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Are you an angry, sad or slutty drunk?
Alcohol and emotions.
We’ve all had one too many beers/vodkas/wines and started to feel ecstatic, sad, angry or horny. Alcohol does seem to have a powerful effect on the emotions, for sure. In fact, this effect is one of the main reasons that people drink alcohol.
How does alcohol affect the emotions?
- Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain activity.
- In small to moderate doses, this slowing down of brain activities eases stress and aids relaxation.
- When alcohol is consumed beyond a person’s tolerance (tolerance varies from person to person), feelings and perceptions of the world may become magnified. So, if a person was a bit down before drinking, they may become extremely depressed once they drink. Or if a person was happy before they started drinking; they may become ecstatic.
- Things can seem out of proportion when you drink – so a mountain can literally become a molehill.
- Alcohol use in moderation may reduce stress levels, but taken regularly in higher doses, it can contribute to anxiety. What a catch 22!
- Long term heavy use of alcohol has been linked to depression and other mental health problems.
- Alcohol is sadly a contributory factor to suicide. Many suicides occur when a person has drank alcohol and many people who commit suicide are dependent on alcohol.
How to deal with your drink induced emotions:
- Think before you drink. Be aware that alcohol will magnify your emotions, so if you are feeling down or angry before you drink, you may feel worse.
- Ask for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask friends or your partner to get help get you home safely or to help calm you down.
- Consider drinking with some moderate drinkers or even teetotalers. This way, there will be some lucid people in the group if you run into trouble.
- Realise depression and booze make for a rough cocktail. If you are battling with depression or even anxiety, alcohol may have a stronger effect on your emotions than usual. Some people find they cannot drink at all if they are depressed. Also, many prescription anti depressants should not be mixed with alcohol.
- Know yourself. If alcohol regularly makes you angry and start fights, maybe it’s not for you.
How to deal with other’s drunken emotions?
- Recognise alcohol poisoning. If the person you are with is acting really odd and out of sorts, don’t assume he is just a bit drunk. He may actually have alcohol poisoning. Click here for the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
- Pull them aside. Take the person out for some fresh air and see if that helps them start to act a bit more rational and together. Perhaps sit and talk with them in a quiet area.
- Beware of fire in their eyes. Check out their facial expressions for signs of anger. Watch yourself if they are in a state of rage.
- Let your ears bend. Try and listen and understand. Don’t order the person around; but perhaps try to gently remove them from a situation where they are making things bad for themselves – like trying to start a fight or throwing themselves at someone when you know they are madly in love with their partner.
- Don’t fan the flames. If the person starts yelling, don’t yell back. Walk away if the person won’t calm down.
- Re-state the facts. Try to present them with the facts of the situation i.e. letting them know that they are starting a fight because the guy next to them accidently jostled them or that they are flirting with Tom when John is sitting at home waiting. If the person won’t listen, well you’ve done your best.
- Look after yourself. It’s not up to you to take responsibility for your friend/partner’s actions. Try your best of course, but you may need to walk away if your friend is becoming aggressive towards you or refuses to listen.
Further Information:
Alcohol
Alcohol awareness
Alcohol and lowered inhibitions
