Alcohol: Just the Facts
Because of its wide usage and its legal status in most places around the world, most people consider it safe. It might cause a couple problems here and there (Uncle Carl got a little over-the-top at Thanksgiving), but it’s mostly good fun. And good for a few likes on Instagram (wine-Wednesday anyone?).
This all belies some of the deadly statistics. According to the WHO, alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths a year. Beyond that nearly unfathomable, and tragic, number, there is a causal relationship between harmful use of alcohol and a range of mental and behavioral disorders. Read infidelity, violence, depression, rage, and of course everything that can accompany a substance use disorder. But …
What Is Alcohol’s Drug Class?
Yes, alcohol is a drug classified under one of the seven categories of drugs—namely Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. The other six categories of drugs are:
- CNS Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Narcotic Analgesics
- Cannabis
- Inhalants
- Dissociative Anesthetics
As a CNS depressant, the primary effect of alcohol in the body includes slowing down:
- Brain functioning
- Neural activity
Similarly, alcohol inhibits the optimal functioning of other vital body processes. Ingesting alcohol increases the production of an inhibitory neurotransmitter chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid, that causes and multiplies a depressant effect in the body.
So, there you go. But obviously the issue goes deeper, and this is why alcohol rehab is often necessary.
Why Is Alcohol So Addictive
The National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence estimates that nearly 18 million Americans suffer from one form of alcohol disorder. So, what makes the drug so addictive? According to research, alcohol addiction is two-pronged: psychological and physical.
Physical Alcohol Addiction
Its physical addictive aspect stems from its ability to heighten feelings of pleasure and euphoria by stimulating the release of the feel-good hormones – endorphins and dopamine. Still, addiction is also more common among users with specific genetic factors.
As alcohol affects the functioning and chemistry of the brain, regular consumption leads to users developing a craving to have similar sensations. Unfortunately, to replicate the same high, most users have to take significantly more alcohol, which triggers dependency and, eventually, alcoholism.
Psychological Alcohol Addiction
Psychologically, as alcohol consumption becomes a habit, it affects a user’s thought processes and beliefs. As a result, most users end up relying on the drug to cope with unsettling emotions, anxiety, and stress, increasing the chances of developing an addiction. Once a person’s brain is rewired to associate alcohol with good feelings and their favorite events (sporting events, concerts, backyard BBQ), psychologically they simply cannot separate the two. The idea of taking alcohol out of their lives equates taking joy out of their lives. This is a very real, very effective danger. It is also simply not true. Joy is always available. And it is a deeper joy than can be offered by drugs or drinking.
Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Like many other drugs, alcohol has tons of side effects that cause impairment and regular bodily functions. Some of these effects include:
- Blurred vision and slurred speech
- Distorted judgments and perceptions
- Cognitive impairments
- Impaired or loss of balance and motor control
- Dizziness and blurred vision
In the workplace, this means the user is more likely to injure themselves, while cognitive impairment affects their ability to discharge their duties. At home, alcohol is known to cause marital disputes as it causes negligence of personal responsibility and duties and affects finances and relations. When this is the case, the best option is often to reach out to a men’s drug recovery in Austin.
Alcohol is a highly addictive drug. Fortunately, our alcohol rehab in Austin can help you overcome dependence on the drug and put you on a sobriety path with a lower risk of relapsing. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and want to stop, help is available. Call Heartwood Drug Recovery, and one of our addiction specialists will answer your questions and point you in the right direction for your unique situation.
