Is Alcohol A Depressant
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What Is Considered Standard Drinking
Often, people think that the amount of alcoholic beverages one can tolerate without being drunk is considered standard drinking. However, this simplistic rule of thumb may be problematic for some because they end up having alcohol tolerance. This means that they need larger amounts of alcohol over time in order to achieve the same effect.
In NIAAA, there are specific guidelines that people can follow on the standard amounts per alcoholic beverage. It is important to know that the standard serving is dependent on the type of drink, and also the alcoholic content of each beverage.
Here are some of the guidelines for the most common drinks:
- 12 fl oz of regular beer
- 8-9 fl oz of malt liquor
- 5 fl oz of table wine
- 3-4 fl oz of fortified wine
- 2-3 fl oz of cordial, liqueur, or aperitif
- 1.5 fl oz of brandy or cognac
- 1.5 fl oz of 80-proof distilled spirits
These measurements are based on the average of 0.6 fl oz of pure alcohol per serving. According to the guidelines, this is a standard amount that can help lessen the likelihood of binge drinking and problematic drinking episodes.
Drinking And Mood Disorder
Since alcohol is a depressant, how does it affect depression, anxiety, or mood disorders?
Studies have shown that, since alcohol effects the part of the brain that regulate emotions, it can put people at higher risk for depression. This higher risk comes with extended use, as recovery is more difficult from long periods of time of drinking. This high risk would likely not occur from one night.
People may question about a possible connection between mood disorders and alcohol abuse, as both can affect the brain. A 2015 study review found that people with alcohol dependence also have four times the risk for depression, six times the risk for bipolar disorder, and four times the risk for generalized anxiety disorder.
Doctors also warn that it can be very dangerous to combine alcohol with anti-depressants, as alcohol can worsen symptoms. Be sure to speak with a doctor before drinking if you take any medications.
As with any substance, it is important to consume alcohol safely. Moderation is key to safe consumption. If you or a loved one have any questions or concerns about alcohol or depression, speak with a doctor or specialist. Seeking help or support from experts can be a great, life-changing choice.
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The Effects Can Be Wildly Varying For Everyone
Do note that the depressant effects can be different for everyone. You might feel giddy and alert after one beer while your friend is sulky and incoherent on the same amount of alcohol.
The main things that affect how someones body handles alcohol include their:
- Age
- Mood swings
- Hangover symptoms when not drinking
If youve noticed these signs in either yourself or a loved one, it may be a good idea to go to rehabilitation so you can get sober.
Getting Help For Persistent Depression
If youre still experiencing the symptoms of feeling depressed four weeks after cutting out alcohol, the Royal College of Psychiatrists advises that you talk to your GP.
Remember to tell them how long youve been alcohol-free. Your GP may recommend a talking therapy such as counselling or CBT , or a self-help group. They may also prescribe you antidepressant medication. Remember, youll probably need to continue to avoid alcohol or only drink very lightly if this is to be effective.
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How Alcohol Affects Your Physical Health
Not only can alcohol affect your mental health, prolonged use can also lead to physical health problems.
When you drink alcohol, especially if you drink a lot of it, the immediate concern would be sustaining an injury while your reaction time is lowered. With enough drinking, your life could even be in danger, particularly if you get behind the wheel of a car.
The most dangerous aspect of drinking alcohol is the fact that the most common effects to your health dont occur right away and arent always easy to identify. Those who drink alcohol and develop a dependency are likely to experience health challenges their entire lives.
Those who are dependent on alcohol are more at risk of developing:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer, including throat, mouth, and esophagus cancers
- Thinning bones
Other, more common problems that can develop quickly include diarrhea, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
As mental and physical health do not exist separately, it is also common for those who suffer from a chronic medical condition to feel depressed, which can lead to a more serious depression diagnosis. It can be a vicious cycle where you developed a condition due to your alcohol dependence, then that resulted in feelings of depression, which encourages you to drink further to numb the pain.
Is Alcohol Causing My Depression
The classification depressant doesnt mean alcohol causes depression. It describes alcohols slowing effects on the central nervous system.
However, alcohol and depression are closely linked.
- Alcoholics are 3.7 times more likely to experience a major depressive disorder than non-alcoholics.
- Having preexisting depression is known to put people at risk of developing a problematic relationship with alcohol.
- Neither disease has one singular cause, but the triggers leading to both diseases are similar like certain genes, trauma and social isolation.
Labeling alcohol as the cause of depression is an oversimplification of complex diseases. But, alcohol will never make depression better.
Problem drinking makes depression worse. You are stuck in a negative cycle of depression and drinking until both diseases are properly treated.
There is good news, though. Getting sober will make it easier to address your depression, and addressing your depression will in turn help you stay sober. It will also prevent life-threatening consequences of alcohol like alcohol liver damage and wet brain.
JourneyPure helps people from across the country tackle both of these problems at the same time at our alcohol rehabs that take insurance.
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Is Alcohol A Depressant With Dangerous Effects
The chemical substances in alcohol can trigger a series of reactions in your body and cause hangovers, anxiety, and even depression. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant as it slows the functioning of the brain. CNS depressants slow down brain activity by intensifying the effects of GABAgamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter.
Some people binge drink mainly to ease their anxiety and stress. However, if they frequently begin drinking to relieve these conditions, they may later develop dependency and tolerance. At this point, they begin drinking for the sedative effects, especially when the habit starts causing a myriad of mental, social, and economic hardships.
Excessive alcohol consumption can depress your CNS, leading to various impairments. In addition, when you engage in binge drinking and do not seek help from a substance abuse treatment program, it can increase your blood alcohol concentration to dangerous levels.
The most common symptoms that indicate you have had too much alcohol include:
- Reduction in your ability to think rationally
- Slurred speech
- Disturbed perceptions
- Distorted judgment
The results can cause alcohol poisoning, coma, respiratory failure, blackouts, memory loss, and even death. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, seek help from a drug and alcohol detox center.
Methanol And Ethylene Glycol
The rate-limiting steps for the elimination of ethanol are in common with certain other substances. As a result, the blood alcohol concentration can be used to modify the rate of metabolism of methanol and ethylene glycol. Methanol itself is not highly toxic, but its metabolites formaldehyde and formic acid are therefore, to reduce the rate of production and concentration of these harmful metabolites, ethanol can be ingested.Ethylene glycol poisoning can be treated in the same way.
Recently, a study showed the accumulation of an unnatural lipid phosphatidylethanol competes with PIP2 agonists sites on lipid-gated ion channels. This presents a novel indirect mechanism and suggests that a metabolite, not the ethanol itself, can effect the primary targets of ethanol intoxication. Many of the primary targets of ethanol are known to bind PIP2 including GABAA receptors, but the role of PEth will need to be investigated for each of the primary targets.
Rewarding and reinforcing actions
The reinforcing effects of alcohol consumption are mediated by acetaldehyde generated by catalase and other oxidizing enzymes such as cytochrome P-4502E1 in the brain. Although acetaldehyde has been associated with some of the adverse and toxic effects of ethanol, it appears to play a central role in the activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system.
Absorption
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Does Drinking Too Much Make You Depressed
Alcohol is a depressant. That means any amount you drink can make you more likely to get the blues. Drinking a lot can harm your brain and lead to depression.
When you drink too much, youâre more likely to make bad decisions or act on impulse. As a result, you could drain your bank account, lose a job, or ruin a relationship. When that happens, you’re more likely to feel down, particularly if your genes are wired for depression.
The Dangers Of Alcohol
When used recreationally and in low doses, alcohol has less risk for problematic effects however, in large quantities, especially when consumed in short periods of time, there are many risks to be aware of. An alcohol overdose, also called alcohol poisoning, causes severe depressant effects on the Central Nervous System which may result in various side-effects, including:
- Unconsciousness
- Throat, mouth, larynx, breast, liver, colorectal, or esophageal cancer.
- Stroke
- Thiamine or vitamin B deficiency
Despite being aware of the consequences of alcoholism and long-term alcohol use, many individuals continue to drink, which is the nature of addiction.
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Alcohol Is A Drug But Help Is Available
If you have struggled with an alcohol use disorder, or witnessed someone you love struggle with alcohol dependence, you know how powerful alcohol is as a drug. It may seem like reaching out for help can be challenging however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are many inpatient and outpatient treatment centers available to help you or your loved one overcome their addiction to alcohol and begin the road to recovery.
Trying to quit on your own is dangerous and has a high-risk of relapse due to the various discomforting symptoms. Ultimately, both physical and psychological addictive factors come into play when overcoming addiction, making it ever so important to reach out for professional help. Contact a treatment provider today for treatment options that can lead to a life without addiction.
Theresa Parisi
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Common Questions And Answers
Is any alcohol a stimulant?
No. But smaller amounts of alcohol produce stimulating effects.
What kind of stimulant effects does alcohol have?
Small amounts of alcohol cause the brain to increase dopamine production.
This leads to euphoria, increased sociability , and boosted confidence. Some people refer to this feeling as a “buzz.”
Does alcohol kill serotonin?
Alcohol triggers a burst of serotonin when it is first introduced into the system. Once this initial euphoria wears off, serotonin levels drop significantly below what they were before the person began drinking.
Does alcohol increase heart rate?
Yes. This is one of the reasons alcohol is mistaken as a stimulant. Alcohol has a significant effect on the cardiovascular system.
Over time, excessive drinking leads to chronically elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
If alcohol is a depressant, does it cause depression?
The “depressant” effects of alcohol refer to alcohol’s effect on the central nervous system and not on a person’s mood. However, depression increases the risk of substance abuse.
Some people diagnosed with depression turn to alcohol for its stimulating effects. For this reason, depression and AUD often go together.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol
Symptoms of depression may include:
- Feeling worthless
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Lack of energy to complete daily tasks
- Challenges concentrating
Symptoms of alcohol use disorder may include:
- Drinking too much alcohol in any one episode
- Drinking frequently
- Sneaking alcohol so others will not notice it
- Continuing to drink alcohol despite adverse consequences, both to physical health and personal relationships
- Avoiding activities to drink alcohol
- Continued drinking despite symptoms of depression
What Is A Stimulant
A stimulant is a substance that speeds up activity in your central nervous system theyre also known as uppers. As a result, it can make you feel more alert and energetic, as well as confident in some cases. They also speed up your heart rate and increase your blood pressure.
Some examples of stimulants include caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, and betel nut. As you can see, some stimulants are legal while others are illicit substances.
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The Specific Effects Of Alcohol
The specific effects of alcohol on heavy drinkers include:
A Weakened Immune System
In large amounts, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of your natural immune system. This will make it difficult for your body to fight off viruses and germs. When compared with the general population, heavy drinkers are much more likely to develop conditions like tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Pancreatitis
Heavy drinking can lead to the buildup of digestive enzymes and inflammation of the pancreas, which is known as pancreatitis.
If not treated in time, pancreatitis can develop into a long-term condition. This can lead to further complications like nutrient malabsorption and the development of diabetes
Digestive Issues
Drinking alcohol can severely disrupt your digestive system. You will not notice the effects until after the damage has been done. Some common digestive issues heavy drinkers often experience include:
Gassiness
Hemorrhoids
Ulcers
People who drink heavily over a long period of time will not be able to digest food properly. As a result, they wont be able to get the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Issues with Sexual and Reproductive Health
A lot of people turn to drinking to lower their inhibitions and improve their sex lives. However, you must know that heavy drinking can negatively impact your sexual and reproductive health.
Circulatory Issues
What Are Some Symptoms Of Depressants And Other Alcohol Addictions
- Shallow Breathing
- Unable to be Roused or Woken up
- Mood Swings
The main thing that causes the most accidents is when alcohol lowers inhibitions, and an individual engages in risk-taking behavior one would never engage in otherwise. This might include driving under the influence and other accidents inducing injuries to self or to others. Lack of physical coordination can also lead to some of these accidents.
If you find yourself identifying with any of these symptoms or if someone you know has had these symptoms, it might be time to consider alcohol rehab in Kansas City. Addiction treatment centers in Kansas City are a great place to develop the following skills to help get your life back on track. You can work on:
Sobriety can provide you a life with purpose, relationships that are strong and healthy, an occupation you can feel good about, and sustained financial stability. These are all huge benefits to leaving alcohol behind and starting a life of recovery.
At Gold Bridge Treatment Center, a drug and alcohol inpatient treatment center in Kansas City, we cater your program to be one compromised of your hopes and dreams for recovery. We offer evidence-based treatments that have been proven to help support you toward a sober life.
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Is Alcohol A Depressant That Causes Depression
In addition to its effect on GABA and glutamate, alcohol also releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical responsible for feelings of reward.
As dopamine increases, good feelings continue to emerge, and those affected may continue to drink alcohol, more or less in an effort to chase the dopamine high. As more alcohol is consumed, however, more depressant effects will develop.
Moreover, alcohol does not excite the nervous system, but rather, it is the excessive release of dopamine that produces pleasurable, rewarding feelings that may sometimes resemble extra energy. But the overall effect is misleading as the person continues to drink, the central nervous system also becomes increasingly depressed despite the presence of dopamine.
Alcohol And Depressants Are A Dangerous Combination As These Substances Can Increase The Risk Of Dangerous Side Effects And Lead To An Overdose
Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a… read more
Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy at… read more
- Alcohol is a potentially dangerous depressant that should not be mixed with other depressants.
- Depressants are used to treat many conditions, including insomnia, epilepsy, anxiety and pain.
- Mixing multiple depressants increases the risk of side effects and overdose.
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So What Exactly Is A Depressant
A depressant is a term given to substances that make the body function with limited capacity. Slowing down the organs or central nervous system is something that alcohol does. Drinking in access can harm your brain, making this led to a depressed mental state.
When a person feels depressed, it is uncommon for them to consume just one drink and feel better. A depressed mental state often leads to excessive drinking and the need to drink more and more over time. This is why it leads to addiction and the need to reach out for alcohol addiction help in Kansas City.
Now that we know what alcohol does and why it is classified as a depressant, its important to know what it looks like for someone who has an alcohol addiction and why researching different alcohol rehab facilities in Kansas City might be a good idea.