Any drinker – particularly those who enjoy drinking heavily – need to understand the answer to the question “is alcohol a depressant?” and the various effects substances of these types have on their bodies. Fully grasping this fact can help them know if they have a problem and give them the insight that they need to reach out to the best treatment for alcoholism Portland Oregon has to offer.
What is a Depressant?
Before answering “is alcohol a depressant?” it is important to answer “what is a depressant?” to give readers a better understanding of the issue. Depressants are classified as medicines or illicit substances that “put you to sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures.” Their immediate impact on the body and the mind is to slow down their operation significantly.
For example, barbiturates such as butalbital and phenobarbital help to calm mental anxiety and may be used to treat many mental health concerns. However, many of these substances are quite addictive. In some cases, people get addicted to these substances as a way of promoting sleep, avoiding excessive anxiety, or controlling other problematic behaviors.
These addiction patterns often follow those that are very similar to those with alcohol addiction. Therefore, it is crucial to know “is alcohol a depressant?” and to reach out for help, as necessary, to ensure that a person gets the help needed to avoid health concerns.
Is Alcohol a Depressant?
The simple answer to the question “is alcohol a depressant?” is “yes, absolutely.” However, the more complicated answer takes a little more explanation. People have falsely classified alcohol as a stimulant in the past because they misunderstand the side effects of drinking. For example, many people feel euphoric when drinking and notice that they have lower inhibitions.
These early reactions are misleading, as the NIH Curriculum Supplement Series states. They argue that “Alcohol is classified correctly as a depressant because it later causes sedation and drowsiness” and that “In high concentrations, alcohol can induce unconsciousness, coma, and even death.” These dangerous reactions often occur when people binge drink or drink heavily throughout the day.
Therefore, people who drink heavily need to understand “what is a depressant?” and how these substances impact their bodies. They must also know how to minimize their drinking or quit if they have a severe problem. The following section will help readers get an insight into their drinking patterns and provide a guide to deciding on whether or not they need rehabilitation help, particularly if they need mental health help.
Is My Drinking a Problem?
Anyone worried about the question “is alcohol a depressant?” and their alcohol use needs to examine their drinking behaviors to get a feel for whether or not they have a problem. The questions below will help readers gauge this situation and give them insight into any concerning drinking patterns that may affect their health. These questions include:
- Do You Drink Every Day? – Anyone who drinks every day, even a single drink, may have a problematic drinking pattern.
- Do You Ever Binge Drink? – Any binge drinking behaviors are problematic and may trigger more severe and sustained abuse patterns.
- Is a Drink Necessary to “Feel Normal”? – People who only feel healthy or happy after having a drink may show early signs of alcohol addiction.
- Does Pain and Emotional Trauma Occur Between Drinks? – Anyone who experiences physical or emotional problems when they aren’t drinking may have an alcohol addiction.
If the answers to these questions are concerning, it may be necessary to talk to a rehab center to learn more about the dangers of depressant abuse. Thankfully, Crestview Recovery’s high-quality alcohol rehab programs provide an individual with the help that they need to beat addiction and avoid the dangerous side effects of substantial and sustained drinking pattern.
Who Can Help With Addiction Treatment?
If you need a good answer to the question “is alcohol a depressant?” and are worried about alcohol addiction, please call 866.262.0531 to contact us at Crestview Recovery. Our caring professionals provide high-quality partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and aftercare options for individuals in your position. Our extended 90-day program is an excellent choice for those who need dual-diagnosis and trauma therapy from master-level therapists who understand their addiction.
