Out of all the people who consume alcohol, a majority of them feel happy and excited after consuming it. But does this mean alcohol is a stimulant?
Well, it is easy to assume alcohol is a stimulant because of its euphoric effects. However, on the contrary, alcohol is a depressant. It suppresses the central nervous system and impairs cognitive function, discretion, and even the digestive process. Let’s know more about stimulants and depressants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are mainly substances that stimulate the central nervous system in our bodies. Consuming stimulants results in energetic psychoactive, and bodily responses. It also leads to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and activity.
Some examples of stimulants are
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Nicotine
These substances are also known as uppers for the kind of effects they generate.
Depressants
Depressants are the opposite of stimulants. They suppress your central nervous system along with other effects like neuronic imbalances, reduced blood pressure, and reduced heart rate.
Depressants like alcohol can have euphoric effects. That’s also another reason for it to be believed as a stimulant. However, alcohol over-suppresses the neuronic activity in your body. Other substances with effects of depressants are benzodiazepines and heroin.
Defining Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder can be defined as a dependency on the substance to feel normal. The user cannot control their alcohol intake. Such behavior is a result of consuming alcohol recreationally at first. Soon, as dependency occurs, the frequency and amount of substance consumed increases.
When addiction reaches its peak, the user is completely dependent on alcohol to function normally. They need at least a few drinks to carry out the usual tasks. Such behavior of alcohol consumption leads to various health consequences. Not only does alcohol affects one’s physical health but also damages their mental health. Certain side effects of alcohol addiction can also be observed in their daily activities like ignoring work or school and neglecting responsibilities.
Apart from that, addiction also affects people around the addict, mainly their family, friends, and loved ones. If not contained, an addict’s alcohol use can force other people to consume substances as a means to cope with their addiction. Such an effect can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to seek help on time.
You can visit Mallard Lake Detox Center in Dallas, Texas for alcohol addiction treatment. Call us now to know more!