Binge drinking and prolonged exposure of your body to alcohol abuse can change behaviors, moods, and physical body functioning. So, is alcohol a depressant? Yes, it is. If you or a loved one are beginning to feel dependent on alcohol, it may be time to reach out to Atlanta Detox Center to begin exploring recovery options.

At Atlanta Detox Center, our alcohol addiction treatment program can give you or someone you care about the support and encouragement needed to begin recovery. Our team of addiction treatment specialists provides the skills and strategies needed for long-lasting recovery. Although alcohol addiction can be overwhelming, it can be eased and even overcome with the right tools. Atlanta Detox Center can help. First, however, it is crucial to learn more about alcohol as a depressant.

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 (CNS) depressant as it slows the functioning of the brain. CNS depressants slow down brain activity by intensifying the effects of GABA—gamma-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 (BAC) 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
  • Inability to react quickly
  • Unsteady movement
  • Lessening of inhibitions
  • 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.

Mental Side Effects of Using Alcohol

Alcohol affects your brain in multiple ways. It attaches to receptors for GABA—a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of sedation and calmness. It also slows down the CNS activity, leading to the suppression of heart rate and breathing.

Furthermore, alcohol constrains glutamate, resulting in weakened brain functions, often characterized by loss of memory. Moreover, alcohol increases the production of dopamine, which is a pleasure-causing hormone.

With time, after developing dependency and tolerance, your brain stops relying on normal triggers (such as your hobbies, food, sex, and sports) to release dopamine. It can lead you to drink even more massive quantities and more frequently to intensify those pleasurable feelings if you do not get treatment at an alcohol addiction treatment program.

Nonphysical Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Many people also wonder, is alcohol a depressant that affects only the mind? No. There are other nonphysical effects of alcohol use disorders. Most alcohol abusers encounter problems with the law, interpersonal relationships, finances, careers, and schooling.

Furthermore, the effects that excessive alcohol consumption activates can certainly put other people at risk. For example, drunken driving leads to many accidents on the US highways, some of which cause serious injuries and wrongful deaths.

If you binge drink or have a high alcohol tolerance level, you can eventually experience sedating effects, such as poor coordination, inability to react quickly, and cognitive impairment.

Help for Alcohol Disorders at Atlanta Detox Center

Is alcohol a stimulant or depressant that requires professional help to quit? Alcohol abuse destroys lives. The best way to quit using alcohol is to seek professional help at an alcohol detox center. At the Atlanta Detox Center, we offer various addiction treatment therapies that can help you overcome the disorders.

For the best results, we combine several treatment programs, including gender-specific programs and:

Overcome Alcohol Addiction with Help from Atlanta Detox Center

Now is the right time to seek professional help for alcohol use disorders if you continually wonder, is alcohol a depressant or a stimulant? Contact Atlanta Detox Center to start your journey in recovery by calling us at 470-450-2355 or completing our secure online form to gain more information. Our team is ready to become part of your team. Reach out today.

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