Depressants and Stimulants

There are two broad types of drugs: depressants and stimulants. Depressants, also known as “downers,” slow down the brain and nervous system. Stimulants, or “uppers,” speed up the brain and nervous system. Mixing drugs can be dangerous. Taking two depressants at the same time can slow down your body extremely and make it hard to control your movements. Taking a stimulant and a depressant together can make your body work harder to deal with both of the effects. Taking two stimulants can speed your body up by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature to dangerous levels. Mixing drugs of any kind can make you more likely to overdose.