Blog · Stimulants · Phoenixville · Center City Philadelphia · Avondale
"Uppers" and "downers" are street shorthand for two opposite classes of drug — stimulants that speed the body up, and depressants that slow it down. Almost nobody uses only one.
We treat both, at our Phoenixville, Center City Philadelphia and Avondale offices and through virtual IOP anywhere in Pennsylvania. Here is what each does, what they're called, and where the fatal risk actually sits.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Noah Bass, MD — Medical Director.
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Stimulants raise heart rate, blood pressure and dopamine. They produce energy, confidence and appetite loss, followed by a crash.
Depressants slow breathing, heart rate and brain activity. They produce calm and sedation — and they are where overdose deaths concentrate.
Never stop alcohol or benzodiazepines on your own. That withdrawal can cause seizures. Call us at (610) 233-4342 and we'll arrange safe detox first.
The instant check reviews pending admissions, therapist caseloads and open group spots across all three Pennsylvania offices and virtual IOP.
People mix to "balance" — a stimulant to stay awake through the depressant, or a depressant to come down off the stimulant. The problem is the drugs don't cancel each other out; they mask each other's warning signs while both are still working on your heart and lungs.
Stimulant deaths involving fentanyl have risen sharply, in large part because fentanyl now shows up in cocaine and counterfeit pills.[2] Someone who has never used opioids can die from a line of cocaine that was cut with fentanyl. Carry naloxone (Narcan) — it is free at Pennsylvania pharmacies and it reverses opioid overdose.[3]
Choose the right schedule
Start with the support you need now, then step down as recovery becomes more stable.
About 6 hours a day · 5 days a week
Our most structured outpatient level of care, with a full clinical day at our Phoenixville, Philadelphia or Avondale office while you continue living at home.
Explore our PHP program →9–15 hours a week · Day or evening
A flexible in-person schedule for people who need substantial addiction treatment while balancing work, school, family or a step down from PHP.
Explore our IOP program →Secure online care · Statewide access
Clinically appropriate Pennsylvania residents can join structured groups and therapy from home without traveling to one of our three offices.
Explore our statewide virtual IOP →2215 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Serving Phoenixville, Kimberton, Royersford, Collegeville, Spring City, Pottstown, King of Prussia, Norristown, Malvern, Exton, Downingtown and West Chester.
Learn about our Phoenixville office →1026 Winter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Serving Center City, Chinatown, Washington Square West, Rittenhouse, South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, University City and the Main Line.
Learn about our Philadelphia office →1284 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, PA 19311
Serving Avondale, Kennett Square, West Grove, Oxford, Landenberg, Coatesville and the Route 41 corridor of southern Chester County.
Learn about our Avondale office →Virtual IOP is available to residents anywhere in Pennsylvania. Call (610) 233-4342 to ask which option fits your schedule.
Insurance accepted
Don't see your plan? Call (610) 233-4342 — we'll check your benefits.
Need detox or inpatient first?
If you need medical detox or a residential stay before outpatient care, call us — we'll help coordinate placement with trusted partners and plan your step-down into our PHP or IOP when you're ready.
Uppers are stimulants that speed up the central nervous system — cocaine, meth, prescription stimulants. Downers are depressants that slow it down — opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol.
Usually to manage the other drug's effects — something to sleep after stimulants, or something to stay functional while sedated. It hides overdose warning signs and strains the heart and lungs at the same time.
It's rarely medically dangerous, but the depression and cravings are severe. Depressant withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can be life-threatening and needs medical supervision.
Yes. Most people we admit are using more than one substance, and treatment plans address the whole picture rather than one drug.
What isolation did to recovery in PA — and why virtual IOP is here to stay.
Read article →Zaza slang, tianeptine, and why the 'gas station heroin' label stuck.
Read article →The crash, the depression, the cravings — and where week two goes wrong.
Read article →What AA does that therapy can't, what therapy adds, and how we combine them.
Read article →This article is educational and is not medical advice. If someone is in danger, call 911.
We'll check your benefits, recommend a level of care and tell you what's open this week in Phoenixville, Center City Philadelphia, Avondale or virtual IOP.