Is Tequila A Stimulant?

Tequila such as Jose Cuervo, as with other alcoholic drinks, is a depressant and not a stimulant. 

Many people get this confused because they may feel more energetic or have a less severe hangover after drinking tequila. 

However, tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant and ethanol, the same active ingredient found in other alcoholic beverages that inhibits receptors in the brain. Tequila is popular in both the United States and Mexico. 

Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it can impair sensory, memory, cognitive, and motor functions. This sedating effect appeals to drinkers but can become harmful to one’s health when consumed frequently.

Tequila Basics

Those drinking tequila can add it to a cocktail, margarita, or frozen tequila sunrise. Tequila can have a color or lack it (known as Blanco). When tequila is considered a clear agave spirit, it can reduce your hangover. Pure tequila does not have congeners, which also helps hangovers.

Tequila undergoes a distillation process, much like other types of alcohol, to determine the alcohol content. Distillers make the fermentation process take place. Since tequila is a distilled spirit, it is gluten-free. 

The Dangers Of Drinking Tequila

Whether you’re taking a shot of tequila at the bar or sipping on a glass of red wine, the effects of alcohol can cause dangerous repercussions for not only yourself, but others as well. 

For instance, if you drink tequila or any amount of alcohol in large quantities, you’ll likely experience sedation along with other effects that may include:

• reduced inhibitions, which can lead to promiscuity, sex with strangers, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), etc
• alcohol poisoning
• accidents such as falls, vehicular incidents, or drownings
• blood pressure fluctuations
• digestive problems
• high blood sugar

Drinking too much alcohol or partaking in dangerous activities such as binge drinking can lead to many health issues.

Tequila & The Standard Drink

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink is one that contains around 14 grams of pure alcohol. This equates to .6 fluid ounces. 

The NIAAA also suggests the following:

• men drink no more than 4 alcoholic beverages within a day
• women drink no more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day
• men drink no more than 14 drinks per week
• women drink no more than 7 drinks per week

Because there are so many types of alcohol, such as beer, wine, and hard liquor, the standard drink can vary. As far as tequila is concerned, a standard drink consists of a 1.5 fluid ounce shot of tequila which contains roughly 40% alcohol. 

If you or a loved one struggles with heavy alcohol abuse, contact us today to learn about our treatment services and programs.