You can buy alcohol at liquor stores, grocery stores, and even convenience stores. Anyone over the age of 21 can show their ID and order alcoholic beverages at their favorite corner bar. So, it’s easy to forget that alcohol is classified as a drug. To get even more specific, it’s a depressant. If you or a loved one may be suffering from the depressive effects of alcohol addiction, help is available at Pines Recovery Life Detox.
To learn more about alcohol classification, the effects of alcohol addiction, and how to begin recovery from alcoholism, reach out to Pines Recovery Life Detox today. Our alcohol detox center in South Florida provides the support you need to begin your recovery.
How Alcohol Works as a Depressant
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down your central nervous system. It blocks messages to your brain and alters your coordination, perception, vision, and hearing. The amount of alcohol you drink dramatically impacts the effect it has on you. For example, a small amount of alcohol can help you feel less anxious and more relaxed. If you continue to drink, it can cause dramatic changes to brain chemistry. This can result in intoxication, which often brings on staggering, slurred speech, and loss of coordination.
Some people have very emotional reactions to large amounts of alcohol. For example, some people become more friendly and talkative while others become angry and aggressive. It’s a bad idea to get behind the wheel of the car or do anything that requires substantial coordination while under the influence of alcohol. Again, your perception of reality can cause you to do things that don’t match your values or beliefs.
How Does Alcohol Addiction Begin?
Because of alcohol’s drug type, it can cause psychological and physical addiction. Once alcohol reaches the brain, it increases the levels of dopamine and endorphins released. Both of these substances cause feelings of pleasure. The problem is, the longer you drink, the more dependent your body becomes on alcohol to generate feelings of enjoyment or pleasure. As a result, your brain may stop producing pleasure-inducing substances on its own.
Even if you want to cut down or stop drinking altogether, you may have physical cravings that cause you to relapse. The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction are very taxing mentally, physically, and emotionally. Without the right supervision, alcohol withdrawal syndrome can threaten your health and wellness.


Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Pines Recovery Life Detox
It’s crucial to find an addiction treatment program that helps you deal with the physical symptoms of withdrawal. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we have medication-assisted detox programs that ease the pain of withdrawal. Treatment helps you concentrate on your mental and physical well-being. We offer residential treatment for alcohol detoxification. This provides you with 24-hour supervision and support during the first days of your recovery.
Treatment programs at Pines Recovery Life Detox include:
- Medical detox programs
- Residential drug addiction treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Wellness treatment programs
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, your recovery is the priority of our licensed counselors and medical staff.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have an alcohol use disorder, it’s essential to get the right help to quit. Due to the severe nature of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you could put yourself in grave danger by stopping on your own with no guidance.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically include:
- Hand tremors
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Seizures
You don’t have to do it on your own, and we strongly advise against trying to. Instead, choose a reputable treatment center, such as Pines Recovery Life Detox.
Turn to Pines Recovery Life Detox for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you have any questions about alcohol classification or the effects of alcohol on your body, feel free to reach out to our admissions staff. Alcohol is a depressant that can help you relax in the short term, but it takes a tremendous psychological toll and can lead to addiction. Contact us by calling 800.263.3869 or completing our online form today for more information about our alcohol addiction detox and treatment programs in South Florida.