Expert: Druideck - 5/5/2009

Question
Hey!

I wasn't quite sure were to put this, i'm not an addict but its a question on alcohol.

I'm 16 and basically when i go to parties and i drink alcohol i go all depressive and start crying! One minute im laughing my head off and the next i'm crying for no reason and i get all emotional! I hardly ever drink and it only takes a can of beer for me not to be able to walk, how can i stop it from being all depressive?

Its ruining my party life! Thanks a lot

Answer
Neela,


There is bio-chemical basis for depression. Three major neurotransmitters in the brain (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) need to be in the correct balance for people to have a positive, stable self image and optimistic mood. If these chemicals are not in balance, the person can become depressed.

Transient depression: People who have been drinking heavily may be depressed on short term basis either from being intoxicated or as they withdraw from the alcohol. This form of depression will pass as the drinking subsides.

Alcohol slows down and relaxes (“depresses”) the central nervous system (for example brain function, breathing, pulse rate). The more alcohol that is consumed, more and more “relaxed” the functioning of the body's cells and organs become, until they are less efficient.

Alcohol can increase anxieties and sadness. If a person is depressed while drinking, the person may become more depressed.

People who have depression  or anxiety may drink as an attempt to relax themselves and relieve the anxiety or negative feelings
and as the feeling of depression deepens, the more the person may drink to try to escape it. Alcohol becomes a form of "self-medication"

Alcohol stresses blood sugar control and can cause episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As well, alcohol disrupts sleep. Both of these factors increase the risk and the severity of depression.

If you are having bad reactions to alcohol
you have use it lightly. Your body may change
as you age and perhaps the chemicals
that affect your reaction will be better
balanced. You may want to have your blood sugar
level checked by a doctor.
Also if you are feeling down even when not
drinking it helps to talk to someone
you trust about your feelings.

Many people have bad reactions to alcohol
as it is a chemical substance.
Alcoholics are affected very much by alcohol
as it releases other chemicals in their brains
which are very addictive and eventually destructive.

I know it's a bit harder but try to have fun without
drinking. Practise being more open and
get to know people while sober.
Sober relationships are always better as
you get to know people without the false
confidence they get from alcohol.

Take care!