It’s common knowledge that alcohol has an impact on the functioning of our brain. However, if you’re curious about the specific ways in which it affects us, we’ve compiled a summary based on scientific and medical research. We’ll explore whether it is a stimulant or depressant and what the effects of alcohol on the brain are.
While many may assume that alcohol works as a stimulant by boosting heart rate and energy levels while reducing inhibitions, this is only partly true.
Although alcohol can initially produce a stimulating effect, it is essentially a depressant. When consumed beyond a certain threshold, especially over prolonged periods, it slows down the entire body.
The effects of alcohol on the brain depend on several factors, with individual body chemistry being the primary factor. The amount of alcohol consumed is the second factor, while one’s own tolerance level is the final determining factor.
In practical terms, this implies that heavy drinkers have a high tolerance and require larger quantities of alcohol to feel its effects. Conversely, occasional drinkers require proportionately less to feel its effects.
Distinguishing Stimulants from Depressants
When it comes to affecting your brain and nervous system, stimulants and depressants differ in how they operate.
Stimulants work by exciting and accelerating your nervous system. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. If taken in high amounts, they can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, impulsiveness, restlessness, and even insomnia.
Examples of prescription stimulants include medications like Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. Drinks that contain caffeine or taurine are considered legal stimulants. On the other hand, illegal stimulants include cocaine, crack, MDMA, methamphetamine, and speed.
Depressants have an opposite effect from stimulants as they slow down the metabolism, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. These drugs are widely misused due to their ability to hinder the function of the central nervous system. Symptoms of depressant use include relaxation, drowsiness, anesthesia, sleep, and in extreme cases, coma or death.
Due to the particular effects of alcohol on the brain, it is primarily considered a depressant, along with prescription opioids and benzodiazepines, despite having some intitial stimulanting effects.
Some of the commonly used illegal depressants include Fentanyl, heroin, and GHB. Combining alcohol with other depressants can be perilous as it increases the risk of overdose or coma.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Consuming alcohol in small or moderate amounts triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that generates pleasurable sensations and a sense of well-being. This effect of alcohol stems from its impact on the brain’s reward system, resulting in initial feelings of stimulation and energy.
As alcohol initially increases heart rate, it may also cause aggression in some individuals, similar to the side effects of stimulants. Alcohol’s stimulating effect occurs at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05mg/l.
However, if larger amounts are consumed, and the BAC level rises to 0.08mg/l, alcohol’s effects shift to being a depressant. This level surpasses the legal limit for driving in the US.
It’s important to acknowledge that the effects of alcohol can differ significantly depending on various factors, such as body weight, gender, alcohol tolerance, quantity consumed, and dose strength.
To estimate how many drinks it would take to surpass the legal limit for BAC, you can use an online BAC calculator for a more precise understanding.
Moreover, the degree to which alcohol acts as a stimulant or depressant varies among individuals. Some studies indicate that individuals who perceive alcohol as a stimulant rather than a sedative are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to it.
If You Thought It Made You Happy, Think Again: Alcohol as Depressant
Alcohol may seem fun at first, but for many ends in the chains of addiction
After acting as a stimulant, alcohol slows down the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and mental clarity. Consuming large amounts of alcohol results in slower reaction times, sedation, and disorientation.
Alcohol affects the brain by suppressing dopamine production at high doses and over prolonged periods of time, causing feelings of sadness and depression. This can lead to chronic changes in behavior, including increased use, high tolerance, compulsive behavior, and dependence.
The depressant effects of alcohol become noticeable once the BAC limit of 0.08mg/l is exceeded. Exceeding 0.2mg/l can cause alcohol’s effects on the respiratory system to overpower the body, leading to coma or even death.
Ibogaine: A Promising Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Although ibogaine has demonstrated effective results in treating alcohol addiction, it is important to be aware of certain factors before deciding if it is the right treatment for you.
Unlike with opiate addictions, patients must not undergo ibogaine treatment until after they have gone through a medically supervised alcohol withdrawal if they experience withdrawals or seizures such as delirium tremens.
This is because severe alcohol withdrawal can negatively impact cardiac function, which could further complicate matters when ibogaine is administered.
Therefore, we strongly advise speaking with your physician to create a plan to safely wean off alcohol several weeks before considering ibogaine treatment at our facility.
At Tabula Rasa Retreat, we prioritize our patients’ safety and well-being, and taking these precautions is essential for a successful treatment outcome. Aside from the treatment of alcoholism, we also use ibogaine to treat a variety of other addictions, as well as mental health issues.
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530