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Although you might feel hyper when drinking alcohol, it is still a depressant.

have a lot of medical value, but when they are abused the results can be extremely dangerous. Amnesia is a common side effect of depressants, because the chemicals interfere with the part of the brain that creates memories. Other side effects include muscle weakness, slurred speech, blurred vision, and nausea and vomiting. Another problem with depressants is the role they play in sexual assault—both Rohypnol and GHB have been implicated as “date rape drugs.” It’s sometimes confusing to hear that alcohol is a depressant, since people tend to associate drinking alcohol with socializing and having fun. And it’s true, the effect of alcohol on the brain can cause a short-term “loosening up” of the personality that feels sort of euphoric. But at the same time, the chemicals in alcohol are doing their work on the central nervous system, gradually slowing down thought and reaction times.

Teen Guides to Health & Wellness: Drugs and Alcohol

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