How Do Drugs And Alcohol Affect Decision Making?

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People often blame their actions on being drunk or high, and it’s become so commonplace that there are phrases like “hold my beer” before attempting a risky or ill-advised stunt. Many people, not only young adults, know that drugs and alcoholic drinks can affect decision-making, causing impulse control once level of alcohol has gone so far. Today, the professionals at Live Free SSL are breaking down exactly how they do so and what are the alcohol effects/alcohol impacts on one’s physical and mental health if they will end up with alcohol misuse/alcohol addiction.

How Does Alcohol Affect Behavior?

If you’re concerned about your drinking, especially if you’re into heavy drinking or up to binge drinking, you aren’t alone. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that over half of all American adults were current drinkers of alcoholic beverages at the time of the 2015 national survey.

Alcohol consumption, although it’s a depressant, can often start making people more inhibited. It increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is the “happy hormone,” or the one responsible for sending pleasure signals. This gives the “buzz” that many drinkers seek. Drinking alcohol also raises levels of GABA, which is a chemical that sends out relaxation messages from the brain. It aids in lowering anxiety and stress and can cause your body temperature to drop and your heart rate and blood pressure to come down.

Alcohol intoxication also increases the levels of norepinephrine in your brain, which acts as a stimulant. Norepinephrine Also increases arousal and excitement, plus increases impulsivity, making it harder to appreciate the consequences of your actions. This particular effect can contribute to risky sexual behavior, too.

Finally, alcohol inhibits the activity of your prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that helps you think rationally and is involved in your decision-making abilities. This is the part of the brain responsible for thinking clearly and rationally, and it’s the part that controls your ability to make good decisions. When you drink, the alcohol in your bloodstream disrupts your ability to choose responsibly, and you’ll act without thinking about the consequences of your actions, especially if you drink too much in a short-term or time that may cause you alcohol poisoning, which is a serious matter as it may sometimes deadly.

How Do Opioids Affect the Brain?

Opioids are primarily used as painkillers, but excessive use of these substances can have a significant effect on your behavior and decision-making. Chronic opiate abuse turns the brain into a chemically imbalanced environment. Opiates act on and might lead to brain damage particularly part of the brain that is known as the “reward system” part. That is, the changes in the brain from opiates end up removing the natural reward center function of the brain, such as completing tasks, achieving goals, and even personal hygiene, and makes the pursuit of and use of the drug as the ultimate, and sometimes only, reward.

How Do Ampehtimines Affect the Brain?

Amphetamines, called “uppers” include stimulant chemicals and methamphetamine, one of the most common addictions among Americans. These particular drugs target the areas of the brain responsible for executive function, aka decision-making. With prolonged amphetamine use, these parts of the brain can atrophy, reducing the ability to restrain impulsivity and control decision making. The subsequent result is the brain targeting the next “high” and use of the drug above any other protocol.

Are You Struggling With Addiction?

If you struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol use disorder, we can help Live Free SSI is an addiction recovery center that specializes in helping people understand the nature of addiction and, overcome their addiction, and lead a fulfilling life free from addiction including alcohol dependence and other substance abuse. We offer several different levels of healthcare addiction treatment, from inpatient treatment to outpatient therapy and aftercare assistance for substance use. Call us today for a compassionate assessment, and start your journey to healing today!

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