Uppers and Downers
By: Administrator
Updated: May 30, 2010
Uppers and DownersThey are called uppers and downers. They are also known as stimulants and depressants. Teens that abuse uppers and downers usually suffer from a decrease in activity or an increase in activity in the CNS (central nervous system). Uppers and downers are used to treat ailments such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, or schizophrenia. While these drugs can help normalize the nervous system and its functions they can cause serious and often permanent damage to your teen.
Uppers and downers that are abused include:
*cocaine
*ketamine
*opium
*morphine
*speed
*heroin
*alcohol
*benzodiazepines (sleeping medications, tranquilizers)
*cannabis
*ecstasy
*tobacco
*solvents (gases, aerosols, glues)
Damaging effects of uppers and downers:
*overdose
*loss of consciousness
*permanent damage to the liver
*permanent damage to the heart
*fatigue
*negatively affects short-term memory
*negatively affects ability to concentrate
*feeling anxious
*feeling paranoid
*cause respiratory disorders (including lung cancer)
*depression
*permanent damage to your kidneys
*sharing heroin needles elevates the risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis
*instant death (even when used for the first time)
*elevated risk of stroke
*elevated risk of permanent brain damage
*elevated risk of SCA (sudden cardiac arrest)
*elevated risk of heart attack
