What Does Being Drunk Feel Like

Ever had one of those nights? You're all ready for a Netflix binge, in your coziest pajamas, a mountain of snacks within arm's reach, when you think, "Hey, a glass of wine would be perfect right now." Before you know it, one glass turns into two, then three, then — whoops! There goes the whole bottle. The night that was meant to be filled with cliffhanging plot twists turns into blurry mumblings as you stumble off to bed.

What just happened? How did your night go from Stranger Things to strange feelings in your stomach and scattered thoughts in your mind? Well, brace yourself as we dive into the somewhat squiffy world of alcohol and explore what being drunk really feels like. 

To the Brain and Beyond

Alcohol might seem like a friendly social lubricant, but it's a sneaky one, quietly infiltrating our brain and bodily systems. Its first stop is the central nervous system — the brain — command central for all our actions, thoughts, and feelings.

As alcohol swoops into the brain, it starts cozying up to your neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in charge of regulating our mental states. The alcohol has two favorites: glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is the brain's go-getter that speeds up brain activity, while GABA is the chill one that slows things down.

Now, alcohol decides to play a game of switcheroo. It suppresses the go-getter glutamate and gives the chill GABA a boost. The world starts to spin, our movements become sluggish, and that elusive word on the tip of the tongue pulls a disappearing act.

Oh, Look! I'm a Social Butterfly

Ever noticed how after a drink or two, you become the life of the party, cracking jokes, and chatting up everyone, even that cute barista who makes you tongue-tied? That's the alcohol tickling your brain's reward system. It boosts levels of dopamine, the feel-good chemical that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling that “all is well” in the world no matter what’s actually going on around you.

It's a great feeling, right? But remember, it's a borrowed high. The joy, the confidence, the lowered inhibitions — that’s all the alcohol talking.

Stumbling Through the Maze

Alcohol, master of disguise that it is, can make us feel invincible. Suddenly, you're an incredible dancer or the world's most hilarious stand-up comedian. But alcohol isn't just a fairy godmother granting wishes. It's also causing the brain to struggle with basic motor skills.

Walking straight becomes an Olympic event. A sentence seems like an uncrackable code. Coordination takes a hike — and that's when accidents happen. Think about the number of times you've woken up with inexplicable bruises or an unrecalled stumble: those are all thanks to our good friend, alcohol.

The Morning After

Alcohol's mischief doesn't end when we hit the sack. It continues its rampage throughout the body, disturbing the sleep cycle, causing dehydration, and wreaking havoc in the stomach. The next day, we’re left with a pounding headache, Sahara Desert-level thirst, and a stomach performing its own version of the Riverdance.

So, there it is: the unglamorous truth behind a night of drinking. It's not all laughter and dance-offs. It's messing with your brain, your body, and your life.

But the good news is, it's never too late to cut back or quit alcohol. Here are some actionable steps to help you on your journey:

• Start small. Begin by setting achievable goals like "no drinking during the week" or "only one drink per outing."
• Find alternatives. Instead of reaching for a beer while watching the game, try a non-alcoholic beer or a flavored water.
• Talk about it. Tell your friends and family about your decision. They'll provide a great support system.
• Seek professional help. If you're finding it hard to quit or cut back, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Numerous resources and support groups are available to help you through it.
• Reward yourself. Set milestones and reward yourself when you reach them. The rewards could be anything from a new book to a vacation.

Remember, everyone's journey with alcohol is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. But every step you take towards cutting back or quitting is a step towards a healthier, happier you. So, next time you're in your comfy pajamas, ready for a Netflix night, reach for a mug of hot chocolate instead. Your brain and body will thank you!