Stimulants and depressants are two very different types of drugs with varying effects on the body. However, both stimulants and depressants can be addictive when used regularly, and addiction to either requires professional addiction treatment.
Painted Desert Recovery offers depressant or stimulant addiction treatment for women struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). Call 844.540.0357 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team about stimulant vs. depressant differences and our New Harmony, Utah, stimulant addiction treatment and depressant addiction treatment programs for women.
Stimulant vs. Depressant: What Are the Differences?
Stimulants and depressants are two different types of drugs with different effects on the body. While stimulants—such as cocaine and methamphetamine—increase energy and activity levels, depressants have a calming effect. Depressants include alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Both stimulants and depressants can be addictive when used regularly, and addiction to either requires professional treatment. Painted Desert Recovery offers stimulant addiction treatment in Utah for those struggling with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine. We also provide alcohol and benzodiazepine rehab for those addicted to these depressants.
What Is a Stimulant?
A stimulant is a type of drug that increases activity in the brain, producing the effects of increased alertness, attentiveness, and energy. Stimulants can affect the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Common stimulants include the following:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Although it’s not an illicit substance, caffeine is also an addictive stimulant. Like drinking alcohol, caffeine use has been normalized by society.
What Is a Depressant?
Depressants are drugs that slow down normal brain function and decrease activity in some brain regions. Depressants also affect the cardiovascular system by slowing heart rate and respiration. Common depressants include the following:
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
Opioids that are prescription medications—such as OxyContin—are still addictive. The same is true for prescription benzos like Valium or Xanax.
How Does Stimulant Addiction Develop?
Stimulants increase energy and alertness while releasing dopamine in the brain. This process can lead to feelings of pleasure, creating a strong urge to use stimulants repeatedly. Stimulants also increase energy and activity levels. This is precisely why some stimulants are used as study drugs. People who use stimulants for this purpose often develop an addiction to them. When stimulant use is continued over time, it can cause physical and psychological dependence.
When stimulant use is stopped abruptly, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, increased appetite, or intense cravings. These troubling symptoms and other dangers of stimulant addiction highlight the need for professional help in overcoming this SUD.
What to Expect from Stimulant Addiction Treatment
Stimulant addiction treatment is essential to recovery from stimulant abuse and addiction. At New Harmony, Utah, we offer stimulant addiction treatment to help women overcome stimulant abuse and gain control over their lives. Our stimulant addiction treatment program includes the following:
- Aftercare planning
- Individual and group counseling
- Life skills training
- Medication management
- Nutrition therapy
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Trauma-informed care
Stimulant drug treatment aims to help you learn how to manage your stimulant use safely if you need it for medical purposes. Otherwise, the goal is for you to stop taking it altogether. In addition to providing support during recovery, our stimulant addiction treatment program also helps individuals learn new coping skills they can use throughout their lives.
At New Harmony, Utah, we understand the challenges of stimulant addiction and are here to provide you with the support you need for a successful recovery. We can help you on your journey toward healing by offering stimulant addiction treatment in a caring and compassionate environment. Contact us today to learn more about our stimulant addiction treatment program.
Find Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Utah at Painted Desert Recovery
Contact Painted Desert Recovery today at 844.540.0357 to learn more about our stimulant addiction treatment in Utah and how it can help you on your journey toward recovery. Together, we can get through this. We look forward to helping you find peace and happiness in recovery.
