Stimulants and depressants are the two major categories of addictive drugs. While depressants slow down the central nervous system, stimulants speed it up. Understanding the effects of depressants vs stimulants enables you to recognize signs of an overdose, addiction, and abuse. Recreational drug use has become common especially among men and women.
Some of the commonly abused stimulants include cocaine, nicotine, caffeine, ecstasy, and Ritalin. Depressants include socially and legally approved intoxicants, various types of painkillers and anxiety medications, and illegal street drugs. They lead to a feeling of sleepiness, relaxation, and peace. Common depressants include alcohol, codeine, morphine, heroin, and Xanax.
Common Health Effects of Depressants vs Stimulants
The drugs have some similar effects and some distinct ones.
Consequences of Using Stimulants
Stimulants lead to adverse side effects when the drugs leave the system. Men and women who use stimulants develop symptoms like depression, inability to focus, and fatigue. The drugs increase blood pressure and heart rates making them risky for individuals with heart problems. Stimulants also cause negative psychological side effects on people with paranoia issues, panic disorder, and anxiety. Stroke, heart attack, and heart failure are among the effects of a stimulant overdose.
Other symptoms include:
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Racing pulse
- Irregular breathing
- Chills
Long-term abuse of stimulants leads to inflammation of the heart muscles or weakening of artery walls. Stimulants may also block the flow of blood to the gastrointestinal tract causing tears and ulcers. Research shows that long-term stimulant abuse causes permanent changes to the brain. It reduces the white substance responsible for decision-making, stress management, and impulse control. Stimulants like cocaine have a connection with Parkinson’s disease.
The Outcomes of Using Depressants
Depressants are often mixed with others to strengthen the euphoric effects. This increases the risks of overdosing. The drugs slow down the central nervous system, affecting the functions of the heart and lungs. Taking an overdose of depressants leads to coma, brain damage, and even death. Some of the symptoms of an overdose include floppy legs or arms, unconsciousness, shallow or no breathing, clammy or cold skin, and disorientation.
The overdose of prescription opioids has led to increased deaths in recent years. Heavy abuse of alcohol causes liver failure or damage, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. Depressant abuse also leads to brain damage and various types of cancer. They slow down the digestive system causing colon cancer and chronic constipation. Long-term depressants use causes psychological depression, panic attacks, and anxiety. Sexual dysfunction and insomnia are also common among those who use depressants.
Gender-Specific Sober Living
The District Recovery Community ensures that men and women struggling with drug addiction adopt a life of sobriety. Depression vs stimulant addiction can take a toll on one’s life. It requires a community of dedicated people to help one rebuild their lives. Aside from the medication-assisted treatment offered to addicts of depressants vs stimulants, other after-care programs are also offered.
Programs Offered
Some of the men’s and women’s sober living programs provided by the recovery community include:
- On-site management: Staff members and house managers ensure responsibility, hospitality, and safety among the guests.
- Community activities: It entails community bonding activities every six to eight weeks -snowboarding, skiing, camping, and paint-balling.
- Tutoring: Young men and women who require to learn important skills or go back to school receive tutoring in the recovery community. Some of the topics include how to handle finances rationally.
- Personal accountability: Peer leaders help every man in the program to develop a personal sense of accountability.
- Job assistance: The recovery community helps the young men and women to discover their passion and strengths and secure employment in the field they prefer.
- Workout and nutrition plans: The program provides nutritional planning sessions and individualized personal training. Certified nutritionists and trainers help the men and women reach fitness and health goals for a healthy recovery.
Find the Best Sober Living Services at The District Recovery
Don’t allow addiction to take away the productive years of your life. Seek the help of a professional to help you overcome your struggle and understand how to find the proper treatment for depressants vs stimulants. Contact us at 844.287.8506 and begin your journey to sobriety and better living.
