Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Many people ask the question, “Is alcohol a depressant?” The answer may actually surprise you because the answer is “Yes.” Often, people associate alcohol with parties and celebrations, but the reality is that alcohol can be very emotionally destructive and mentally debilitating. The misuse of alcohol can also lead to many serious issues, not the least of which is long-term addiction. The good news is that many effective means, methods, and modalities can help one recover from alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Many people use alcohol to self-medicate, thinking that it will improve their moods. In reality, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can negatively affect mood and behavior. According to the peer-reviewed journal Alcohol Health and Research World, “As a typical depressant, alcohol affects the brain in many ways, and it is likely that high doses will cause feelings of sadness (i.e., depression) during intoxication that evolve into feelings of nervousness (i.e., anxiety) during the subsequent hangover and withdrawal. The greater the amounts of alcohol consumed and the more regular the intake, the more likely a person is to develop temporary anxiety and depressive symptoms. As consumption increases even more, these symptoms are also likely to intensify.”

People who struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression sometimes look to self-medicate for their symptoms with alcohol. Ultimately, this only exacerbates the situation. It can also lead to more serious issues of mental health. It can also lead to AUD.

Better Understanding AUD

The reality is that alcohol misuse and AUD remain serious issues facing the global public. According to the peer-reviewed journal AIMS Neuroscience, “Alcohol is the most commonly used recreational beverage and drug of abuse among the adult population, alcohol-related death is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, which accounts for more than 3.3 million global deaths annually. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.4 million people suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the US, and over 100,000 deaths were attributable to alcohol.” 

It is also important to remember that AUD does not just affect the individual. This is because it is a disease that expands to affect the community and especially the family. The feelings of depression can spread, which is why it is so important to seek professional help as soon as troubles begin to arise. 

Better Understanding Depression

Millions of people struggle with depression every day. It is important to understand that depression is a medical condition and is not just a state of “sadness” (though this can certainly be a symptom).

So, what exactly is depression? According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Depression, by Doctors Chand and Arif, “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies the depressive disorders into disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depressive disorder due to another medical condition. The common features of all the depressive disorders are sadness, emptiness, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function.”

The reality is that many people struggling with depression also struggle with addiction. This is especially true for those struggling with AUD. This is why knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction is so important. It can help get a loved one the help they need sooner rather than later.

Is Alcohol a Depressant? The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Tthe signs and symptoms of addiction are going to vary based on the individual and the situation. However, there are some more universal signs and symptoms to look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:

• Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
• Isolating away from loved ones 
• Experiencing excessive feelings of anxiety and depression
• Mood swings
• Struggles with sleep cycles
• Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
• Having disruptions at work or school due to drinking or using
• Feelings of suicide or “no way out”

As you can see, these can be very severe symptoms. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for recovery. These treatments include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that can address underlying issues of depression. Experiential therapies like art therapy and holistic healing methods like yoga and mindfulness meditation can also be highly beneficial.

Recovering in the Long Term With The Phoenix Recovery Center

Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term recovery over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes recovery plans for depression and AUD.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help!

Many people don’t realize that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that negatively impacts mood, cognition, and physical health. Many people also use alcohol to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression, but ultimately end up making the situation worse and may even end up struggling with addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.