At Recovery Ranch in Tennessee, clients sometimes ask, “Is alcohol a depressant?” Alcohol meets the definition of depressant because it suppresses the central nervous system. Slurred speech, disturbed perceptions, unsteady movements, and the inability to think clearly all indicate impairment of the central nervous system. Fortunately, our drug and alcohol detox center can help you wean yourself off alcohol and its negative health impacts.

Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Alcohol is a depressant. If you consume too much alcohol, it can lead to respiratory failure or death. Alcohol also has other negative impacts on the body. Although technically categorized as a depressant, alcohol has both stimulating and sedative impacts. The amount that you consume determines the type of reaction you may experience. You may begin drinking to loosen your inhibitions. However, if you drink more than your body can handle, alcohol’s sedative properties kick in, resulting in cognitive impairment. For those hoping to capitalize on alcohol’s sedative effects, drinking slowly may reduce anxiety. Drinking quickly leads to increased stimulation.

Symptoms of Alcohol Overdose

Alcohol overdose causes severe depressant effects. You may experience the following symptoms if you have alcohol poisoning:

Dulled reaction to pain
Toxicity
Slow, shallow breathing
Unconsciousness
Clammy hands
Blue skin

These reactions additionally depend on how much an individual consumes and how quickly. Is alcohol a depressant that can kill you? Yes, consuming too much alcohol to get the desired effect can lead to death. Our men’s alcohol rehab center program and women’s rehab center program can help you recover from alcohol use disorder in a safe environment.

How Do Depressants Change You?

Alcohol impacts your brain in several ways. It binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, which produce feelings of calm and suppress heart rate and breathing. By suppressing glutamate, it causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Additionally, alcohol releases dopamine, which causes feelings of pleasure. Unfortunately, those with alcohol use disorder often drink more to increase this feeling. If alcohol causes feelings of calm and pleasure, how is alcohol a depressant that puts you in danger? As you continue to drink, alcohol becomes more depressive. This results in an impairment of vision, alertness, and judgment, making it extremely dangerous to drive or even walk home.

What Happens if You Mix Alcohol with Drugs?

Sometimes referred to as downers, there are other depressant drugs besides alcohol. Some are prescribed as medications to reduce panic, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Common depressants include the following:

Xanax
Ativan
Klonopin
Halcion
Valium
Librium

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

The severity of abusing these medications far outweighs the pleasant side effects that they can give you. Negative side effects of depressants include the following:

Low blood pressure
Fatigue
Slow heart rate
Dizziness or light-headedness
Slurred speech
Nausea and vomiting
Depression
Impaired motor skills

More severe consequences include unconsciousness, seizures, and death. You may want to ask yourself whether alcohol is a depressant that is worth putting your life on the line for. Besides leading to problems with finances, alcohol abuse often leads to poor sexual decisions, driving under the influence, and fighting. So, here’s another great question. Is alcohol a depressant that is worth risking other lives for?

Recovery Ranch in Tennessee

At Recovery Ranch in Tennessee, we help clients detox and clear their bodies of alcohol. If needed, we have medically assisted recovery programs that help reduce the discomfort of withdrawal. Contact us at 470.571.3586 today to begin your journey to recovery and a safer lifestyle. We also provide valuable life skill training and relapse prevention services to keep you on the right track beyond recovery. Call us today to get started with your treatment program.

Is Alcohol a Depressant?