Is Alcohol a Depressant?

People drink alcohol for various reasons–to relax, unwind, or be social. In small amounts, many people feel the stimulating effects of drinking, such as being more talkative or energized. So how does this fit in with the standard question, “Is alcohol a depressant?” Alcohol is clearly classified as one type of drug. The effects a person feels from drinking, however, depends on how much he drinks.

Effects of Drinking

Some people drink to loosen up in social situations; if they have a glass or two of an alcoholic beverage, it’s easier for them to talk to other people. Others enjoy the energetic boost they get from a drink because it spurs them to take action that they might be too inhibited to make without it.

Because of this, you might believe that alcohol is a stimulant. After all, once you have a drink or two, you’re having a good time and ready to party all night. You may feel a sense of camaraderie with everyone around you.

Those are some effects from moderate amounts of alcohol. So is alcohol a depressant or a stimulant?

Despite the stimulating feelings you may feel if you have a moderate amount of alcohol, it’s classified as a depressant. Although alcohol dependence often goes hand-in-hand with depression, its effect on a person’s mental health isn’t what puts it in that category.

Depressant drugs—and alcohol is a drug—slow down the body’s nervous system. This slowing quality is what makes you feel relaxed when you have a drink or two. It’s also what causes delayed reaction times, one of the characteristics that make drinking and driving so dangerous.

The more a person drinks, the more the depressant effects are felt. A person can experience slowed respiration and a loss of coordination. Poor judgment and a complete lack of inhibitions are other consequences. Drinking copious amounts of alcohol can lead to unconsciousness and blackouts.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is alcohol a depressant?”, the answer is yes.

Break Free of Addiction

Whether it’s alcohol, opiates, or another substance you want to break free of, there’s drug and alcohol detox Houston offers that can help. Serenity House Detox is a facility ready to give you the fresh, clean start you need for a sober future.

Before the rest of your recovery journey can begin, you’ll have to go through detox. Instead of trying to do this alone, partner with our quality center that provides a safer, more comfortable process. We offer:

Is alcohol a depressant? Absolutley. If you or a loved one needs help transforming your life from an alcohol addiction, call us today. You don’t have to face an uncertain future with any addiction. You can experience sobriety and healing by reaching out to Serenity House Detox at 866.516.8356.

We Stand for Equality - A message from CEO Mark Gold

Amatus stands in solidarity with all of the people across the globe mourning the death of George Floyd and countless others who lost their lives unnecessarily. We are outraged and heartbroken. We support those fighting to combat hate, discrimination, and unfair treatment of our fellow humans. We stand with our staff, our clients, and all those who live in legitimate fear that they and their loved ones may be targeted based on race. We empathize with the anxiety, fatigue, and frustration of the African American community. We acknowledge that these lives matter.

Racism infiltrates every aspect of our lives. We would be remiss not to mention how it impacts the addiction community. Spurred on by The War on Drugs, African Americans and other people of color are often incarcerated for similar practices for which the white population receives treatment.

Nearly 80% of people in federal prison for drug crimes are black and brown people. This is why Amatus supports Drug Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.), a program that connects people willing to enter addiction treatment to resources and help to minimize jail time.

We know that dealing with systemic racism, fear of violence, and discrimination is traumatic. We are committed to supporting people in our communities in need of compassion and trauma-informed care. As an ongoing commitment, we will continue to develop meaningful ways to use our voice and resources to support reforming the drug policies that so negatively impact African American communities. In addition, we have set up a Social Justice Scholarship Fund, as a way to provide treatment for individuals who are facing jail time for drug-related offenses.

As a company, Amatus embraces diversity and wholeheartedly believes in the power of inclusion. We acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. We may never be perfect, but we resolve to work to make Amatus the best version of itself. We are dedicated to leading peaceful and positive change in our workplace and across the communities we serve. We have the responsibility to create a culture where there is no place for hate and discrimination.

We take a knee with those who fight oppression and who demand to make our country a more perfect union.

To a brighter future, upward and onward.

Amatus Health