17 Jun Stimulant Vs Depressant: Why You Need To Know The Difference

Stimulants and depressants are two classes of drugs that can impact the way you feel. Some are considered illicit while others are legal and can be obtained over-the-counter or by prescription. Today, we discuss the difference between a stimulant vs depressant.

Stimulants

As the name suggests, ‘stimulants’ stimulate the central nervous system, temporarily giving the user a higher level of alertness and increased energy. Certain stimulants may also give the user a euphoric high.

Some stimulants are legal and may be prescribed by doctors to treat specific conditions, such as amphetamines. Others can be obtained over the counter, such as nicotine or caffeine products.

Illegal stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine are highly addictive. These drugs can be dangerous, especially if the user overdoses on them. This risk is considerably higher if the drug has been blended with flour, sugar, or other additives prior to sale, as there is no way to know how much of a drug the user is actually ingesting at a given time.

Depressants

Despite how the name sounds, depressants don’t cause you to feel depressed. They slow down the central nervous system, reduce alertness, and also depress breathing and heart rate.

Legal depressants are widely available as prescriptions from doctors to help patients manage certain conditions; these include benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Alcohol is another commonly used legal depressant.

Heroin is a common illegal depressant that is highly addictive. In addition to the potential of overdose, this drug poses additional risks with unsterilized equipment, impurities in the drug itself, or dangerous interactions with other drugs – illicit or otherwise.

Why should you know the difference between a stimulant vs depressant?

As mentioned, some stimulants and depressants are legal while others aren’t. It’s important to know which you are taking since drugs work on your body in such different ways. The conflicting messages your body receives can yield unpredictable results.

If you are taking prescription medications, your doctor should have already reviewed your current medications to avoid unwanted interactions. (Remember: prescription medications should always be taken exactly as directed by your doctor!)

For individuals using illegal drugs, it’s best to seek addiction recovery treatment. This will help you avoid the health, personal, and financial issues that come with addiction. It will also prevent the potential of an accidental overdose.