Alcohol is one of the most abused substances in the United States. Whether it’s on holidays or all year round, alcohol consumption is something that many people indulge in. In fact, alcohol abuse is one of the top reasons for preventable deaths in the country. It even tops that of opioid deaths. When people drink alcohol, they often feel like they want to participate in different activities such as going to parties, dancing, and hanging out with friends. This may lead people to wonder is alcohol a stimulant?
Other people may feel more tired when drinking alcohol and even get to the point where they pass out. Whether you feel energetic or extremely drowsy, excessive drinking requires the help of an alcohol addiction rehab in Portland Oregon.
Is Alcohol a Stimulant?
Alcohol affects the central nervous system when it enters the body, which is what drugs do. Therefore, alcohol is considered a drug. When people first start drinking they feel relaxed and loosened up. People may talk more freely than normal. In addition, they may feel less inhibited. These feelings and behaviors make you feel stimulated or active, so people are getting the stimulant effects of alcohol. However, this doesn’t mean that alcohol is a stimulant.
Alcohol Acts as a Depressant
Once you reach a certain point in your drinking, you will notice that you start to feel a little drowsier. People sometimes stagger and fall when they enter this phase of drinking. This is because the alcohol is acting as a depressant on your system now. So you may wonder is alcohol a stimulant or depressant?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant. It acts upon the central nervous system to slow down the system. The depressant effects on the body show up when someone drinks an excessive amount. Some of the effects of too much alcohol on the body include:
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady walking
- Perceptual disturbances
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
In severe cases, someone may have alcohol poisoning.
Welcome to Crestview Recovery
At Crestview Recovery, our caring and compassionate staff is ready to help you on your journey to a brighter future. Our tranquil and lovely facility is conducive to helping you find the path of hope. Trained clinicians will walk beside you while you walk toward a new life filled with health and wholeness. We use evidence-based therapies so you are sure to see results. Additionally, we offer a broad range of therapy options some of which include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy and holistic therapy
Don’t let alcohol addiction hold you back in life. Now that you know the answer to— is alcohol a stimulant, you can receive the treatment you need for a calm life. Contact us at 866.262.0531, and we’ll get you on the pathway to recovery.