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Regardless of whether we want to admit it or not, alcohol is undoubtedly a great part of our society. We consume it when we go to lunch or dinner, when go on a first date, when we have guests over, when we celebrate birthdays or graduations, and so on.
It doesn’t matter whether you are drinking a drink or two or you indulge in it, the truth is that even the smallest amount of it affects our brains and behaviors on multiple levels.
The Science of the Effect of Alcohol on the Brain
Unlike caffeine in tea and coffee which is classified as stimulant, alcohol is classified as a depressant. When people consume alcohol, they feel elation, excitement, and an energy boost. So, what makes something that is supposed to make us sleepy so energetic?
Alcohol is classified as depressant as it targets GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain which affects arousal, behavior, mood, and neuropsychology functioning when stimulated.
How Alcohol acts as a Stimulant
Alcohol is more than a depressant after all. When you are consuming alcoholic beverages, as the blood alcohol content increases, it acts more as a stimulant, causing the following changes:
Levels of Norepinephrine increase, the chemical responsible for impulsive behavior and excitement
Activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain decreases, the area responsible for decision making and rational thought
Activity in the temporal cortex decreases, the area where hippocampus is situated. The hippocampus is responsible for forming new memories
Activity in the cerebellum decreases, the area responsible for motor control
How Alcohol acts as a Depressant
When you stop drinking, the blood alcohol content starts to drop and has a sedative effect on the brain. This is the reason why people get sleep after a few glasses or “pass out” at the end of the night.
The Spiritual Affect of Alcohol
Many studies suggest that alcohol has an impact on people who are spiritual differently than others. According to researchers at the University of Kentucky, the more religious a person is, the more aggressive they become when drinking. On the other hand, a study from the Journal of Studies on Alcohol discovered that spirituality, prayer, and meditation were quite beneficial for those recovering from alcoholism.
Conclusion
Bottom line is that regardless of whether you look at drunkenness from a scientific or a spiritual aspect, one thing that is for sure is that drinking, particularly heavy drinking ( having more glasses than you should), alters the way you act and think, and affects your ability to refrain from doing impulsive and stupid things, such as falling down or texting your ex.
Like it or hate it, drinking is a large part of our society, so it is difficult to completely stay away from it. But, do remember to drink within your limits and avoid it while driving. Plus, stay away from social media and posting anything until you go back to your sober self.