• Question: what is the difference between stimulants and depressants and their effects on us/our brains?

    Asked by mohsinsaeeed to Suzi on 21 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 21 Jun 2011:

      Hi @mohsinsaeeed
      Thanks for this question, it’s a great one.
      Stimulants make us feel more awake, and depressants, as you might expect, relax you.
      With regards to body responses, stimulants can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, whereas depressants can slow them down.
      They can also differentially effect the levels of different chemicals in the brain. Opiates like heroin which are depressants can act on the opiate systems in the brain, stimulants like cocaine can act on the dopamine system.

      I hope this helps, let me know if you want more info!

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