“Uppers” is a colloquial term for stimulants, drugs that elevate energy, alertness and mood, often increasing self-confidence and sexual prowess. These substances work by accelerating communication between the brain and the central nervous system. The euphoria from uppers, though invigorating, stresses the body by excessively boosting cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Post-use, users typically experience exhaustion and depression, leading them to seek more uppers to avoid the “crash.”
While legal stimulants like coffee or ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta) can enhance focus, excessive use risks cardiac issues like high blood pressure and heart failure. This risk is magnified with illicit stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine, Nicotine), which are potent with no safe usage levels. Understanding the various nicknames for these drugs, such as “speed,” “jelly beans,” “addys” for amphetamines or “crank,” “ice,” “bump” for meth and “coke,” “dust,” “snow” for cocaine, can be important in identifying substance use.
The history of uppers is as varied as the substances themselves.
Amphetamines, for example, were first synthesized in the late 19th century and saw extensive use during World War II to keep soldiers alert. In the decades following, their use for conditions like depression and obesity became common. Illicit stimulants, such as cocaine, have a longer history with uses dating back centuries in traditional practices in South America.
Types of Uppers
- Amphetamines
Used medically for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, these prescription drugs are often abused for their energizing effects. - Cocaine
An illegal drug derived from the coca plant, it’s known for a short-lived high, characterised by intense euphoria and energy. - Methamphetamine
Similar to amphetamines but with a higher potency, it’s associated with severe health risks and high potential for addiction. - Caffeine
The most socially accepted upper, found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, it’s used daily by millions to combat fatigue and enhance concentration.
While uppers can temporarily increase alertness and energy, they come with a slew of potential health risks. These include increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia and in extreme cases, heart attacks or strokes. Chronic use can lead to psychological dependence, where you may feel unable to function without the drug. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression can make quitting challenging.
The potential for addiction to uppers is high due to their impact on the brain’s reward system. Regular use can alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to dependence and addiction. This cycle is often exacerbated by the ‘crash’ that follows the high, where users may seek more of the drug to avoid negative feelings.
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Rehab care is a good option if you are at risk of experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try stop a substance. This option would also be recommended if you have experienced recurrent relapses or if you have tried a less-intensive treatment without success.
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