While in general it is true that alcohol slows down the central nervous system (hence, “a depressant”), it also activates reward-related pathways, which is why it causes the widely known sense of euphoria.
It also seems to depress fear-related pathways, which explains drunkard’s poor decision making, but adds to the happy feeling if you were stressed or anxious.
I was in the middle of typing what is essentially the same response but had to put my kids to bed.
It’s also worth pointing out that although alcohol consumption doesn’t cause depression, it’s a good indicator of it. But, the powers that be would rather put the blame on alcohol consumption because it puts the blame on the patient rather than the whole system. And as a nice little side effect the government earns big from the sale of alcohol and the pharmaceutical companies earn big from the sale of antidepressants. Neither of which would be necessary if we weren’t expected to justify our existence by putting up with terrible working conditions and survival wages with the constant threat of starvation and homelessness as our only incentive to continue.
While in general it is true that alcohol slows down the central nervous system (hence, “a depressant”), it also activates reward-related pathways, which is why it causes the widely known sense of euphoria.
Here’s a study where they MRI the brain to confirm it.
It also seems to depress fear-related pathways, which explains drunkard’s poor decision making, but adds to the happy feeling if you were stressed or anxious.
I was in the middle of typing what is essentially the same response but had to put my kids to bed.
It’s also worth pointing out that although alcohol consumption doesn’t cause depression, it’s a good indicator of it. But, the powers that be would rather put the blame on alcohol consumption because it puts the blame on the patient rather than the whole system. And as a nice little side effect the government earns big from the sale of alcohol and the pharmaceutical companies earn big from the sale of antidepressants. Neither of which would be necessary if we weren’t expected to justify our existence by putting up with terrible working conditions and survival wages with the constant threat of starvation and homelessness as our only incentive to continue.
Sorry for ranting.