Without a doubt, alcoholism can ruin the lives of problem drinkers. Unfortunately, it also can deliver several forms of collateral damage. While the family is always a major concern, collateral damage sometimes extends beyond unsuspecting family members and friends. We should all be aware of the problems drinking and driving can create for unsuspecting motorists…
Detoxing from alcohol isn’t something you should do alone at home. Because of the possibility of severe alcohol detox side effects, it’s safer to do it at a facility. What happens in the process? More importantly, what are the withdrawal symptoms medical experts will help you overcome? How Detoxification Works You check into the detox…
Did you know that alcohol can have opposite effects? It acts in different ways at different times of using. So, is alcohol a stimulant or depressant? Your questions–answered. Is Alcohol a Stimulant or Depressant? Experts classify alcohol as a depressant. Doing so puts it on the same level as opioid painkillers. It slows down your…
Drug abuse is a bad idea when it involves just one substance. It stands to reason that mixing two substances is an even worse idea. Two drugs that are terrible to combine are Xanax and alcohol. It’s important to know more about these drugs and why using them together is dangerous. About Xanax and Alcohol…
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…
It may go without saying that alcohol and depression are related. Even on television and in movies, when someone experiences something challenging, they often turn to a bottle to cope. It is also not uncommon for alcoholics to become depressed. One might say it’s a match made in hell. But it’s a match nonetheless, and…
Alcoholics are notorious for using rationalizations to justify their drinking. They do this to permit themselves to drink when they know how it adversely affects them. One stereotypical term comes to mind. A functioning alcoholic is someone who can successfully hide their addiction, at least for a while. It’s incredible that anyone can operate on…
Some claim that alcohol gives them a boost. Others use it to relax and fall asleep. Is alcohol a stimulant or a depressant? And what should you do if you develop an addiction to this drug? Why the Answer is Not Clear-Cut Scientists acknowledge that alcohol has two effects. Both appear to be contradictory. One…
Doing some partying and binge drinking while you’re young doesn’t do much harm, right? According to a recent study published by Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, binge and underage drinking can actually damage your brain well into adulthood. Long-Term Brain Changes in Rats Researchers gave young rats a heavy amount of alcohol equivalent to the…
About 18 million Americans need specialized help for alcoholics. But only a small fraction of them ever get the help they need. This is unfortunate, as the right help opens a world of possibilities for a better life in sobriety. Many people seeking help start by asking, “How long will detox take?” To an outsider,…