By: Betil Hjert
Medical experts have always recommended to limit the intake of alcohol. This is due to several effects it has on an individual's health.
Most people get addicted to alcohol without even knowing about it. They drink alcohol in order to relieve stress and forget about the problems, they face in life. Ironically, what is perceived as antidepressant by alcohol drinkers, is actually a 'depressant'.
Many studies and researches have already proved that intake of alcohol contributes to the development of depression. There are many ways alcohol contributes to depression. Here is an explanation on certain factors that helps alcohol in contributing to depression.
a) Exaggeration of feelings
The effect of alcohol on the brain usually influences the main center that works towards coordinating the judgment senses, speech and perception.
It contributes to slurring of speech and many errors in the process of thinking. Alcohol tends to depress bodily functions and also stimulates inhibitions. One can easily expresses one's feelings as a part of brain that controls one's behavior tends to get relaxed or behavior. Hence, there is an out burst of emotions.
Usually, the mood of a person is exaggerated due to the use of alcohol. It has the ability to enhance sadness and anxieties. In case, a person who is drinking alcohol is under depression at the same time, he or she may give vent to the depression.
Taking drugs can also enhance the effect of alcohol and the other drug. Moderates drinkers can enjoy the quality of alcohol being a tranquilizer and reduce their stress. However, people who drink regularly can experience increase in stress as soon as the drinker stops drinking.
b) Intermediary
Alcohol has a tendency to stress blood sugar control. This results in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels in the body. Alcohol is also known to disrupt sleep. Both the factors mentioned would ultimately enhance the risk and makes the depression level severe.
c) Coping mechanism
People with depression or anxiety drink more amount of alcohol in an attempt to relieve stress. However, the more the person drinks the depression level increases.
d) Enhanced vulnerability
There are evidences to prove that overall tendency decreases serotonin activity related to early stages of alcoholism, especially among men
e) Effect on cortisol
Alcohol is known to slow down and relax the central nervous system that controls pulse rate, brain function and breathing. When a person consumes more alcohol, the functioning of the cells of the body and organs get relax. This ultimately leads to drowsiness and sedation in heavy drinkers.
Alcohol also tends to increase the amount of cortisol that circulates in the body. This works towards reducing the levels of serotonin levels in conjunction with certain important neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Both these are known to work as anti-depressants. When the level of serotonin drops in the body, depression can develop within quickly.
Alcohol should not be taken in order to exterminate depression in one's life. Alcohol intake is certainly not an anti-depressant. You need to trust other things when it comes to knocking depression out from your life.
