What Do They Mean When They Call Alcohol a Depressant?

Jul 29, 2019 | Definitions, Education, Help Someone Else Quit, I'm Ready to Quit, Resources for Professionals | 0 comments

Get Started Today

Alcohol is the most widely used and consumed drug in the entire world. Alcohol is all around us, and many times our society conditions us to view alcohol as a fun party boosting activity. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption can become excessive and eventually lead people down a dark path.

With alcohol being considered a drug, it is often referred to as a depressant. But what does that mean exactly? At Go Sober, we understand the negative impact that alcohol can have on your life. If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive alcohol consumption, we’re here for you. We’ve spent years working with top neuroscientists, medical professionals, mental health experts, and addiction specialists to create an alcohol treatment program with an extremely high success rate. Our goal is simple: to help you go sober forever.

Alcohol is classified as a depressant. This means that it slows down the vital functions which can result in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions, and an inability to react quickly. Depressant drugs also affect the mind and can be best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally. Depressants are also known as “downers” and can have intense short-term and long-term effects.

Short Term Effects

Depending on the amount of alcohol that a person has consumed, the short-term effects may be seen in different or a variety of ways. It’s also important to note that some people may experience the opposite intended effect. While a typical effect is to feel fatigued, some people may respond with aggression and agitation.

Some of the short term effects can be seen as:

Slowed brain function
Lowered blood pressure
Poor concentration
Confusion
Fatigue
Disorientation
Depression

Long Term Effects

When looking at the long-term effects, tolerances can be built with depressant drugs which is why alcohol may hit people with the effects at various times throughout the period of drinking. Long-term use of depressants can produce mental and physical effects such as:

Depression
Chronic fatigue
Breathing difficulties
Sexual problems
Sleep issues

If the dependency goes further the person may experience extreme cravings, anxiety, and panic. The long-term usage of alcohol can also increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain — instances of up to 100 pounds have been reported when taking depressant drugs. Liver failure and other heart problems can also result.

The consequences that arise from excessive drinking are serious, which is why we are here for you at Go Sober. With two locations in Colorado, Longmont, and Centennial, we focus on helping you regain your life. We even offer a free consultation where you can sit with a trained specialist who will be there to understand what your struggles with alcoholism are. This is a no-obligation, confidential session that can help us craft a plan for you that will let you live a sober lifestyle. Taking the first step is scary, but it is well worth it. Contact us today to get started and take control of your life.

Breaking The Cycle: The Go Sober Difference

On average, those who struggle with alcohol dependence go through typical treatment about six times before they are able to fully get rid of that dependence. At Go Sober, 80% of our patients go through our program once and are then alcohol free for the rest of their...

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

As an outpatient alcohol treatment center in Denver, we have seen the way drinking and driving can destroy lives. Many of our patients come to us after an experience with drinking and driving, whether the worst case scenario happened, or they just came close. Putting...

New Year, Better You

While we’re already a few weeks into the new year of 2020 and you may have skipped out on your resolution to hit the gym more, keep your resolution of living a sober life with Go Sober. Many times, people don’t end up following through with their new year's...

What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Drinking?

Alcohol has negatively impacted your life in so many ways that you’re finally ready to go sober. You may be prepared to live a healthier lifestyle, you may be wondering what to expect when you finally do put down the bottle. Here are some things you can expect to...

Mindfulness and Meditation: Enhancing Life Without Alcohol

In the journey towards sobriety and maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle, individuals often seek tools that can help manage cravings, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of well-being. Mindfulness and meditation have emerged as powerful practices in this...

Alcohol and The Effects On Your Brain

Alcohol consumption, while often socially accepted and widely practiced, has profound effects on the brain, influencing everything from neurotransmitter function to long-term cognitive abilities. This article delves into the scientific understanding of how alcohol...

The Brain and Addiction

The term “addiction”is derived from the Latin term meaning “enslaved by” or “bound to”. It is not a character or personality flaw that occurs in people, which is how it was traditionally seen as and still can be seen as that. However, we need to look at addiction as a...

What is Alcoholism?

Alcohol is not a new substance. Since the beginning of time, almost every single culture has used some type of alcoholic beverage. We even know that alcoholic beverages like wine and beer were considered healthier alternatives since they did not have the knowledge or...

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

While there are many people who can occasionally have a drink or two without issue, for others, alcohol causes major problems in their lives. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) struggle to control their drinking, which negatively impacts several areas of their...

Spending The Holiday Season Sober

‘Tis the season of holiday cheer, but for those of you living a sober lifestyle, the holidays can be a time where you’re constantly surrounded by alcohol. Holiday culture tends to have a strong emphasis on alcohol and drinking. From the spiked eggnog to the hot...