I know that alcohol is a depressant, but when I drink it I don't feel depressed...how does that work??

Question

I've noticed that if I have a night out (with drinking alcohol) then around 2 days later I get really really low...

it's kinda backwards don't u think??

Answer 1

Äs someone else pointed out, alcohol "depresses" the central nervous system - it doesn't refer to your feelings.

Perhaps you might think about reducing your alcohol consumption, especially if you are "binge drinking" - drinking a lot at one time e.g. four or more whiskies, or ten pints, or 5 or more glasses of wine. I know a lot of people think this is a normal amount to drink, but frankly they're alcoholics!

Drinking tends to be accompanied by neglect of eating and sleep, which both contribute a lot to your feeling lousy later....

Why don't you plan your nights out starting with a hearty meal and make sure you alternate glasses of water with booze. Also take it easy the next day and try to catch up on your sleep.

Your doctor can check if you have an underlying depressive state with is obscured by the boozing.

Answer 2

Alcohol initially gives shy people personality and sense of humor; lets one become the life of the party; makes one forget about one's worries and troubles, and appears to be a stimulant.

It is not--it is absolutely a depressant. It is on the order of one addicted to Xanax or Valium--too much and/or too often can really get you down. You're getting a taste of depression already--seeing as two days after drinking you get really low.

Remember that anything in moderation is generally okay, but when overused can be a killer.

Answer 3

Alcohol is a Central Nervous System depressant - meaning, it slows your reflexes and thought processes, and can depress your respiratory system to the point that it can make you stop breathing.

It's also the one drug that negatively affects every single organ system in your body. No wonder you feel icky a couple days later.

Answer 4

The depression really sets in big time when you discover how fast the stuff ages you. Did you know that alcohol effects EVERY BODY ORGAN in a bad bad,bad way? I learned that at "Drug Court" Alcohol is actually more harmful to you than Heroin is.I'm DEFINATELY NOT recommending you trying thatBUTT!! I did want to warn you. It too is a depressant. You sound too young to be doing this stuff like drinking anyway. Please take it from me, be careful. You can get hurt in many more ways than one here.

Answer 5

Alcohol reduces inhibitions that's why you feel good. The depression comes later when the effect wears off.

Answer 6

It only affects certain parts of the brain, slowing down selected responses. A 'depressant' doesn't mean the drug makes you feel depressed

Answer 7

Have you tried drinking more often? Most wino's I've known are always kinda low!