Is Alcohol a Stimulant?
There is little doubt that alcohol use, misuse, and addiction remain a serious problem in the U.S. and around the world. In fact, alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains the most prevalent addiction, and this is true worldwide. Yet, there are still many misconceptions surrounding alcohol, leading people to ask questions such as, “Is AUD a choice or a disease?” “Who is affected by AUD?” and “Is alcohol a stimulant?” The answers are not as concrete as one may think. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from alcohol use disorder.
Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD affects millions of people all over the world. It is a disease that affects not just the individual struggling but also everyone that that individual is close to.
It is also important to remember that, indeed, AUD is a disease. Many people are still under the misconception that AUD is some type of moral failing or choice. This is simply not the case. AUD is closer to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than it is a choice.
Another concern with AUD is its relation to lifelong relapse risk. More people relapse than many people may realize. As explained in Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.”
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Now, it is important to understand that the signs and symptoms of AUD are going to vary somewhat based on the situation and the individual. However, there are some more universal signs that can be looked out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Struggling with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Not being able to stop drinking once started
- Using other substances in addition to alcohol
- Experiencing a loss of appetite
- No longer caring about appearance or personal hygiene
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Committing self-harm or harming others
- Having suicidal ideations
Unfortunately, people often minimize the signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse. However, as one can see, these symptoms can be extremely serious. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as signs appear is so critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Is Alcohol a Stimulant?
Many people ask, “Is alcohol a stimulant?” The ultimate answer is no. In fact, alcohol is considered a depressant drug as it slows activity in the central nervous system. However, in answering the question, “Is alcohol a stimulant?” one must also take into account other factors that could trigger seemingly stimulating effects.
For example, many people now mix alcohol and caffeine or other types of over-the-counter stimulants like diet pills. This can make for a very serious situation because these stimulants can cause one to drink more excessively than they would otherwise.
Many people also use alcohol alongside other illicit stimulants like methamphetamines or crack cocaine. This combination can quickly turn deadly as the multiple substances compound into more dangerous behaviors.
Is Alcohol a Stimulant? What Does Recovery Look Like?
The good news is that there are many effective ways to recover from AUD. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. Meditation can be particularly beneficial because it helps one to heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Meditation also offers a myriad of benefits for individuals in sobriety and recovery. As stated in the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU), “During the process of meditation, accumulated stresses are removed, energy is increased, and health is positively affected overall. Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency.”
Is Alcohol a Stimulant? What Does Recovery Look Like With The Phoenix Recovery Center?
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe that we are making a difference every single day. That is why we believe in the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Recovery is all about taking that first step. The key is to take it toward the people that will help take the next ones. Recovery is out there. Connecting with us may be your first step in making recovery a reality.
Many people ask the question, “Is alcohol a stimulant?” The answer is that it is actually a depressant. However, many types of alcohol are now mixed with stimulants like caffeine. Also, many people mix alcohol with other illicit stimulants which can be very dangerous. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, 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. For more information regarding alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD), please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
