Are you aware that drinking too much alcohol alters the way you think? In fact, not only can alcohol change your attitude, but you may make decisions under the influence of alcohol that you wouldn't make sober (i.e. drinking and driving). If you get caught drinking and driving, you may be ordered by the court to enroll in a DUI class. This class can meet your needs and educate you on the dangers of alcohol. It's important to always be safe and responsible. To help you better understand the dangers of alcohol, here are some ways that alcohol impacts your attitude:
Changes in Mood
There is a reason that people "drown their sorrows" in alcohol. It's because alcohol changes how you experience your emotions. Alcohol is a depressant meaning that it depresses the central nervous system but people experience this as a loosening up or relaxing experience. Consider the impact alcohol can have on your feelings. Alcohol can make you:
Expressing Feelings: Lowering inhibitions can encourage the expression of hidden or unexpressed feelings. Alcohol intoxication allows people to express feelings that they normally wouldn't express or perhaps don’t know how to express. These expressions can range from tears, to laughter, to anger, etc. If a person is particularly upset about something and is trying to suppress their feelings, it may come out if they've had alcohol to drink.
Masking Feelings Alcohol can mask a persons feelings. When a person consumes alcohol, they can take on a different persona and their attitude and actions can change. Perhaps they are more self confident or "the life of the party" while under the influence or it calms them down and keeps anxiety and stress at bay. In fact, a person may purposely drink alcohol to mask their own feelings and become someone different.
Avoiding Feelings Drinking can suspend your experience of feelings and the ability to process them. Long-time alcoholics can seem like children since the alcohol has emotionally stunted their growth and development. Many people use alcohol to drown the fears and traumas.
Making Smart Decisions
If you're of legal age and plan to consume alcohol, it will be important to know your limits. When drinking, you need to be smart and safe. As detailed above, consuming alcohol can alter the way you experience and process emotions. Drink in moderation or not at all.
