What You Feel in the Moment May Leave You Empty Later
The Truth About Alcohol: It’s Not What It Seems
Alcohol is often called “liquid courage.” It can feel like it loosens you up, makes you more fun, or gives you a much-needed confidence boost. But don’t be fooled—alcohol is a depressant, and that means it slows your brain and body down.
It may feel like you’re soaring for a few hours, but you’re actually headed for a crash.
“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” – Ernest Hemingway
So, Does Alcohol Give You False Hope?
Absolutely. Especially for teens.
Here’s why:
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It lowers inhibitions, which might make you say or do things you’d never consider sober.
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It gives you a temporary escape from reality—then drops you back into it, only worse.
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It can lead to dangerous decisions, like fighting, oversharing, or putting yourself at risk.
What Alcohol Really Does to the Body
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Slows down your central nervous system
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Impairs judgment and coordination
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Creates artificial highs that crash hard
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Leads to fatigue and emotional lows afterward
After a long night of drinking, your body is tired, your mind is foggy, and your emotions can swing dramatically. That post-party emptiness? It’s real—and it’s tied directly to how alcohol affects the brain.
Why This Matters for Teens
Teens are still developing—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Alcohol interrupts that growth and can make depression worse, not better.
Warning signs that alcohol may be hurting, not helping:
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Feeling more tired or moody after drinking
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Getting angry or tearful without warning
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Regretting things said or done under the influence
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Taking bigger risks than usual
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Feeling hopeless the next day
It’s Not Just a Drink—It’s a Choice
Some decisions made while drinking can carry serious consequences:
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Fighting with people you love
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Saying things you can’t take back
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Posting things online you regret
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Spending money on things you didn’t need
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Hurting yourself or others—even by accident
That temporary buzz can lead to long-term damage.
Alcohol Doesn’t Fix Anything — It Delays the Real Work
Many teens drink to hide anger or emotional pain. But alcohol doesn’t solve anything. It only numbs the pain for a moment—and often makes it worse afterward.
If you’re drinking because you’re sad, angry, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone, but there is a better way to cope.
So… Can Alcohol Give You Hope?
Only the illusion of it. It feels like a shortcut to happiness, but it’s actually a detour toward deeper struggles. Don’t let alcohol lie to you.
Hope comes from real connection, from facing your problems, asking for help, and believing that you matter—even when it’s hard.
What Should You Do Instead?
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Talk to someone you trust
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Journal your emotions instead of bottling them
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Try humor therapy, music, or physical activity
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Reach out to a school counselor or therapist
And if you’re already drinking and you’re scared to talk about it—it’s okay. What matters is that you want something better. That’s the first step toward healing.
It sure does, which is why so many people turn to it. It’s scary actually.
It is true, unfortunately. When you are kids you drink thinking it is cool. When you get older, most seem to outgrow it but you have a few that can not live without it. It is extremely sad. To bad kids will not listen to your past mistakes so they do not repeat them or learn from the adults that are still doing it.
I agree with everything bad that alcohol can do to you. Of course, it won’t necessarily lead to depression if it’s an ingredient for celebrations plus, moderation is always the key !
How do you control drinking in moderation..Alcohol with your child?
I think teens often think it’s cool to drink, without realizing the effect it can have on your mood. It’s important to talk to them, if you think they have a problem, and offer to help without being judgmental.
I get that alcohol can help you forget, but after a couple of hours, the pain you’re feeling will eventually be there again. It’s just a temporary solution, but still teens choose alcohol most of the time. It’s important to make them realize that this is not a solution and that there are better ways to move on from pain.
Alcohol definitely doesn’t solve any underlying problems. It’s dangerous to rely on a substance like that.
Alcohol can forget for a small time and its not the answer on any kind of problems.
I’m not an alcoholic, it seems like worst moment when you had a problem.
For me, drinking alcoholic beverages is for socializing, not for drowning heartaches or for trying to escape a problem. It is never a good thing to do binge drinking. Teenagers must be aware that drinking will not solve their problems, or make them look “cool.”
I think teens think alcohol is cool because it’s forbidden. When they are exposed to it as a normal thing, such as in moderation for celebrations, they see it as no big deal.
Stephanie Pass, You are right . Also it depend on how the parents celebrate in front of the kids.
A few people drinks alcohol to forget their problems but I will tell you it doesn’t forget your problems. It will be your headache.
Too much consumption of alcohol or liquor is bad. Depending on alcohol to ease the emotional pain and suffering is bad. It’s all about control.
This was a lesson taught to me early by my parents. Thanks for sharing your perspective on this.
Problem cannot solve with alcohol sometimes makes it worse and alcohol can help you forget the problem for only an hours not permanently.
Addiction is definitely scary. I don’t drink often, but when I do it’s just as a yummy drink – being drunk is one of the worst feelings, I’ll never get how anyone enjoys that feeling! :/
Alcohol can sometimes make us feel good but it doesn’t last. It’s better if we drink occasionally.
Everyone knows the fix is temporary and it’s a vicious cyle. My kids are young, but teaching moderation and other ways to cope with stress and depression are a priority.