescription medications, such as Adderall, that are used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Stimulants induce alertness, wakefulness, focus, and concentration. However, adverse effects can also occur, especially if they are misused. Some side effects of uppers include panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, violent behaviors, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and a high addiction potential.

For individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulants are frequently prescribed to alleviate symptoms. They work by boosting the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can enhance attention, focus, and motivation. They are the most common type of prescription medication for ADHD management. Additionally, they are effective in treating narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, helping individuals stay alert throughout the day.

What Happens When a Person Takes a Stimulant?

When stimulants are used, they cause a heightened sense of well-being, euphoria, alertness, and excitement. Additionally, they reduce appetite and the need to sleep, which can result in insomnia. When taken in high doses, these substances can distort reality, induce hallucinations, and cause restlessness and agitation. Furthermore, they can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of serious cardiovascular issues like heart attacks. Many individuals misuse stimulants to stay awake, including college students cramming for exams and truck drivers on long hauls. Others may abuse them recreationally, with substances like cocaine and methamphetamines being common examples.

Both prescription and illicit uppers are frequently misused and, with continued abuse, can develop into a substance use disorder. Stimulants flood the brain with dopamine, a pleasure-inducing chemical, which leads to repeated use. As the brain gets used to receiving dopamine from the drug, it no longer produces normal amounts on its own. When the person stops taking the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms. This creates a physical dependency, which leads the individual to continue using it to feel normal. Over time, this behavior can develop into an addiction.

More potent uppers, such as methamphetamine, amphetamines, and cocaine, cause the strongest psychological dependence, which often requires professional help to overcome. While addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder, stimulant use disorders can be overcome and successfully managed through comprehensive treatment programs, such as cocaine addiction treatment.

What Drug Is a Downer?

Downers are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow the function of the CNS, creating feelings of relaxation and tiredness. According to the University of Lethbridge’s resource on stimulants, various depressants fall into this category, including benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin, barbiturates like Seconal and Amytal, opioids and opiates such as heroin and codeine, sedative-hypnotics like Valium, and alcohol. While many of these prescription downers serve legitimate medical purposes—such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and insomnia treatment—they are frequently misused. Both prescription and illegal downers can create feelings of euphoria and relaxation, which often leads to their abuse.

Alcohol and opioids are among the most commonly misused downers. Alcohol is particularly prone to abuse due to its legal status, easy accessibility, and social acceptance. Many individuals resort to alcohol as a means of coping with mental health challenges, which can result in dependence and the development of alcohol use disorders. Similarly, opioid addiction is prevalent, as these medications are often prescribed for pain management and carry a significant risk of dependence. The discomfort of withdrawal symptoms can compel many to continue using opioids, even when it negatively affects their lives.

What Do Downers Do?

Downers, commonly referred to as depressants, have a sedative effect on users, with some causing a ‘calm high.’ Depressants slow down the central nervous system mainly by affecting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to side effects like relaxation, drowsiness, and decreased inhibition. Some downers, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, also act on dopamine levels, which induces feelings of pleasure and relaxation in a similar manner to uppers. This mechanism encourages users to repeatedly seek out these effects.

Much like stimulants, downers can activate the brain’s reward pathways, encouraging individuals to continually use the substance. With ongoing use, the brain adapts to the presence of the depressant, leading to withdrawal symptoms when it is absent, which can make it challenging for individuals to stop use. Over time, this pattern of use can escalate into dependence and ultimately, addiction. Furthermore, both stimulants and depressants can negatively affect mental health when misused, potentially triggering or worsening existing mental health conditions.  In cases where a person struggles with both addiction and mental health issues, dual diagnosis treatment may be necessary.   

How Living Longer Can Help People Who Are Abusing Upper and Downer Drugs

Addiction to upper and downer drugs can happen to anyone, even when they use their prescriptions as directed by a physician. Addiction is a chronic disorder that involves compulsive behaviors, which is what makes substance abuse so difficult to overcome without appropriate support. Living Longer Recovery has developed a comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program designed to help individuals successfully overcome their dependencies.  We offer a range of treatment programs, including 12-step programs, residential inpatient care, and detox services. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of our patients, incorporating evidence-based therapies that help identify triggers, foster healthy habits, and restore lives and relationships.

If you would like to learn more about Living Longer Recovery’s extensive addiction treatment programs, please call one of our intake specialists at 866-714-3294.

External Sources

PubMed – Motivations for concurrent use of uppers and downers among people who access harm reduction services in British Columbia, Canada 

Britannica – Stimulants 

University of Lethbridge – Downers