Many people want to know the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a depressant?” After a few drinks, most people feel upbeat. Despite the way that a few drinks make people feel, alcohol is a depressant. Below is more information about why this drug falls into this category.
Why Is Alcohol a Depressant?
People may know the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a depressant?” However, knowing why it’s a depressant is different. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system (CNS), which causes both mental and physical impairments.
Does alcohol cause depression? In large amounts, yes but in small quantities, it has the opposite effect. In fact, after a drink or two, people start to let loose and feel good. This pleasant feeling comes from the fact that alcohol relaxes the body as it acts on the CNS.
Is Alcohol Dangerous?
After learning why alcohol is a depressant, the next question that people ask is, “Is the drug bad for people?” In reality, it all depends on how much they drink. They must limit how much alcohol that they consume.
In small amounts, such as a glass of wine at night, alcohol has health benefits. As soon as people misuse the drug, it becomes hazardous. Abusing alcohol leads to addiction, mental disorders, and other life-threatening conditions.
What Are Some Other Side Effects of Abusing Alcohol?
The side effects of drinking alcohol differ depending on how much people drink. Having a couple of drinks typically doesn’t cause adverse side effects. Having a few or more often leads to a hangover the next day. However, abusing alcohol for a long span of time creates a lot of other problems, including:
- Mental confusion
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Memory impairment
- Severe mood swings
- Organ failure
Beyond these symptoms, people should consider other factors. For example, do they have a history of addiction in their families? If they do, they run the risk of developing dependence much quicker than those who don’t.
Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Bad?
Some people think that because they can buy alcohol in nearly any store, it’s not that dangerous of a drug. In truth, alcohol is incredibly addictive and has terrible withdrawal symptoms. In fact, the effects of alcohol withdrawal are worse than those of heroin. The process can even cause death.
Get Help for Your Drinking Problem
If you have a drinking problem, Red Oak Recovery® can help. We work with our clients to create custom adult and young adult rehab programs. In fact, we offer treatment programs for both males and females. Some of the services that we have to include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Eco-therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Individual and group therapy
- Residential rehab
- Intensive outpatient rehab
Don’t try to beat addiction yourself. Seek help and turn to an alcohol addiction treatment center. Reach out to us at 866-457-7590 for more information.
