We live in a world where alcohol use is commonplace, whether it’s opening a bottle of champagne for a toast, sipping a glass of whiskey at the end of a long day, or ordering a glass of wine with dinner. While most people enjoy a drink in social situations and can have one or two drinks a week, it only takes one sip for some to fall down a dangerous path and become an alcoholic. We all know that alcohol changes our mood, but many don’t know how it affects the brain. Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Keep reading to find out more about how alcohol affects the brain, why you should avoid it, and how to overcome your addiction if you’re struggling with it.
How does alcohol affect the brain?
Alcohol enters the body with just one sip and goes straight to the brain where it starts interacting with neurons (brain cells). Alcohol inhibits glutamate transmission and enhances GABA transmission, which makes you feel less excited and more calm. It also reduces perception and memory. For this reason, many alcoholics prefer this drug to numb the emotions they want to forget. While a glass of strong whiskey may be okay to endure a painful loss, using alcohol for this purpose for a long period of time is never a good idea. It can lead to serious addiction problems and effects on both your personal and professional life, not to mention the possible financial problems that may arise.
Stimulant or depressant?
Drinking a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages can brighten your mood, Increased energyIt is true that after drinking several glasses of wine or your favorite tequila, you may feel tired, angry, sad, and even nauseous. Whether the effect of alcohol is stimulating or depressing depends on the amount consumed and how much your body can tolerate. This is because when you are intoxicated, your GABA channels open wide and you start thinking very clearly, without thinking much. For example, we all have that friend who, after a few drinks, keeps saying “I love you!” over and over again all night long. It may seem funny, but this is a perfect example of how alcohol numbs you and makes you stupid.
Getting help
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, there are many ways to get help. You may be wondering, does rehab work? The answer is yes, if you commit to treatment. For some people, local AA meetings or other peer support groups are enough. For others, simply meeting with a therapist online is enough. But for many people, attending an inpatient or outpatient rehab center is the best bet, as these centers have been shown to lead to long-term, lifelong sobriety.
Finding the right treatment facility
When you or a loved one reach a stage where it’s clear they need more than just therapy or support groups, finding the right treatment facility is paramount. While a local rehab center may be a good fit for some, countless studies have shown that traveling for rehab produces better results because it takes you away from everyday, habitual triggers. Most people have the best results in the beautiful, tranquil environments of cities like San Diego, Honolulu, or Charleston, South Carolina.
California is known for its cutting-edge, innovative treatments for addiction issues, making it an ideal location for those looking to tackle alcoholism head-on. One center renowned for its success is Detox Recovery in San DiegoRestore is more than just a detox centre – it’s a transformative experience and a safe haven that ensures every aspect of your stay is comfortable and conducive to the healing process. Restore also works with a number of insurance companies, so if you’re having financial issues during your recovery it’s worth checking out their website or calling them for assistance in this area.
Final thoughts
As we’ve seen, the effects of alcohol on the brain are subtle, but for some people, they can quickly develop into serious problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, finding the right treatment that fits your lifestyle and level of addiction is key to staying sober. Drinking alcohol may be fun in the short term, but in the long term it’s not worth the risks to your brain and overall health. We wish you a healthy brain and a healthy relationship with (or without) booze. Cheers!
