Consuming alcohol and intoxication is the most socially acceptable form of substance use. No matter what circle of life you exist in, alcohol consumption is a common thread among US adults. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person and range in severity depending on many biological and use factors, but officially, alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. As the premier alcohol treatment center Arizona residents trust, let’s break this down and reveal everything you need to know.
What Is A Stimulant, And What Does A Stimulant Do?
A stimulant, also known as an “upper,” results in exciting alertness and confidence. Stimuli activate and accelerate central nervous system activity resulting in rapid heart rate, fast or shallow breathing, higher blood pressure, and dilated pupils.
Long-term stimulant use can lead to depression, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stomach issues, heart problems, and nerve conditions. Due to the impact on the central nervous system, stimulants have a high potential for misuse and can lead to substance use disorder, psychosis, and paranoia.
Stimulant substances include caffeine, Adderall®, Ritalin®, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Alcohol is not a stimulant, and anyone drinking alcohol as a stimulant would find the effects do not provide what may be the desired outcome.
What Is a Depressant, and What Does a Depressant Do?
A depressant substance is called a “downer,” which calms the body and mind. Depressants also affect the central nervous system (CNS), but instead of accelerating its activity, it slows it down. CNS depressants result in a calming sensation where one feels relaxed or even sedated.
Effects of depressants like alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepine medications include reduced heart rate, slowed breathing, drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and general weakness. Prescription depressants like Valium® and Xanax® are often prescribed to treat anxiety, panic, and seizure disorders.
Long-term depressant use can lead to physical dependence, substance misuse, weight gain, depression, fatigue, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the intake is reduced.
Alcohol Is a Depressant: Here’s What That Looks Like
As a depressant, alcohol is often consumed as an “escape” to calm the mind and suppress natural inhibitions. These pleasurable effects can lead to alcohol misuse and physical dependence as well as concerning psychological effects.
Psychological Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse
In a study conducted by The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, they revealed that alcohol abuse leads to some troubling psychological symptoms, including: [1]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anti-social behavior
- Psychosis (fear, delirium, etc.)
These symptoms could be present while intoxicated and when experiencing withdrawal. While each person’s individual effects may vary, it is possible for these effects to be present for weeks and to mirror the effects of other psychiatric disorders.
Physical Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse
Everyday alcohol use side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Profuse sweating
- “The shakes”
- Agitation
- Compulsivity and impulsivity
- Aggression
The severity of physical alcohol use and abuse symptoms will vary depending on genetic and biological factors. How often and how much one consumes alcohol and its strength also influence the effects.
Long-Term Health Risks of Alcohol Use
Over time, your body will develop a tolerance for consistent alcohol levels. Your body will require increasing amounts to achieve the same pleasurable effects of calm, intoxication, and relaxation. As you grow your intake of alcohol to produce the desired outcomes, your body and brain take the hit and will begin to show signs of damage. In some cases, the damage is irreversible.
Other long-term health risks of alcohol use include:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmia and failure
- Sexual dysfunction
- Increased risk of cancer
- Weakened immune system
Alcohol Use Statistics
The CDC reports that over 140,000 US residents die yearly from alcohol overdose or alcoholism.[2]
Alcohol usage numbers from the CDC also revealed that 16% of US adults binge drink and that 25% of them report binge drinking weekly. More than 90% of US adults who meet the criteria for excessive drinking also report binge drinking. [3]
Identifying an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Use Disorder is the modern psychological classification for alcoholism or alcohol addiction as a mental health disorder. A 2021 survey published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that over 28 million US adults over 18 had an alcohol use disorder.[4]
AUD is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking, the continual need to drink despite negative consequences, requiring increased alcohol consumption to achieve pleasurable effects and being consumed by thoughts of alcohol-buying, drinking, and recovering from it.[5]
Recover From AUD At an Alcohol Treatment Center Arizona
Struggling with an alcohol use disorder is a challenging circumstance that can feel impossible to overcome. There is practical and compassionate support available for you or your loved one. With a dedicated and highly skilled team, addiction treatment providers can help you safely and effectively navigate recovery and sobriety.
Detox Referrals
Some individuals may require a medical detox before entering an alcohol treatment program. A detox facility allows you to focus entirely on your recovery with no distractions while receiving support from a medical team.
Holistic Outpatient Treatment
Holistic interventions ensure that every participant is treated as a person, not a disorder. By addressing all facets of your person – mind, body, spirit – holistic therapies and treatment methods focus on helping you heal from the inside out to create the best possible foundation for long-term success.
Extended Care Programs
After formal treatment ends, it may not be the right time for you to reintegrate into daily routines fully. An Extended Care Program offers the same dedicated support with individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, 12-step principles, and relapse prevention strategies to ensure that the runway to the rest of your life is as safe and supported as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Addiction and Treatment
Is alcohol a depressant or antidepressant?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, not a depression treatment. Depressant refers to its impact on the central nervous system and slowing down natural functions. While many may consume alcohol when depressed for temporary relief, it may increase the severity of actual depression symptoms.
How long is the treatment for alcohol dependence?
Each person’s experience will be unique. The timeline for alcohol addiction treatment will vary depending on your disorder’s severity, your participation level, and specific environmental or biological influences. However, on average, most participants are enrolled for at least 90 days.
What is the most challenging stage of sobriety?
Early recovery is the most challenging stage of sobriety. In most cases, the first week is the most difficult for those in recovery. As their body physically detoxes from alcohol, they experience physical symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings to drink. But this stage is temporary.
Seek Healing and Recovery at Desert Cove: Premier Alcohol Treatment Center Arizona Trusts
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, we can help. As the community-driven alcohol treatment center Arizona families trust, we’re here to help you succeed in recovery and in life. Call today to begin your recovery.
Sources:
[1] https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-2/90-98.htm# [2] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/features/excessive-alcohol-deaths.html [3] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm [4] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder [5] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
