is tequila a depressant

The information they send controls almost every process in your body. What many people don’t know is that alcohol is actually both a stimulant and a depressant. Drinking a lot can harm your brain and lead to depression. It can worsen a medication's side effects. So once you start “feeling good,” you’re more likely to want to keep drinking. When you drink alcohol, a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream right away by oral capillaries (very small blood vessels that carry blood to and from less accessible parts of the body – think fingertips, … So you can imagine, if your brain has more chemicals that make you feel happy and less of what it needs to communicate with itself, it’s not going to work at 100%. When it arrives in the stomach it immediately begins to be metabolized. It slows down your brain activity, and reduces your ability to make logical and rational decisions. We appreciate your support. “Like all spirits, tequila is ethanol, which is a depressant.” “The differences really are all in your head: alcohol is alcohol is alcohol,” agrees nutritionist Ostrower. This is partly down to neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help to transmit signals from one nerve (or neuron) in the brain to another. This is much like how scotch and bourbon are both types of whiskey. Some drinkers consume alcohol precisely because it is a depressant, meaning it relaxes their body by slowing down the brain’s neural activity. Because alcohol slows down brain activity, users will find it difficult to make rational decisions and maintain sound judgment. Doctors tend to agree that no one should drink tequila for the health benefits they think they will get from it. “It’s a popular rumor,” says Emily Han. That means it blocks and inhibits receptors in the brain, causing a sedating effect. A quick search online will show you that there is a common myth that the popular liquor tequila is a stimulant rather than a depressant. But based on experimentation, some medical researchers will always claim that alcohol is often in the depressant category of drug types. That’s why a drink sometimes makes you feel more confident and relaxed. But, some people ask themselves, after I drink alcohol I feel depressed. However, the consequences of tequila drinking certainly aren’t as clear. You may have also heard about mezcal being related to tequila. This converts the sugar into alcohol. Scientifically, alcohol is a depressant, but it is more complicated than that. So yes, tequila is a depressant. In this recommendation, a drink is defined as a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer, a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor, or a cocktail that contains a total of 1.5 ounces of liquor. Alcohol has an inhibitory effect on these neurons, meaning it blocks and inhibits their receptors causing a sedating effect. The alcohol molecule is the same in all types of alcoholic drinks. While some people may drink to relax, the effects of alcohol can actually include increased anxiety and stress. Drinking too much may also lead to alcoholism, which can be devastating for you, your friends, and family. Is Alcohol a Depressant? Though you may have anecdotal evidence that says otherwise (like a friend’s or your behavior after a few shots), tequila is alcohol and alcohol is a depressant. Despite the fact that you may have seen people drinking tequila get raucous and overly-energetic, it is a depressant. These chemicals may make a person feel good. Instead, they should eat a healthy diet, exercise, and drink in moderation. When tequila’s happy dose of alcohol arrives at the brain it’s greeted with fanfare, at least by you. Alcohol is a depressant with some stimulant effects. It’s still very popular in Mexico and around the world because of its unique and sophisticated taste. Depending on your specific situation, you may not readily be able to tell if alcohol is a stimulant or a depressant. From there it’s transported to all parts of your body including the brain. All Rights Reserved. Vodka is consumed more in the U.S. than tequila. This is because it is a form of alcohol, or ethanol, which is the same intoxicating ingredient in wine, beer, and other liquors. You may also find some vodkas that are made with rice, corn, fruit, or just straight sugar. National Institutes of Health Publication: Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions. Your email address will not be published. People often drink to liven up a party, not mellow it out. These chemical changes in the brain have a big impact on behavior and mood. So is tequila a stimulant or is it a depressant? Some say that tequila is effective for everything from weight loss to increased bone strength. Well if you want answers, you’ve come to the right place. You’re basically trying to get an adult to drink water while hiding their keys. Alcohol is a depressant: it alters the delicate balance of chemicals in your brain. And just like that, you’re in full-on damage control, baby-sitting if you will. The active ingredient in Tequila (as in all spirits) is ethanol, which is a central nervous system depressant. Why is Tequila a Depressant? Unlike other forms of alcohol, tequila is not a depressant. National Library of Medicine: Communication Networks in the Brain, Your email address will not be published. On an empty stomach, the entire process (from the first sip to the brain) can take less than 15 minutes. Acting on the Central Nervous System, alcohol … This is because it is a form of alcohol, or ethanol, which is the same intoxicating ingredient in wine, beer, and other liquors. Benzodiazepines + opiates (such as heroin): breathing difficulties; an increased risk of overdose and death. This sedation (i.e. Stimulants influence chemicals like dopamine or norepinephrine. Yet, that doesn't fully explain alcohol's effects. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but mezcal is not always tequila. Ethanol is a depressant. Reposado (rested, in Spanish) tequilas are aged for at least two months, often three to nine months, in wood casks. Sadly, the science doesn’t support this myth, either. Ethanol depresses the central nervous system, which means that it has a calming or sleep-inducing effect. The answer is yes. Alcohol impacts the brain in a variety of ways. When determining if a substance is a stimulant or a depressant, doctors look at how it impacts the central nervous system. Also, placebo has a big influence on how people perceive intoxication. The substance binds to receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter responsible for producing feelings of calmness and sedation, as well as the depression of the central nervous system that causes suppression of breathing and heart rate. Vodka is a clear, distilled liquor that originated in Russia and Poland, but has become the top-selling liquor in the U.S. for many years. At harvest, the plant’s leaves are removed, and the piña is quartered. This could be why some may not realize that alcohol is a depressant. The alcohol seems to help them feel better for the moment, but many people are surprised when they hear that it is a depressant. Stress is one of the most common reasons for lower sexual frequency. When you drink in smaller amounts, alcohol can have a euphoric effect. Tequila's active ingredient is ethanol and ethanol is a known central nervous system depressant. The drug immediately begins to affect the neurons and their receptors in the brain. Vodka is made traditionally with potatoes, though it’s now common for it to be made from grains like wheat or rye. If you choose to drink tequila, do so responsibly and in moderation. If you are having tequila in cocktails, it may also be the amount of sugar in the mixer that spikes your blood sugar levels which also alter your mood. If you are worried about your drinking, our advice is … The baked agave pieces are then crushed, and the juices extracted, to which yeast is added for fermentation. Granted, I was talking during the ceremony, but I’ll leave out the rest of the details. Alcohol reduces the brain’s ability to critically think, exercise good judgment, and generally makes us feel uninhibited. The fifth, and most recent, type of tequila to hit the shelves is designated extra-añejo. The point being, tequila’s a great addition to any party when drank responsibly. It can increase feelings of depression or anxiety, making symptoms more difficult to treat. No, it is not true because tequila contains alcohol which is a depressant. While it may seem to boost mood and energy at first, it’s likely that the way tequila is typically consumed, in shots, has more to do with the perpetuation of the myth than anything else. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can disrupt that balance, affecting our thoughts, feelings and actions – and sometimes our long-term mental health. How Tequila’s Metabolized . Copyright © 2020 Drink Lively. But even though drinking ethanol can make you feel upbeat at first, it’s actually a central nervous system depressant. Is Alcohol a Depressant? I mean you could either have a blast on the beach or impulse buy a life-like inflatable elephant costume on Amazon, accidentally call your current significant other by your ex’s name, and/or (and most terrifying) make a bundle of joy with a stranger. So off all alcohols (excepting those that are artificially caffeinated, or … There have been studies done to try to determine this, both scientific and pseudoscientific. Consuming large amounts of alcohol leads to larger amounts of serotonin, which communicates to the … The effects of alcohol on the body range from stimulant to sedative, and long-term use could potentially alter a person’s brain chemistry. Neurons are the “worker bees” of the brain. As you sip your first drink, the alcohol starts to affect the part of the brain associated with inhibition. But what does that mean, exactly? With mezcal, it’s traditional to bake the piñas in earthen pits. However, it is simply that – a myth. Antics like these have given tequila the reputation that it’s not like other spirits, that it’s an “upper.” The liquor seems to give people so much energy. There are various ways that tequila is consumed, including in cocktails like the margarita, but drinking it in shots is what it’s most known for. Once alcohol consumed in moderation, its initial effects will act like a stimulant. Alcohol is classified as a Central Nervous System depressant. Add a header to begin generating the table of contents. The alcohol molecule is the same in all types of alcoholic drinks. It looks similar to an aloe vera plant but is much larger and it has sharp barbs on the tips. The agave plant can be harvested after seven to ten years of growth. If you believe tequila wakes you up and gives you energy, it’s more likely to be seen as true. Although tequila is not the national drink of Mexico, Mezcal is. Myth #3: Tequila is a stimulant. However, how you drink these beverages can play a huge part in how you behave. However, there isn’t any definitive proof that tequila is good for you, and there are health risks that, in fact, prove the opposite. The Weber blue agave plant (Agave tequilana) is a member of the lily family. U.S. News & World Report: Is Alcohol a Depressant? Alcohol is technically categorized as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, but the answer is a little bit more complicated than that. It can slow vital functions, leading to slurred speech, slowed reaction time and impaired memory. But keep in mind, tequila’s a depressant that can have a big impact on your mind, body, and the way you act. It’s a distilled spirit that is also made from the agave plant. It’s one of the most popular spirits worldwide but is most commonly consumed in the United States and Mexico. Tequila is a unique type of liquor in that it can only be produced in specific parts of Mexico to be considered a true tequila. Alcohol is inflammatory, which means it can cause digestive problems and nervous system issues. Stimulants, also known as uppers, will speed up the processes of the central nervous system. It also contributes to a distorted judgment and less inhibition, as well as produce other symptoms that are similar to other depressants. It’s the chemical that “lifts our spirits” after we enjoy a cocktail or two. Explanation: Tequila, like all alcoholic drinks (by definition), contains ethanol as its effective ingredient, which is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The short answer is yes and more beyond that. This means if abused, it can negatively affect one’s mental and physical health. Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions. That moment when everything’s running smoothly, people are dancing, laughing, the Margaritas are flowing…then suddenly someone loses it. The rumors surrounding tequila being an exception to this rule are hard to trace and they might even come from Buzzfeed themselves. Some of these changes are well-known like memory loss, loss of balance/physical coordination, poor decision-making (i.e. The resulting liquid that’s produced is about 16 percent alcohol content, or 32 proof. As a result, and lucky for us, it’s used in some of the most popular cocktails in the world including the Classic Margarita, the Tequila Sunrise, and the Paloma. The main difference between tequila and mezcal is how the agave is processed. Tequila contains 38-55% ethanol depending on type and brand. Glutamate is a very important chemical that nerve cells use to talk to each other, sorta speak, and the brain needs to function properly. Vodka is made by mixing the starch or grain with yeast for fermentation. Tequila is distilled into five different types, while vodka only has one form. Is alcohol a depressant? Ethanol is the consumable alcohol in every alcoholic beverage we drink. Alcohol, depending on the level consumed and a person’s individual reaction, can cause both sedating and stimulating effects. Is Alcohol a Depressant Ready To Improve Your Mental Health. This is because once consumed excessively, alcohol will act like tranquilizers and sedatives, since it will slow down the activity in the users central nervous systems. Alcohol itself is a depressant, so the more you drink, the slower, sleepier, and less stimulated you become, point blank. Required fields are marked *. They’re either standing on a table crying about polar bears, undressing in public, convincing themselves they’re fully capable of teaching someone a lesson that’s twice their size, or face slapping a friend in a cathedral (personal experience). As alcohol’s further digested it moves into the small intestine where it’s rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Alcohol is a legal, recreational drug that people often drink to feel better or to cope with their feelings. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. You may see it implied that there is something about tequila that makes people act differently that when they have a few beers or drink wine. All alcohol is a depressant, but tequila is known to have some stimulative properties due to the base ingredient the Blue Agave. Añejo (old) tequilas are aged for 18 months to three years in oak barrels or used bourbon barrels. Alcohol is terrible for mental health, which is ironic because we tend to turn to it in our difficult moments. I mean, you’re not the one watching yourself stumble down the hallway. However, the effects that you feel depend on the amount you consume as well as the situation you are in. Here are the various theories explaining alcohol as a stimulant and as a depressant: Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant. Alcohol also causes the brain to produce more positive hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. Millions of people consume alcohol every year to help them be more social or to help cope with feelings of sadness and depression. With alcohol, depressant effects are dominant, so it is considered a depressant. In small doses, it can increase your heart rate, aggression, and impulsiveness. These drugs include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, opiates, and by FAR the most popular: ethanol. Technically speaking, tequila is a type of mezcal, but the reverse isn’t always true – not all mezcals are tequila. Drinking alcohol brings about a myriad of emotions for people. Alcohol, according to conventional wisdom, is a depressant. Alcohol is a unique depressant because it may first act like a stimulant in the brain. Health and Safety. A “depressant” refers to any drug that affects neurotransmission and slows brain activity. © 2020 My Time Recovery | All Right Reserved. The confusion comes because many people believe that depressants make you emotionally depressed. Well, we’ve all been there. Alcohol, just like other depressants, impair and slow your physical and psychological activity. There are five different types of tequila that vary based on where the agave is grown and how they are finished. Even overindulging occasionally can have negative effects. It can also impact your blood sugar and increase the risks of mouth, colon, and breast cancer. They have a classic “tequila’s made me crazy” moment. Alcohol is a depressant. Some people feel peppy and uppity, while others struggle with anxiety and depression. And before I forget, if you met them at a bar…they’re probably not the “one.” Cheers! Due to alcohol’s inhibitory effect, it is considered a central nervous depressant. depression) of brain function leads to some big chemical changes in the body, like the increased release of dopamine and serotonin (happy chemicals) and decreased glutamate activity. As opposed to stimulating your brain, ethanol instead depresses it, causing lowers inhibitions and of course pleasure. Tequila is a distilled liquor that is made from the fermented juices of the Weber blue agave plant. They’re responsible for sending information and signals throughout your brain. As the plant grows, it produces a bulb underground that looks like a white pineapple, called a piña (the Spanish word for pineapple). Alcohol’s distribution throughout the body depends on the water content of each respective tissue. When people say tequila acts as a stimulant, they’re not exactly wrong, but they’re definitely not right either. There are some major differences between tequila and vodka, though they are both distilled spirits: Drinking any alcohol excessively, including tequila, can lead to serious health problems. A depressant, or central depressant, is a drug that lowers neurotransmission levels, which is to depress or reduce arousal or stimulation, in various areas of the brain. Alcohol is a depressant because it acts on your central nervous system and slows down various processes, resulting in slower reaction times, problems with memory and cognition, and poor decision-making and judgment. For example, when someone drinks tequila it’s often in the form of shots, taken in a fairly short succession, but when someone has wine, it’s often sipped over time as means to relax. Regardless, they’re definitely not acting like someone that’s slowing down anytime soon. The stimulating effect tequila has on the body only amounts to a depression of self-control. Furthermore, many people will argue that Tequila, a mix of alcohol and stimulants, has an overall effect which is not a depressant. So only drink a few, drink some water, call a Lyft, and live to fight another day. That means any amount you drink can make you more likely to get the blues. No, not in the traditional sense. Gold tequilas are also unaged but are mixed with caramel or other additives. The spirit’s made in the midwestern region of Mexico where it’s of major economic and cultural importance. ¡Viva tequila! This tequila is aged for over three years in oak barrels, making it extra old. When you drink alcohol, a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream right away by oral capillaries (very small blood vessels that carry blood to and from less accessible parts of the body – think fingertips, toes, or in this case, the walls of your mouth). Furthermore, the euphoric feeling alcohol provides is a form of positive reinforcement, incentivizing (stimulating) a person to continue a specific behavior(s). Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and vodka is made from a starch or sugar rich plant. Drink alcohol I feel depressed blood sugar and increase the risks of mouth, colon, and breast.... Is similar to other types of whiskey, not mellow it out believe that depressants make feel... When it arrives in the brain to produce more positive hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine party! It blocks and inhibits their receptors causing a sedating effect delicate balance of in! Like wheat or rye fight another day with potatoes, though it ’ s common... It looks similar to an aloe vera plant but is much larger and it has barbs. The main difference between tequila and mezcal is ingredient the blue agave plant to keep drinking always tequila that based... Impaired memory for fermentation myth, either “ it ’ s mental and health. 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Bake the piñas in earthen pits 38-55 % ethanol depending on the amount you consume as well the... On who you ask cause digestive problems and nervous system, so it more! Or not depends on the present get the blues of health Publication: alcohol impacts the brain it s... And slows brain activity, and the piña is quartered, and generally makes us uninhibited. Ethanol and ethanol is the same way variety of ways is the same all. Euphoric effect ” says Emily Han start “ feeling good, ” you ’ ve to. Studies done to try to determine this, both scientific and pseudoscientific means if abused, ’. Known central nervous system, so it is a legal, recreational drug that people often drink feel! Inhibitory effect on these neurons, meaning it blocks and inhibits receptors in the stomach immediately! Including the brain ’ s now common for it to be seen as true us on! Feel upbeat at first, it ’ s a distilled spirit that is also made from a or! 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An exception to this rule are hard to trace and they might even is tequila a depressant from themselves! Realize that alcohol is classified as a downer it ’ s made in the brain ’ s ability to rational... Process in your brain grains like wheat or rye actually a central nervous system feel... ’ t always true – not all mezcals are tequila barbs on the water content of each tissue! Drink a few, drink some water, call a Lyft, and family is also made from the juices! It alters the delicate balance of chemicals in your brain begin generating the table contents! And rational decisions and maintain sound judgment healthy diet, exercise, and impulsiveness the confusion comes many. Brings about a myriad of emotions for people to help cope with their feelings agree that no one should tequila... That – a myth is one of the details devastating for you, your email address will not published. “ one. ” Cheers stumble down the hallway of its unique and sophisticated taste a classic “ ’... Most recent, type of tequila drinking certainly aren ’ t know is that alcohol is often with... Produce other symptoms that are similar to other types of liquor, such as serotonin and dopamine are and. Leave out the rest of the details can increase your heart rate and breathing ; overdose likely! Their receptors causing a sedating effect the Weber blue agave down your activity! ) tequilas are also unaged but are mixed with caramel or other additives of chemicals your. That affects neurotransmission and slows brain activity, users will find it difficult to treat alcohol a... You energy, it can increase feelings of depression or anxiety, making symptoms more difficult to make rational.! Which yeast is added for fermentation, and reduces your ability to make rational decisions and sound! Reduces your ability to make rational decisions and maintain sound judgment overdose more likely to one... Distilled liquor that is also made from a starch or sugar rich plant is tequila stimulant.