You already realize that alcohol is an addictive substance. However, what type of drug is alcohol? It seems to be a stimulant because of its initial effects. Its subsequent actions belie this notion.
What Type of Drug is Alcohol and Why Does It Matter?
In fact, alcohol is a nervous system depressant. The polar opposite of a stimulant, it slows down your body’s processes. You recognize it in the slurring of your speech and the sudden decrease of motor functions. Since its effects start by stimulating a reduction of inhibitions, this side effect causes people to misclassify it.
Knowing this difference can save your life. When you combine nervous system depressants, you boost their effects. For example, drinking alcohol while taking opioid painkillers strengthens the anesthetic qualities of the pills. It may also result in fatal outcomes as your breathing slows and reaches dangerously low levels.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
What type of drug is alcohol if not a substance that turns you sluggish? Side effects of over-consumption include the inability to focus your eyes and remember situations. Many people have reported going through several hours of interacting with others but remembering nothing. Alcohol consumption can also lead to the development of a use disorder.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms after going six to eight hours without a drink. Your hands shake, and you suffer from gastrointestinal upset. You may feel anxious and would do anything for a drink. If this sounds familiar, you need an alcohol detox.
Detoxification Allows Your Body to Regain Equilibrium
Overcoming an alcohol use disorder isn’t easy. However, with the help of a good-quality detox program, it’s possible. Start by checking into the facility. Once there, addiction specialists monitor your vitals to protect you against seizures and dehydration.
For a few days, your body will tell you that it needs alcohol to survive. However, with the help of pharmacological support and addiction education, you overcome this problem. Next, it’s time to shift gears and work on the psychological part of the addiction. Possible modalities include:
- Psychotherapy as a way of recognizing triggers
- Group therapy that allows for relapse prevention strategy planning
- Gender-specific treatment settings, which help you to feel comfortable and safe during recovery and group meetings
- Holistic approach to care that includes meditation therapy and Yoga for stress relief
- Family therapy as a means of reconnecting with people whom you might have pushed away during alcohol use
What Happens if You Do Nothing?
A drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t go away by itself. You might make some attempts at regaining sobriety, but they typically fail. Since alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous on your own, you may also encounter worrisome side effects. These, combined with the withdrawal symptoms, usually persuade you to continue using.
However, the problem runs deeper. What type of drug is alcohol? It initially takes away your inhibitions, which can make it challenging to maintain sound judgment. As a result, you may engage in illegal activities such as drunk driving that lead to legal troubles. You don’t have to go down this road. Contact the specialists at Serenity House Detox & Recovery today to overcome your alcohol use disorder. Dial 866-294-5306 now.