Is alcohol a stimulant? In some way, yes, it is. In other ways, it is a depressant. So, it can have a double effect on you when you drink it. Although, alcohol is often used as a means of relaxation, can also create anxiety and stress. Leading many to find an alcohol detox program in Mahanoy City PA.
Alcohol is classified as a Central Nervous System depressant. It slows down brain function and neural activity. It does this by enhancing GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms hyperactivity in the brain. When combined with GABA, can lead to brain impairment. However, it also has a stimulating effect on the brain.
So, is alcohol a stimulant or depressant?
Is Alcohol a Stimulant?
A small amount of alcohol in your bloodstream will release dopamine in your brain. For instance, a small quantity of alcohol can make you more confident, happy, outgoing, relaxed, and extroverted. When alcohol produces these effects, it is considered a stimulant.
Is Alcohol a Depressant?
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and suppresses your breathing and heart rate.
It inhibits glutamate and causes memory loss and other impaired brain functions. Alcohol releases dopamine — the neurotransmitter chemical responsible for pleasure and reward. These causes people to drink even more in an attempt to increase pleasant feelings that dopamine produces.
However, as you consume more alcohol, side effects will become more pronounced. Pretty soon, the alcohol will impair your judgment, vision, and alertness. It will also dull your senses, affect your concentration, and slows down your reaction time. In this way, it goes from being a stimulant to becoming a depressant.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
You may have experienced times when you drank alcohol primarily for its side effects. You know exactly how you are going to feel after so many drinks, and that is precisely how you want to feel. If you continue drinking alcohol for this reason on multiple occasions, the side effects of alcohol will eventually wear off.
Furthermore, if you continue drinking in this manner, you run the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. If so, you can get help for your disorder at our alcohol detox program in Mahanoy City,  PA. At Silver Pines Treatment Center, you can take advantage of the following types of treatment for your disorder:
Do You Need Help for Alcohol Addiction?
Is alcohol a stimulant? Yes, it is. If you are currently struggling with alcohol addiction, then you can get the help you need at Silver Pines Treatment Center. We offer a wide range of treatments and therapies for substance abuse. To find out more about how you can get clean and stay clean, contact us today at 267.209.7313. We are here to help you break the cycle of addiction and reclaim your life without alcohol.