Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Local Time in Gulf Shores is

Gulf Shores, Alabama Population:

Gulf Shores, Alabama has a population of 5,044 as of 2000.

Population Breakdown in Gulf Shores, Alabama:

Caucasian - 4,880
African American - 11
Hispanic - 62
Other - 91

Gulf Shores, AL. Education Information:

Gulf Shores had a total of 1,034 high school graduates in 2000.
Gulf Shores, AL. has a total of 1,185 college graduates with a bachelor's degree
or higher and 1,316 people with some college education. (Includes
Associates Degree)

Gulf Shores Family Info Breakdown:

Gulf Shores has a total of 139 single parents with children.
There are also 346 parents who are married with children in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Gulf Shores, Alabama Housing Breakdown:

Gulf Shores has 1,702 houses that are owner occupied.
Gulf Shores has 642 houses that are renter-occupied.
Around 1,705 houses are vacant in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
$177,200 is the average value of a house in Gulf Shores, AL.
$705 is the average cost to rent a house in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Shores, Alabama Income Information:

The average income per family is $51,625 in Gulf Shores.


Zip codes in Gulf Shores
36542 36547


Area codes in Gulf Shores
251

Map of Gulf Shores, Alabama :

Name
Phone
Email
CityGulf Shores
StateAlabama
Person Seeking Treatment Age
Is Person Looking for Treatment?Yes No
More Information
Preferred Contact Method?Phone Email


Why would I Need Alcohol Detox in Gulf Shores?


When heavy or frequent drinkers suddenly decide to quit "cold turkey" they will experience some physical withdrawal symptoms -- which can range from the mildly annoying to severe and even life-threatening. For this reason, an alcohol detox in Gulf Shores is often necessary.

An alcohol detox center in Gulf Shores would be the first step of recovery from alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox centers in Gulf Shores are designed to safely manage physical withdrawal symptoms while coming of alcohol as well as assist with psychological and emotional discomforts of coming off alcohol. Alcohol detox should be done under the care of a licensed medical facility in Gulf Shores. Attempting to detox from alcohol without proper professional help is extremely dangerous. It can result in serious physical, psychological, and emotional consequences which can include death.

It is important to note that Gulf Shores alcohol detox is only the initial step in the alcohol abuse recovery process. Alcohol detox programs only provide physical and emotional stabilization while going through alcohol withdrawal and therefore, alcohol detox in Gulf Shores should not be viewed as full rehabilitation. Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehab Programs will append efforts to maintain the gains made in alcohol detox, while working towards establishing a firm ground upon which future long-term recovery is to be built.

Research has shown that the vast majority of people in Gulf Shores that complete alcohol detox, but fail to continue treatment in a Gulf Shores residential Alcoholism Treatment Facility, end up in relapse. Alcohol detox is a vital component in the recovery process, but lasting recovery in Gulf Shores is generally achieved through a structured Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that addresses the root of the addiction and not just its physical effects.




What Types of Rehab are Available for Alcohol Abuse in Gulf Shores?


When searching for an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Gulf Shores it is imperative to select the correct type of Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gulf Shores that will address your specific treatment needs. For most people, alcohol abuse and addiction is largely misunderstood and as a result, people often make improper choices as to which type of Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gulf Shores they should consider, therefore they often receive inadequate treatment. When alcohol abuse has become a central aspect of life for yourself or your loved one, time is essential. You must quickly educate yourself about the many different types of Alcohol Rehab Programs available in Gulf Shores.

Most Alcohol Treatment Centers in Gulf Shores will offer a variety of services but often they will be categorized as a specific treatment type. There are many alcohol treatment types available including, out-patient alcohol treatment, inpatient alcohol treatment, alcohol detox, short term alcohol treatment or long term alcohol treatment.

Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Gulf Shores

There are many outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Centers in Gulf Shores. Most consist of some form of education classes, support groups, and or individualized therapy where the alcohol user does not require overnight stay. This is a popular form of treatment because of it's flexibility especially for those who cannot take long periods of time to devote entirely to alcohol abuse treatment. These types of programs can be very useful to those in Gulf Shores who must continue to work or attend school. Programs for outpatient treatment vary depending on the patient’s needs and the facility but they can consist simply of attending an community 12-step group, to a more structured outpatient program typically meeting a couple of times every week for a couple of hours at a time or, intensive out-patient(IOP) which consists of a highly structured group program that meets 3 to 5 days a week for a few hours at a time.

Attending outpatient treatment is different from inpatient treatment in that you are not under constant supervision, you still live at home and requires strict self discipline. For those who fear they may give in to the temptation of alcohol in the early stages of treatment, inpatient residential treatment at a Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility is recommended.

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment in Gulf Shores

Individuals who feel their alcohol abuse has affected their lifestyle such as their family, friends, or work will benefit greatly from inpatient alcohol treatment. This form of treatment provides the recovering alcohol addict with support 24-hours a day. Additionally, removing the individual from their former surroundings helps them to adjust to living an alcohol-free lifestyle. The benefits of inpatient treatment also include the reduced likelihood of the individual using alcohol while in treatment as well as highly structured days.

Inpatient treatment can take place in a variety of locations. Many first think of hospitals or similar accommodations, however, this is not always the case. Inpatient treatment takes place in residential settings as well. In fact, the preferred treatment environment of an inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gulf Shores would be one that was is restrictive than a hospital, but has close supervision and structured days. Most of these types of SINGULER in Gulf Shores offer supervised detoxification that may involve medication in a hospital setting or social detoxification (i.e. no medication) in a non-hospital setting.

Gulf Shores Alcohol Detox

Alcohol Detox in Gulf Shores is where the recovery process begins. Quitting alcohol abuse can initially be very uncomfortable and withdrawal symptoms often occur. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening in some cases so it is important to seek care in a Gulf Shores alcohol detox facility where medical professionals can manage and minimize the symptoms associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal under 24 hour care and supervision.

It is important to note that although alcohol detox plays a valuable role in the alcohol abuse recovery process, it is does NOT constitute a complete recovery. It is recommended that the alcohol abuser attends a Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center after the initial alcohol detox process is complete.

Short Term Alcohol Treatment in Gulf Shores

Short term Alcoholism Treatment Centers in Gulf Shores consist of inpatient treatment typically lasting 28 - 30 days or less. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities were originally designed to conform with insurance companies because many insurance carriers only cover a maximum of 28 to 30 days of substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict with certainty that exactly "28 days" is the correct amount of time to recover from an alcohol abuse problem. In fact, in most cases this is not enough time for a successful lasting recovery.

Short term Alcohol Rehab Facilities in Gulf Shores can be beneficial for those who have only been abusing alcohol for a short amount of time and the degree of alcohol abuse is relatively low. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs in Gulf Shores provide the alcohol abuser the opportunity to get away from their drinking patterns and for a short amount of time and focus on medical stabilization, abstinence, and lifestyle changes.

Long Term Alcohol Treatment in Gulf Shores

Long term alcohol treatment, otherwise known as long term “Residential” alcohol treatment generally lasts anywhere from 3 to 12 months in a residential, non-hospital setting. Long term Alcohol Rehab and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Gulf Shores use the program's entire "community," including other residents, staff, and the social context, as active components of treatment. Long term Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities in Gulf Shores focus on developing personal accountability and responsibility and ethical productive lives. Long term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Gulf Shores are highly structured with activities designed to help residents examine harmful beliefs, self-concepts, and patterns of behavior and to adopt new life skills, coping skills and constructive ways to interact with others.




What should I expect during alcohol rehab in Gulf Shores?


Attending an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Gulf Shores can be different for each person, however, there are some similarities that can be expected. The first step of a Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility is often alcohol detoxification (withdrawal). Alcohol withdrawal is when a person with an alcohol abuse problem stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can last a few days and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. These symptoms will be reduced effectively by attending an Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gulf Shores. Some Alcohol Rehab Programs in Gulf Shores will offer an on-site alcohol detox while others may have you attend an off-site medical detox center and then have you return to complete the Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility once the detoxification process is complete. Either way, the person in recovery must withdrawal from the alcohol which is safer and more comfortable when done as part of a Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility.

For some, the initial alcohol detox process is the hardest part of attending an Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center in Gulf Shores. Others find that their difficulty arises in therapy where they must confront their misguided beliefs and addictive behaviors. Often times, the recovering alcohol abuser will tend to unknowingly focus on present time problems going on with family, friends, loved ones, and issues at home. This is usually an attempt to avoid confronting their own problems by focusing on outside distractions. It is important for family and loved ones to avoid involving the addict with issues at home or anything other than their treatment plan. The addict must keep focused on himself and confront his own issues and his case points that need addressed.

Alcohol rehab is not easy! It is not easy confronting one's addiction, problems, issues, traumas, and transgressions, but is is something that must be done and with hard work and dedication, and the end result is well worth any struggles the recovering individual may have had while attending the Gulf Shores Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility. There is no better feeling in the world than to overcome tradgedy. The right Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center in Gulf Shores will keep the recovering alcohol abuser winning, gaining, succeeding, and continually feeling better about themselves.

Once one has completed an Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gulf Shores, he should feel that he can be a valuable and productive member of society again. It is important for the recovered individual to understand that it is their responsibility to remain sober and that if there is a relapse then that does not mean that they give in completely. Successful Alcohol Treatment Centers in Gulf Shores believe that the ability to accomplish a complete recovery from alcohol abuse must be based on the belief that an individual is not powerless, and in fact, must take responsibility for his or her own actions.








Bridge Inc
Bridge Inc is a Alcoholism Treatment Facility located at 3401 Newman Road Mobile, AL 36695
Bridge Inc specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and Criminal Justice Clients. Bridge Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Bridge Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Bridge Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (251) 633-0475.



Baldwin County Mental Health Center
Baldwin County Mental Health Center is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 372 South Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532
Baldwin County Mental Health Center specializes in Teens, and Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse. Baldwin County Mental Health Center provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Baldwin County Mental Health Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, and Self Pay. Baldwin County Mental Health Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (251) 990-8961.



Franklin Primary Health Center
Franklin Primary Health Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 1055 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36604
Franklin Primary Health Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Franklin Primary Health Center accepts these payment options : Self Pay, and Pay Assistance. Franklin Primary Health Center is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (251) 434-8195.



Shoulder
Shoulder is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 4901 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL 36577
Shoulder specializes in DUI / DWI. Shoulder provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Shoulder accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Shoulder is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (251) 626-2199.



Mobile Mental Health
Mobile Mental Health is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 4211 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL 36693
Mobile Mental Health specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Pregnant Women, Women, and Criminal Justice Clients. Mobile Mental Health provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detox, and Day Treatment Services. Mobile Mental Health accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Mobile Mental Health is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (251) 666-2569.



Army Substance Abuse Program
Army Substance Abuse Program is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center located at 6th Avenue Fort Rucker, AL 36362
Army Substance Abuse Program provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Army Substance Abuse Program accepts these payment options : Pay Assistance. Army Substance Abuse Program is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (334) 255-1040.



Mobile Metro Treatment Center
Mobile Metro Treatment Center is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 3367 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, AL 36605
Mobile Metro Treatment Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. Mobile Metro Treatment Center accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Mobile Metro Treatment Center is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (251) 476-5733.



First Step
First Step is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 150 Hospital Drive Luverne, AL 36049
First Step specializes in DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. First Step provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Short Term Treatment. First Step accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. First Step is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (334) 335-6294.



Bradford Health Services
Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 1000 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695
Bradford Health Services specializes in Teens, Women, and Men. Bradford Health Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Bradford Health Services accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Treatment Center that can be contacted at (800) 333-0906.



Bridge Inc
Bridge Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 1874 Pleasant Avenue Mobile, AL 36617
Bridge Inc specializes in Teens, and Hearing Impaired. Bridge Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Bridge Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Pay Assistance. Bridge Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (251) 470-1318x615.



ECD Program
ECD Program is a Alcohol Rehab Program located at 2950 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL 36607
ECD Program provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Methadone Maintenance. ECD Program accepts these payment options : Self Pay. ECD Program is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (251) 476-1677.



Dauphin Way Lodge
Dauphin Way Lodge is a Alcohol Treatment Program located at 1009 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36604
Dauphin Way Lodge provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Dauphin Way Lodge accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Dauphin Way Lodge is a Alcohol Rehab Center that can be contacted at (251) 438-4729x149.



Gulf Coast Treatment
Gulf Coast Treatment is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at Interchange Road Grand Bay, AL 36541
Gulf Coast Treatment specializes in Hearing Impaired. Gulf Coast Treatment provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Methadone Maintenance. Gulf Coast Treatment accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Gulf Coast Treatment is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (251) 865-0123.



East Central Mental Health Inc
East Central Mental Health Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 200 Cherry Street Troy, AL 36081
East Central Mental Health Inc specializes in DUI / DWI. East Central Mental Health Inc provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. East Central Mental Health Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. East Central Mental Health Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (334) 566-6022x242.



Friary
Friary is a Alcoholism Treatment Program located at 4400 Hickory Shores Boulevard Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Friary specializes in Hearing Impaired. Friary provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Day Treatment Services, and Residential Short Term Treatment. Friary accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Friary is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program that can be contacted at (850) 932-9375.



Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort
Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 4000 East 3rd Street Panama City, FL 32404
Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (850) 872-7676x4456.



Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort
Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 3407 North East Avenue Panama City, FL 32405
Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Women, Residential Beds for Adolescents, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (850) 769-6156.



Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug
Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 96 MDOS/SGOHA Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug specializes in DUI / DWI. Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug accepts these payment options : Military Insurance. Eglin Air Force Base Alcohol and Drug is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (850) 883-9352.



Crossroads of Sanford
Crossroads of Sanford is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 300 South Bay Avenue Sanford, FL 32771
Crossroads of Sanford specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Gay / Lesbian, Senior / Over 50, Women, Men, Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Crossroads of Sanford provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Crossroads of Sanford accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Crossroads of Sanford is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (407) 323-2036.



Metro Treatment of Florida LP
Metro Treatment of Florida LP is a Alcoholism Treatment Center located at 6990 Pine Forest Road Pensacola, FL 32526
Metro Treatment of Florida LP provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. Metro Treatment of Florida LP accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Metro Treatment of Florida LP is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (850) 941-4776.



Alcohol Treatment Centers by City in Alabama Listed Alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Nearby Cities

Orange Beach is 8.48 Miles from Gulf Shores
Foley is 9.59 Miles from Gulf Shores
Elberta is 11.77 Miles from Gulf Shores
Summerdale is 15.19 Miles from Gulf Shores
Silverhill is 19.39 Miles from Gulf Shores
Robertsdale is 19.81 Miles from Gulf Shores
Point Clear is 20.11 Miles from Gulf Shores
Fairhope is 21.29 Miles from Gulf Shores
Loxley is 24.78 Miles from Gulf Shores
Dauphin Island is 25.30 Miles from Gulf Shores
Warrington is 25.88 Miles from Gulf Shores
Myrtle Grove is 26.01 Miles from Gulf Shores
Bellview is 27.37 Miles from Gulf Shores
Daphne is 27.42 Miles from Gulf Shores
West Pensacola is 28.50 Miles from Gulf Shores
Brent is 30.38 Miles from Gulf Shores
Goulding is 30.41 Miles from Gulf Shores
Spanish Fort is 30.66 Miles from Gulf Shores
Ensley is 31.02 Miles from Gulf Shores
Gulf Breeze is 31.85 Miles from Gulf Shores

Find Alcohol Rehab Centers in Major Cities Near Gulf Shores, Alabama:

Mobile is 37.17 Miles from Gulf Shores
Biloxi is 73.80 Miles from Gulf Shores
Gulfport is 82.49 Miles from Gulf Shores
New Orleans is 142.35 Miles from Gulf Shores
Metairie is 149.12 Miles from Gulf Shores
Dothan is 151.49 Miles from Gulf Shores
Kenner is 153.35 Miles from Gulf Shores
Montgomery is 167.25 Miles from Gulf Shores
Tuscaloosa is 203.27 Miles from Gulf Shores
Tallahassee is 204.79 Miles from Gulf Shores
Jackson is 204.80 Miles from Gulf Shores
Baton Rouge is 205.41 Miles from Gulf Shores
Hoover is 221.80 Miles from Gulf Shores
Columbus is 223.78 Miles from Gulf Shores
Albany is 228.38 Miles from Gulf Shores
Birmingham is 230.98 Miles from Gulf Shores

Quick Drug Facts

Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressant. How, then, can alcohol cause someone to feel "high" or euphoric? Scientists are not sure, but the simple explanation is that alcohol causes "dis-inhibition" of parts of the brain that are normally held in check in people who are not intoxicated. In other words, alcohol causes a reduction in the inhibitory parts of the brain, thereby causing them to relax their influence on parts of the brain that can exhibit stimulation. We feel "high" when our cerebral cortex is more dis-inhibited, so we infer that alcohol has a major effect on depressing the cerebral cortex.
In addition to being a depressant, alcohol is a chemical solvent, a local anesthetic and an irritant.
"Blackouts", contrary to public knowledge, are not diagnostic of alcohol dependence (alcoholism). Blackouts are memory lapses caused by (usually) heavy drinking, where the individual does not pass out, but appears to act relatively normal during drinking. However, the next day, events that occurred during portions of the drinking period cannot be remembered. Blackouts probably occur because the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that registers memory, is depressed by alcohol. Whether the memories never get "registered", or whether they become registered but cannot be retrieved, has not been determined.
While people who are depressed are more likely to drink alcohol, doing so may actually worsen the depression.
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