These medications have been specifically designed to treat insomnia and other problems related to sleep. Prescription sleep aids work differently than benzos or barbiturates in how they stimulate GABA production. Unlike benzos, sleep aids do not directly relieve anxiety. They are thought, however, to have fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction than benzos.
Despite this, long-term use and abuse can still result in some level of dependence. Muscle relaxers are commonly used to treat acute muscle problems, such as tension, as well as chronic pain conditions that involve muscle spasms. These medications work to reduce muscle tone, relax tight muscles, and relieve pain and discomfort. Like sleep aids, muscle relaxers generally have a lower potential for addiction than many other depressants, such as benzos.
That said, if they are used in conjunction with other downers, effects can be compounded and result in profound CNS depression. Antipsychotics are prescription drugs indicated for the treatment of mental health disorders with symptoms such as psychotic experiences. Antipsychotics may also be used to relieve severe depression or anxiety.
Antipsychotics have less potential for abuse and addiction than many other prescription downers and alcohol. Nevertheless, like muscle relaxers, using them in addition to other CNS depressants may be dangerous.
Opioids are technically classified as painkillers, but they also have some depressant properties. There are a variety of different opioids, including prescription medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit street drugs, such as heroin. All opiates and opioids are chemically similar and, therefore, have similar effects. They do, however, vary tremendously in terms of potency and addictive potential.
Although opioids are considered very effective at treating pain, there can be many drawbacks to using them. For example, many opioids, such as heroin and oxycodone, are highly addictive, and use or abuse can rapidly lead to dependence and addiction.
In addition to relaxation and drowsiness, downer drugs can also induce a variety of other effects, many of which are adverse. Another risk is becoming addicted to multiple drugs simultaneously. In , The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry noted that benzodiazepines are usually a secondary drug abuse. People typically took the downer to augment the high from another substance or to offset the adverse effects of other drugs. A person addicted to uppers may use downers in an attempt to control the symptoms, but this can result in an addiction to both the stimulant and the depressant.
If an addiction to one or more substances does occur, professional rehabilitation offers the most efficient path to recovery. Rehab professionals also create aftercare plans to empower the recovery after the primary treatment is complete. In particular, recovering addicts are strongly encouraged to engage in local support groups and connect with a recovery sponsor.
As a result, the heart and liver are subjected to prolonged stress, and sudden death can occur even several hours after using cocaine with alcohol. When a person is not properly hydrated, he or she may experience dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, and disorientation. If the dehydration persists, vital organs can be damaged, and death can occur. Dehydration may be further amplified by the physical exhaustion and strain on multiple bodily systems that results from using substances with conflicting effects.
These are just a few of the complications that could result from combining uppers and downers. Every person is unique, and some may encounter different side effects than others. A significant risk of using uppers and downers together is that a person may become addicted to multiple drugs concurrently. A person with an addiction to a substance may resort to the abuse of another in a misguided attempt to control the symptoms of the original addiction.
However, this never works, and instead can drive a person into a self-perpetuating cycle of substance abuse, making each addiction worse than it would be on its own. If an addiction to one or more substances occurs, professional treatment offers the most efficient path to recovery. Importantly, rehab centers such as Recovery By The Sea can provide medical and emotional support during detox and will ensure that patients are as safe and comfortable as possible. Please do not continue to make the dangerous decision to continue using uppers and downers—the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.
If you or someone you love are struggling to overcome an addiction, we can help. Call us today and start your journey to a new life without drugs or alcohol! On This Page:. Dizziness Sweating Insomnia. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1, member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than million Americans.
He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders.
James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In , James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober.
James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction. Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is a certified A. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery.
With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. With a robust foundation in step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff.
Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery. Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder.
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