Alcohol is one of the most commonly used addictive substances. It can help you wind down after a stressful day or enhance your mood in social or celebratory situations. But is alcohol a depressant, a stimulant, or a different type of drug altogether? It can be a bit confusing since some people feel more sedated when drinking while others feel energized. Getting to know what type of drug alcohol is and its effects can help you understand how it impacts your mind and body and what you can do to protect yourself from its potentially harmful effects.
While alcohol can make you feel more relaxed and social, it can also put you at considerable risk for health complications. If you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, you need the help of My 5 Palms alcohol rehab in Florida. To find out which of our alcohol addiction treatment programs is right for you, call us at 1.844.675.1022.
Is Alcohol a Depressant?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant alongside barbiturates, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Depressants are substances that slow down the activity of the central nervous system, which reduces arousal and stimulation in the brain. Since alcohol depresses the central nervous system, it fits into the category of depressants.
What Are the Depressant Effects of Alcohol?
When you drink alcohol, you will start to experience the depressant effects within a short time. Some examples are:
Muscle Relaxation
Alcohol can relax specific muscles in the body since it slows down nerve activity.
Mood Changes
Moderate amounts of alcohol can make you feel happier and more relaxed. However, as the effects wear off, you might notice feelings of sadness or irritability. Also, some people respond differently to alcohol and become more aggressive when drinking.
Lowered Inhibition and Impaired Judgment
Alcohol can affect your judgment and decision-making skills while also making you feel less self-conscious than you would be when sober. This can lead to engaging in risky behaviors or making decisions that you wouldn’t otherwise make and may regret later.
Impaired Coordination and Slurred Speech
As a depressant, alcohol slows the functioning of the brain, which impairs motor coordination and can make you more susceptible to accidents. This also explains why people who are intoxicated slur their speech.
Impaired Cognitive Function
When alcohol depresses cognitive function, you can find it more difficult to pay attention or remember things. This also makes it harder to process information effectively.
Potential Dangers of Alcohol and Other Depressants
The depressant effects of alcohol can also have serious consequences. Using alcohol and other depressants can put you at risk of the following:
- Mental health issues – Just as the name suggests, depressants can lead to depression. As the effects wear off, you can experience low mood and, in severe cases, even suicidal thoughts.
- Accidents and injuries – The combination of impaired coordination and lowered inhibition can cause you to participate in dangerous activities like driving under the influence. This makes you more likely to be involved in an accident or get injured.
- Assault – Since alcohol impairs your judgment, you might put yourself into situations that make you more vulnerable to assault or rape.
- Drug interactions – Combining alcohol with another depressant can slow your body’s functions to dangerously low levels. This could mean having difficulty breathing or going into a coma.
In addition to the above dangers, you can do irreparable damage to your liver while also putting yourself at risk of developing an addiction.
Get Help for Alcohol Addiction at My 5 Palms Today
While moderate amounts of alcohol can make people feel euphoric and more relaxed, regular consumption can lead to excessive drinking for some. If you find yourself struggling to moderate your consumption or notice withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit drinking, you need the support of an alcohol rehab. Reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 or submit our online contact form. Let us help you change your life today.
