Is Alcohol a Depressant? Understanding How Alcohol Affects Your Mind and Body

Overview

Alcohol is among the most commonly used substances globally although there is a lot of misconception about the effects it has on the brain and the body. Others become relaxed when they have drunk and some become energized or even impulsive. And where does alcohol fit in?

In case alcohol can make you quite relaxed, sleepy, talkative or even reckless- just what is it doing to your brain? The knowledge of whether alcohol is a depressant or stimulant can assist you to make better decisions concerning your mental and physical condition.

Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Yes, alcohol is considered to be a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This implies that it decelerates the functioning of the brain and disrupts the communication process of the nerve cells. Alcohol increases the action of GABA, the neurotransmitter that produces relaxation and inhibits glutamate, the neurotransmitter that increases the brain activities. The outcome is retarded reflexes, poor judgment, and loss of coordination.

Alcohol can influence the functioning of the brain even in little doses. The more it is consumed, the greater are its depressant effects - drowsiness, confusion, and in very extreme cases, suffocation of breathing.

Is Alcohol a Stimulant or a Depressant?

Alcohol as such is a depressant, but initially it may be addictive. Alcohol at an early stage of consumption activates dopamine, which gives one a sense of enjoyment, confidence, and sociability. This primary buzz usually makes people think that alcohol is a stimulant.

But with more alcohol in the blood, depressant effects prevail. This is soon followed by slowed thinking, poor motor control, emotional instability and fatigue. This change is the reason that the accidents and risky behaviors by alcohol are augmented and persist in drinking.

The Difference Between Depressants and Stimulants

The cognition of substance types gives a better idea of the actual purpose of alcohol:

• Depressants slow down the brain, cause a decrease in anxiety and relaxation or sedation. Such include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep pills.

• Stimulants elevate the alertness, energy and heart rate. Widely known are caffeine, nicotine and amphetamines.

It is not the alcohol that stimulates the brain but merely weakening the inhibition, which gives an illusion of being stimulated.

Alcohol and Mental Health

Mental health has a complicated and usually destructive association with alcohol. Although there are individuals who have been taking alcohol to alleviate stress levels, anxiety, or even depression, alcohol in fact exacerbates the situation. Being a depressant, it may aggravate depressive symptoms, interfere with sleep patterns, and make one more anxious, particularly when he or she is withdrawing.

Mood disorder, memory disturbance and emotional instability are closely associated with long-term alcohol consumption. To those people who already have mental health issues, alcohol may disrupt the treatment process and postpone recovery.

Side Effects of Alcohol and Other Depressants

Alcohol has numerous side effects with other depressants that include:

• Diffused speech and decreased response time.

• Faulty judgment and decision-making.

• Memory lapses or blackouts

• Change in mood such as irritability or sadness.

• Heightened overdose potential with the use of other depressants.

With prolonged use, tolerance, dependence, liver damage and severe neurological consequences may occur.

Conclusion

Alcohol is a pure depressant despite the initial effect that it may seem to have a stimulating effect. Its effects on the brain have the ability to influence mood, behavior and even mental health- in some cases permanently. Knowing the effects of alcohol will enable you to be able to identify when to be cautious and get some assistance when necessary.

You can seek support in case alcohol consumption is negatively impacting on your life or mental health. Call Palm Coast Treatment Solutions today at (386) 284-4151 to receive quality caring and professional help on the way to recovery.