Introduction
Some people say that tequila makes them “fun,” “energetic,” or “emotional.” But from a science point of view, have you ever thought about whether tequila makes you feel down? In a word, yes, it is. But not in the way that most people think of as “sad.” Like all drinking drinks, tequila slows down your brain and nerves. In other words, it calms your mind and body, even if you feel energised or confident at first.
Here, we’ll talk about the real science behind how tequila affects your brain and mood. We’ll also bust some myths along the way and help you understand what’s going on when you take a shot.
What Does the Word “Depressant” Really Mean?
To be clear, when we say that alcohol is a depressant, we don’t mean that it makes everyone sad.
In the field of science, a depressant is a chemical that lowers the amount of sensation in your brain and spinal cord. Something like coffee or nicotine speeds things up, but this is the opposite of that.
It’s possible that tequila makes you feel awake at first, but it also slows down your body, making your reflexes, balance, and judgement less sharp.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that alcohol, including tequila, is a central nervous system depressant because it slows down nerve action and brain function.
What makes tequila feel like a drug at first
If alcohol makes people feel down, then why do so many people say it makes them feel energised or sure of themselves?
That’s tricky; alcohol works in two steps:
1.Dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, is released when you drink tequila. This gives you a short-term feeling of happiness and relaxation.
2.In the depression phase, your brain activity slows down as your blood alcohol level rises. This makes you sleepy, slow to respond, and less able to make good decisions.
So, after your first drink, you might feel good, but only for a short time. Soon after, the calming and sleepy effects take over.
How Tequila Changes the Brain: The Science Behind It
When you drink tequila, these things happen in the background:
- Brain messages move more slowly: Alcohol changes neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which calms you down and makes you think more slowly.
- Coordination problems—The cerebellum, which controls movement, works less well, which makes you feel shaky.
- Mood changes: dopamine levels rise at first, but then serotonin levels drop. This can make you feel “down” after drinking.
A study from 2022 that was released in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews found that even small amounts of alcohol can slow down the nervous system within 30 minutes of drinking.
Is Tequila better for you than other alcoholic drinks?
Someone may have told you that tequila is “better” or “cleaner” for you than whisky or vodka. Some of that is true, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a depressive.
This is how it breaks down:
- Tequila made from 100% blue agave has fewer congeners, which are chemical waste products that can make hangovers worse.
- Some people may have fewer headaches or feel less sick the next day.
- But it still has ethanol in it, which is the same chemical that all alcoholic drinks have that makes you feel sleepy.
Even though tequila might make you feel lighter, it slows down your brain in the same way that other liquor does.
Questions That Are Often Asked
1. Does alcohol make you feel better or worse?
Tequila makes you feel down. At first, it might feel stimulating, but that’s just dopamine leaving the brain, not real excitement.
2.Do you feel sad when you drink tequila?
Not all the time. The word “depressant” refers to how it makes your brain and nerves work, not how it makes you feel. However, drinking can make moods worse, so if you’re already sad, it might make it worse.
3. Why does drinking alcohol make me happy?
Dopamine is released when you drink tequila, which can make you feel good for a short time. But your mood can get worse after it wears off.
4. Does tequila make you feel better than other alcoholic drinks?
Not at all. Because they all have ethanol in them, alcohols are all mood-lowering. There is only a change in the sugar, additives, and how they are made.
5. Can alcohol help with fear or stress?
In the moment, it might feel good, but it won’t last. Over time, drinking can make nervousness and sleep worse.
How to Enjoy Tequila in a Smart Way
If you like cocktails or shots from time to time, here are some smart ways to keep your body and mind in check:
1. Take it easy—no more than one or two drinks at a time. The CDC says that’s one 1.5-ounce shot of 40% tequila for women and up to two for guys.
2. Drink a glass of water between each shot to stay hydrated.
3. Don’t drink when you’re hungry because food slows down the absorption of booze.
4. Know your limit. Pay attention to how tequila makes you feel and how it changes your sleep.
5. Don’t believe the myths – No, “better quality” tequila doesn’t change how your brain works; it only changes how your body breaks it down.
Conclusion
So, does alcohol make you feel down? Yes, but not in the way that most people think. While it might not make everyone sad, it does slow down your central nerve system, which can make it harder to move, make decisions, and feel good. For a short time, tequila might make you laugh, feel free, or be brave, but those effects wear off as the depressed side takes over. The best way to do it? Enjoy it in a smart and responsible way. Remember that balance is key to having fun; too much of anything is bad.
