Uppers and Downers

Drugs are commonly placed into two categories: uppers and downers. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but let’s dive into a short explanation of each one. Uppers are known as stimulants, which increase energy and excitement. They are trademarked by feel-good highs. Adderall, Ritalin, and Cocaine are just a few to name. On the other hand, downers refer to depressants or sedatives. They create a sense of calm in bouts of anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. Xanax, heroin, and Valium are common downer drugs.

Because these drugs can be used for harm, doctors allow them on a prescription basis, under certain terms and direction. In every case, always listen to a doctor’s orders; never take a pill more than prescribed on the label.

When you start to use these drugs, prescription or not, it can be easy to slip into an unhealthy state. They create a sense of calm or energy in the brain, which initially feels good. Once that becomes something you crave and “need,” addiction starts to come into play. Remember that these medications create a false sense of security. They are not meant to be relied on, they are meant to restore a person to a healthy state, or in situations that are necessary for focus or relaxation.

Think about the logic behind an addiction for a moment. It is craving a particular feeling, the high, on a constant basis. It is feeling the need of this substance to function. Instead of dealing with the problem at hand, it masks and hides it, and ends up creating a new problem: an addiction.

If you ever feel the “need” for drug use, or cannot cope with your feelings, reach out to your doctor, trusted friend, or family member. Help is always available.