Though it might have energizing effects, alcohol is a depressant substance. Alcohol impacts your central nervous system (CNS), which alters how your brain and your body’s nerves interact.
Depressants affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This could result in adverse side effects like relaxation, tiredness, slurred speech, diminished inhibition, and coordination issues. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period can result in more severe symptoms like memory loss, coma, and even death if not treated.
How Antidepressants Impact the Body and Mind
Alcohol has several stimulant effects, including elevated heart rate, alertness, and aggression, which lead to the misunderstanding that it is a stimulant.
Alcohol may boost self-esteem and confidence in some people. Additionally, it can lessen anxiety and give certain users an energizing or chatty mood. Drinking can also feel satisfying because alcohol causes the release of dopamine, which makes you want to keep drinking. However, these “feel good” stimulant effects are transient.
Since they often lessen stimulation, depressants are also referred to as “downers.” Other depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotic medications, and blood alcohol concentration (also known as ethanol). Among the most popular depressants are:
- Xanax
- Halcion
- Klonopin
- Valium
These medications are commonly used to treat anxiety, lessen discomfort, ease muscular spasms, sleep disturbances, and other mental health problems.
While some are riskier, all induce the CNS to slow down and produce reduced levels of awareness in the brain functions. The substance with the highest usage and social acceptance worldwide is alcohol, yet it is also one of the easiest to abuse. Alcohol is a typical psychoactive substance that affects your emotions, thoughts, and consciousness. Although it may be alluring to drink for its “mood-boosting” effects, it might result in alcoholism or alcohol dependence.
Typical Adverse Effects
The effects of alcohol vary depending on your personal history, genetics, body size, gender, tolerance, and other essential characteristics, as well as how much and how quickly you drink.
Alcohol usage frequently has negative repercussions, such as:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Inability to coordinate
- Unsteady speech
- Distorted vision
- Headache
- Decreased response and reaction time
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Impairment of mental capacity
- The breath slowly
- Consciousness loss
- Errors in memory
Alcohol toxicity, respiratory failure, unconsciousness, or death can result from excessive drinking. Mental confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness, a slow heartbeat, a low body temperature, a bluish complexion, and uneven breathing are only a few of the indications of an overdose.
The following are a few long-term repercussions of alcohol abuse:
- Injuries
- liver illness
- A cardiovascular condition
- Persistent health issues
- Anxiety/Depression
Long-term alcohol use disorder is also strongly associated with both cancer and suicide.
Complications Of Depressant Alcohol
According to studies, heavy drinkers are more likely than light or non-drinkers to feel the stimulating and gratifying effects of alcohol rather than the soothing ones.
They may be more likely to develop an alcohol consumption disorder (AUD). When a person drinks, it can be unhealthy, regardless of their propensity for alcohol abuse or dependence. Therefore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against binge drinking, heavy drinking, and drinking problem while pregnant or if you are under the age of 21, whenever it is possible.
Alcohol alters the chemicals in your brain, which affects your thoughts and behaviors even if it may feel wonderful to drink. The hazards increase as your blood alcohol content (BAC) does. Alcohol abuse can harm your physical and mental well-being and others around you, mainly if you engage in risky activities like driving, having sex without protection, or fighting while intoxicated.
Treating an Addiction to Alcohol
No matter how bad your alcohol abuse is, smart recovery is possible. The therapy strategy most effective for you and your circumstances can be decided upon when you meet with a mental health specialist. Therapy or medication may be used as a kind of drink treatment.
Medication
You may be prescribed medication to treat your alcohol withdrawal symptoms or to lessen your alcohol cravings and depressant drugs. Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are the choices that have FDA approval.
Naltrexone can also be used to cut back on drinking problems without quitting. The Sinclair Method, which encourages people to take naltrexone when drinking problems, tries to limit drinking. People may find drinking less pleasurable and gradually consume less since the medicine suppresses the reward signals.
Therapy
There are various varieties of therapy, for example, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-specific therapy, and individual, family, or group therapy. Alcoholics Anonymous, Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), and Women for Sobriety (WFS) are a few options for support groups.
Researchers state that be aware that other programs are accessible because what works for you might not work for someone else.
Everyone is affected by alcohol and depressant drugs a little bit differently. Your responses will vary even if you both consume the same alcoholic beverage at the same rate. It’s critical to remember that alcohol is a depressant and that excessive consumption can result in an overdose.
Avoid further damage to your physical and emotional health, money, relationships, and health. It’s critical to get help if excessive drinking becomes a problem.
Maintaining Control
According to the United States (US), men and women should not consistently consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week, according to the Chief Medical Officers of the United States (US). It is safest to divide your drinking evenly over three or more days if you typically consume this small amount of alcohol. Regular drinking increases your risk of developing several severe mental health issues and physical health conditions.
Setting aside a few days each week when you don’t drink is an excellent strategy to reduce your overall intake. Additionally, stay away from drinking excessively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is alcohol an emotional depressant?
Alcohol is a depressant that alters the serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain, which are naturally associated with happiness. This means that even while you’ll have an initial “boost” the night before, you’ll lack these same chemicals the next day, which could make you feel worried, sad, or depressed.
Is alcohol an upper or downer?
Alcohol is a depressant because it affects the central nervous system depressant. Alcohol addiction is regarded as the world’s most addictive and abused substance due to its legality and accessibility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that alcohol use disorder contributes to about 95,000 fatalities annually. Among these fatalities include liver failure, alcohol poisoning, and accidents involving alcohol.
Why does alcohol make you happy if it’s a depressant?
Due to the depressive properties of alcohol, you could experience depression after drinking. Alcohol addiction frequently appears to have a stimulating impact at first. This is because drinking activates the reward system in your brain and causes dopamine release.
Find Support at The Haven
Don’t battle your addiction alone. The Haven is here to support you in your recovery. Our state-of-the-art facility in Southern Florida is one of the best places in the country to recover from an addiction. We provide a safe, comfortable, home-like environment with 24/7 monitoring from our professional medical staff.
Our proven detox methods, effective behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare support equip patients with everything they need for long-term recovery. Our rehab center has helped thousands of patients get back to living a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol.
Help your loved one today and call us at (561) 328-8627. Our admissions counselors are always available and happy to answer any questions you have.
