What Drugs are Considered “Uppers”?
Hundreds of substances can be addicting, including different types of illegal and prescription drugs. However, different drugs, like “uppers” and “downers”, have different effects on the human body. “Uppers”, in particular, come in many forms and affect a person in a number of ways.
“Uppers” Explained
The term “uppers” is slang for a type of drug categorized as a stimulant. Drugs in the stimulant category cause increased activity in the human body. By increasing activity, stimulants enhance performance and sensitivity. Because of this, users typically experience increased energy and focus since their mental and physical processes have been sped up. Altogether, the feelings and experiences of “uppers” — along with releases of dopamine in the brain — provide users with a sense of euphoria.
What Illegal Drugs are “Uppers”?
There are several illicit drugs that fall in the stimulant category. These drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Crack Cocaine
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
While these drugs provide different effects when ingested, they are each “uppers” that will give a user increased energy and sensitivity.
What Legal Drugs are “Uppers”?
Not all “uppers” are illegal. There are several legal, prescription drugs that also fit into the classification of a stimulant. Legal “uppers” include:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
Although these drugs can be beneficial when taken as prescribed, they can also be addictive and cause serious side effects to any user who develops a stimulant addiction.
The Effects of a Stimulant Addiction
When taken consistently over prolonged periods of time, “uppers” can have several serious side effects. While some of these effects depend on the specific drug, most stimulants share some similar, adverse effects.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
In either form, cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Though the effects are often short-lived, they are immense, making it easy for anyone to become addicted to the drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine addiction can lead to numerous adverse side effects, including loss of smell, lung problems, weight loss, and an increased risk for strokes, seizures, and neurological problems.
Methamphetamine and Amphetamine
Like cocaine, methamphetamine, more commonly called “meth”, and amphetamine are powerful stimulants. However, the effects of meth and amphetamine last far longer than cocaine, typically over several hours. Methamphetamine and amphetamine cause significant changes in the brain, rewiring it for addictive behavior. However, these drugs can cause a number of other effects as well. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the side effects of long-term methamphetamine and amphetamine use can lead to anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, paranoia, memory loss, violent behavior, and weight loss.
Prescription Stimulants
Unlike cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine, prescription stimulants can offer users some benefits. However, even prescription stimulants can be addictive. If abused, these stimulants can also have adverse side effects. The side effects of a prescription stimulant addiction include:
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Cardiovascular complications
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Manic states
- Stunted growth (in children and teens)
No matter what form a stimulant takes, these drugs can lead to some serious effects on a person’s physical and mental health, especially when used repeatedly over prolonged periods of time. To avoid these adverse effects, anyone with a stimulant addiction should seek professional treatment at a rehabilitation facility.
Searching for a Rehab in North Carolina?
“Uppers” are stimulating drugs that can increase energy and focus. However, when abused, they can have a number of serious side effects. Illegal stimulants like cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine should be avoided at all costs, and legal, prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin should be used with caution.
If you or a loved one is currently living with stimulant addiction, help is available! At Oasis Recovery, our team of addiction specialists and medical professionals can offer you or your loved one life-saving treatment to help enter and stay in recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the addiction treatments and programs we offer in North Carolina!
