is alcohol a depressant

Is Alcohol A Depressant?

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    Alcohol is a depressant, although it is capable of producing stimulant effects. Alcohol consumption impairs the regular functioning of your central nervous system (CNS), which in turn modifies how your brain communicates with the nerves throughout your body. The effect of depressants on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid has a depressive effect on brain function (GABA). The potential harmful consequences of its use include relaxation, drowsiness, slurred speech, diminished inhibition, and coordination difficulties. These are only a few of the possible impacts.

    In addition, quick and excessive alcohol use can result in more serious symptoms, such as memory loss, coma, and even death in extreme circumstances. Some claim that they consume alcohol to "drown their sorrows" after a difficult breakup, the loss of a job, or other substantial stressors. Due to the fact that alcohol produces drowsiness, even a few beers or glasses of wine might offer the impression of relieving stress and anxiety.

    It's one thing to occasionally consume alcohol when feeling low or pressured. On the other hand, if you require that cocktail every time an issue arises, this could be an indication of alcohol misuse.

    Despite the fact that many people use alcohol to brighten them up or make them feel better, alcohol is actually a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol, like other depressants, has a detrimental effect on a person's physical and mental activities, slowing it down. Because alcohol consumption reduces overall brain activity, it impairs a person's ability to make decisions that are in their best interests. In addition, it causes diminished inhibitions and impaired judgement. Due to this, many people claim to have made decisions while intoxicated that they never would have made when sober. In addition, it produces a variety of other depressant-typical side effects.

    There is a strong association between excessive alcohol use and feelings of depression. The question that must be answered is whether depressed individuals are more likely to drink excessively, or whether excessive drinking promotes depression. Both are admissible for consideration.

    How Depressants Affect The Mind And Body?

    is alcohol a depressant (3)

    The prevalent assumption that alcohol is a stimulant originates from the fact that it shares many characteristics with stimulants, including a higher heart rate, heightened alertness, and greater aggression.

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    There are numerous ways that alcohol can influence the brain. The chemical binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing sensations of tranquilly and drowsiness, as well as the depression of the central nervous system that produces respiration and heart rate suppression. Memory loss and other cognitive capacities are significantly impaired as a result of alcohol's suppression of glutamate. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward, is released when alcohol is ingested. GABA and glutamine are also affected by alcohol. In order to heighten the pleasurable effects of dopamine, it pushes people to consume even more alcohol.

    Drinking alcohol can increase self-esteem and confidence in some individuals. Additionally, it can reduce anxiety, making some individuals more talkative or pleasant, and even increase their energy levels. Alcohol use causes the release of dopamine in the brain, which makes drinking feel gratifying and encourages continuing consumption of alcoholic beverages. These "feel-good" benefits, on the other hand, are just temporary.

    Commonly, the phrase "downers" is used to refer to depressants. They typically have a sedative effect. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sedative-hypnotic medications are additional depressants. One of the most popular depressants is alcohol, often known as ethanol. These are some of the most commonly used depressants:

    • Xanax
    • Valium
    • Halcion
    • Klonopin

    These drugs are widely recommended for the treatment of anxiety, pain, muscular spasms, sleep difficulties, and a number of other mental health conditions. Some are less harmful than others, but they all have the same effect of reducing brain awareness and slowing central nervous system (CNS) activity. Alcohol abuse is prevalent since it is one of the most regularly used and accepted drugs in society worldwide. Alcohol is a typical psychoactive substance that can alter your consciousness as well as your thoughts and emotions. The "mood-boosting" side effects of alcohol make it easy to give in to the urge to drink, but doing so increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder or becoming dependent on alcohol.

    Common Side Effects

    In addition to your personal history, genetics, body size, gender, tolerance level, and several other key aspects, the effects of alcohol are mostly influenced by how much you drink and how quickly you consume it. Common negative effects of alcohol consumption include the following:

    • a reduction in blood pressure
    • incoherence or coordination deficit
    • garbled or slurred speech
    • Vision that is obscured by fog
    • Headache
    • Reduced required reaction time
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Dizziness
    • mental capacity that has deteriorated severely
    • Slow down your breathing.
    • a condition of being unconscious
    • impairment or loss of memory

    Excessive alcohol consumption can result in alcohol poisoning, which can cause respiratory failure, unconsciousness, and even death. If you have consumed an excessive amount of a substance, you may experience mental confusion, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, a sluggish heart rate, a low body temperature, bluish skin, and irregular respiration. Listed below are some of the long-term repercussions of heavy alcohol consumption:

    • Injuries
    • Malady of the liver
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Conditions that persist for an extended period of time
    • Depression

    A long history of alcohol consumption is related with an elevated risk of both cancer and suicide.

    Drinking Alcohol Causes Sleep Disruptions

    Ever had a night of lousy sleep after drinking? It is possible that you were unable to find comfort, experienced unusual nightmares, or awoke with a pounding heart. The majority of people encounter all of these negative events at some point. Alcohol consumption is related with alterations in the chemical composition of the brain, which can result in sleep disturbances. Additionally, alcohol use might disturb your sleep-wake cycle and prevent you from achieving sufficient REM sleep.

    Keep in mind that drinking might also have bodily consequences, such as nausea and dehydration, which can keep you from sleeping soundly.

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    Due to the fact that weariness and lasting physical symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate, a poor night's sleep can easily have a negative effect on your mood the following day. It has the potential to induce significant depression.

    Alcohol Has The Potential To Exacerbate Negative Feelings

    After a night of drinking, you may wake up with a foul disposition. If you already suffer from depression, consuming alcohol might exacerbate your symptoms since it heightens the strength of your emotions.

    Alcohol use can have an effect on the regions of the brain responsible for emotional control. If you want to forget what's upsetting you, you might start drinking, but as the first high wears off, you might want to wallow in your emotions instead.

    Since alcohol can impair mental clarity, it might make it more challenging to identify clear and effective answers to problems. It also decreases inhibitions, so if you have been attempting to conceal uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness or anger, they may emerge when you drink. This may be the case if you have been attempting to conceal any uncomfortable emotions.

    It has the potential to become a cycle of destruction. You might, for example, begin consuming alcohol more frequently in try to feel better or forget those unwanted emotions and memories. In contrast, increased alcohol consumption is unlikely to prove beneficial. In addition to its effects on a person's physical health, it has a greater propensity to produce negative emotional feelings.

    Complications

    According to a number of studies, heavy drinkers, compared to moderate drinkers or abstainers, are more likely to experience alcohol's stimulant and rewarding benefits than its sedative effects. This may enhance the probability that they will develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

    Consuming alcohol is detrimental for everyone, regardless of their likelihood of abusing or becoming dependent on alcohol.

    Therefore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding excessive drinking whenever it is possible.

    Those under the age of 21 or expecting a child should not drink at all, let alone engage in binge or excessive drinking. Each year, alcoholism is directly responsible for the deaths of more than 95 thousand people. That's the equivalent of 261 deaths daily. While it's true that alcohol can temporarily improve mood, it also changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can have a chilling influence on judgement and decision-making.

    The risks are amplified when one's BAC (blood alcohol content) rises. Addiction to alcohol is harmful not just to the user's physical and mental health, but also to the social lives of those around them. This is particularly true if the person drives, has sexual activity without protection, or becomes violent while under the influence of alcohol.

    Treatment

    Whoever who abused alcohol, however strongly, can find sobriety. Mental health professionals can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Treatment choices may include pharmaceuticals and/or psychosocial interventions.

    Medication

    In order to alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms or kerb alcohol cravings, your doctor may recommend medication. The FDA has approved several substitutes, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Naltrexone can also be used to help reduce alcohol use gradually rather than all at once. The Sinclair Method recommends administering naltrexone concurrently with alcoholic beverages in an effort to reduce alcohol consumption. It's likely that persons using this medicine will drink less alcohol because it reduces the pleasure they get from drinking.

    Therapy

    Numerous therapeutic approaches, including individual, family, and group sessions, as well as trauma-specific care, CBT, DBT, and others, are accessible. There are many different kinds of support groups out there. Alcoholics Anonymous, Women for Sobriety (WFS), and Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) are just a few examples. The programmes that work for you may not be the best option for someone else, so it's good to know what other options are out there.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it has the potential to upset the delicate balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain, thereby influencing your feelings as well as your thoughts and actions. Because alcohol acts on the region of your brain that is responsible for controlling inhibitions, you might feel more relaxed, less anxious, and more assured after having one or two drinks.

    Alcohol acts as a depressant. To be more specific, it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters that have been linked to the regulation of mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. As a consequence of this, having lower-than-normal levels of these vital chemical messengers can momentarily impact your ability to communicate, as well as your coordination and energy levels.

    Drinking can temporarily calm your nerves and divert your attention from the problems at hand. It has the potential to improve your mood, lessen feelings of shyness, and make you feel more relaxed overall. There is some evidence that drinking alcohol can produce effects that are analogous to those of anti-anxiety drugs.

    According to research, after prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain makes an effort to reestablish equilibrium by compensating for the depressant effects of alcohol. As a result, the brain reduces inhibitory neurotransmission and increases excitatory neurotransmission.

    Research suggests that after long-term alcohol exposure, the brain attempts to restore equilibrium by compensating for the depressant effects of alcohol; thus, the brain decreases inhibitory neurotransmission and enhances excitatory neurotransmission.

    Do You Find That You Need Alcohol When You're Depressed?

    Nearly a third of people diagnosed with serious depression also have a problem with alcohol. The most common presenting sign of depression is sadness. Research, however, shows that depressed kids are more likely to develop drinking problems as adults. Adolescents with serious depression are almost twice as likely to start drinking as their nondepressed peers, according to the research.

    It is more than twice as likely that a woman with a history of depression will start drinking. Many professionals agree that when depressed, women are more inclined to make risky decisions than males. Having a few drinks won't help your mood and may really make it worse. The combination of depression and heavy drinking is associated with more severe depression and higher risk of suicidal ideation. Antidepressants lose some of their efficacy if used in conjunction with heavy alcohol consumption.

    Does Drinking Too Much Make You Depressed?

    is alcohol a depressant (2)

    Alcohol has a sedative effect. This suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption can raise the likelihood of experiencing depression. One of the risks of heavy drinking is an increased likelihood of acquiring depression.

    Intoxication increases the risk that a person may make bad decisions and behave impulsively. You could easily lose all of your money, get fired from your work, and hurt the feelings of others around you if you did this. If you have a genetic predisposition for depression, this can make your depressive symptoms worse.

    Because alcohol is a depressive and because it affects chemicals in the brain that play a role in modulating mood, some people may worry that it contributes to their sadness. Many noteworthy interactions have been discovered by researchers looking into the connection between alcohol use and mood disorders. Example: a night of heavy drinking might reduce the brain's supply of neurotransmitters linked to feelings of happiness, but it's natural for the brain to rebound the next day. Conversely, heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to permanent alterations in the brain, which can in turn lead to depression or another mood disorder.

    A review of the relevant literature published in 2015 found that alcoholics were more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. One study found that drinkers had a higher than fourfold increased chance of having depression, a bigger than sixfold increased risk of developing bipolar disorder, and a greater than fourfold increased risk of developing generalised anxiety disorder.

    Dependence And Tolerance Go Hand In Hand

    Depressants can cause tolerance and dependence if used frequently. They have developed a tolerance to the depressant, thus a much higher dose is required to provide the same effects.

    Addiction to depressants can have a mental, physical, or dual impact on one's life. For instance, those who are psychologically dependent on narcotics may feel the temptation to use them while in certain settings or when surrounded by certain people. One's body learns to function normally while under the influence of a depressant when dependence develops.

    Those who develop a tolerance to depressants may find that taking their doses takes precedence over everything else. Cravings are another factor that can make it hard to stop using depressants.

    Is It Your Genes or Your Lifestyle That's to Blame?

    Sometimes it's hard to tell if alcohol consumption is leading to or causing a person's depression. Instead, twin studies have revealed that the same characteristics that enhance the likelihood of heavy drinking in families also increase the chance of depression. At least one gene has been found by scientists to be present in all human beings. It's involved in mental operations like remembering things and paying attention. Humans carrying certain variations of this gene are at greater risk for developing alcoholism and depression. And of course, there's also the influence of family and friends. To give just two examples, it seems that children who are abused or who are raised in poverty are more likely to exhibit both symptoms.

    What to Do About Alcohol and Mood Disorders?

    A social drink of wine or beer once in a while is unlikely to impair your health unless you have a medical condition that forbids you from drinking alcohol. But you have a more significant drinking problem if you need alcohol to get through the day, or if it disrupts your personal life, professional life, social life, or mental health in any way.

    Alcoholism and major depressive disorder are both serious illnesses that require medical attention. If you're worried about your physical or mental health, see a doctor or a certified psychologist. Numerous pharmaceutical alternatives exist for the treatment of depression. It's also possible to lessen alcohol cravings and frequency with the help of medication. Usually, your doctor will treat both diseases at the same time. If you need help overcoming your alcoholism, you can visit an AA meeting or a rehab facility that focuses on alcoholism.

    The Routes That Alcohol Takes To Your Brain

    Is alcohol like a narcotic in that it first makes you sleepy and then makes you think too much? No, not quite. A series of procedures must must be completed before alcohol may be produced. The oesophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. According to the Alcohol Pharmacology Education Partnership, only a very little percentage of alcohol (about 20%) is absorbed into the bloodstream at this time (via capillaries). The rest makes its way to the small intestine, where about 80% of the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes (once again, via capillaries). After that, it enters the veins and makes its way to the brain and the rest of the body. Potentially, the whole process will only take 10 minutes.

    It will take a bit longer if there is food in the stomach and the "door" to the small intestines (the pyloric sphincter) is closed securely. It takes longer to digest fat than it does other foods, so a meal loaded in fat (such a cheeseburger and fries, spaghetti with Alfredo sauce, or enchiladas coated in cheese and cream sauce) causes a slowdown.

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    Your Brain When You're Drunk

    The effects of alcohol on the brain include the following chain reactions:

    • The body slows down due to an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
    • Effects on body structure are a direct result of the underlying chemical reactions. Since alcohol slows both speech and reflexes, drunk people often slur their words and have impaired cognitive abilities. You may find it more difficult to breathe if you drink too much liquid because it will cause your body temperature to drop. Harmful to ingest.

    Consuming Alcohol When You Suffer from a Mood Disorder

    Many depressed people use alcohol as a daily coping mechanism. But doctors say that might be dangerous. They risk developing a physical and (psychological) reliance, and the effects they enjoy initially may start to wear off after a while.

    Furthermore, having a mental disorder makes it considerably more tough to manage an addiction to substances. As an example, a study from 2013 indicated that the prognosis for patients with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is worse than for those with either problem alone.

    Those who struggle with mental health issues like depression or anxiety are statistically more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder or become alcoholics. A person who is depressed may turn to heavy drinking as a form of "self-medicating," despite the fact that this strategy is fraught with danger and increases the person's chance of becoming addicted. Substance abuse patients with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and alcoholism, have a more challenging time recovering from their addiction, according to studies.

    Conclusion

    Alcohol is a depressant, although it is capable of producing stimulant effects. Alcohol consumption impairs the regular functioning of your central nervous system. Some claim that they consume alcohol to "drown their sorrows" after a difficult breakup or loss of a job. Drinking alcohol can increase self-esteem and confidence in some individuals. Alcohol use causes the release of dopamine in the brain, which makes drinking feel gratifying.

    "Mood-boosting" side effects of alcohol make it easy to give in to the urge to drink. Mental confusion, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, a sluggish heart rate, low body temperature, bluish skin, and irregular respiration are some of the long-term effects. Alcohol consumption is detrimental for everyone, regardless of their likelihood of abusing or becoming dependent on alcohol. The CDC advises avoiding excessive drinking whenever it is possible. Addiction to alcohol is harmful not just to the user's physical and mental health, but also to the social lives of those around them.

    Nearly a third of people diagnosed with serious depression also have a problem with alcohol. Having a few drinks won't help your mood and may really make it worse. The combination of depression and heavy drinking is associated with more severe depression and higher risk of suicidal ideation. Alcohol affects chemicals in the brain that play a role in modulating mood. Heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to permanent alterations in your brain.

    Alcoholics are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. Addiction to depressants can have a mental, physical, or dual impact on one's life. Alcoholism and major depressive disorder are both serious illnesses that require medical attention. Children who are abused or who are raised in poverty are more likely to exhibit both symptoms. If you need help overcoming your alcoholism, visit an AA meeting or rehab facility that focuses on alcoholism.

    The oesophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. About 80% of the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes. After that, it enters the veins and makes its way to the brain and the rest of the body. Many depressed people use alcohol as a daily coping mechanism, but doctors say that might be dangerous. Having a mental disorder makes it considerably more tough to manage an addiction to substances. A person who is depressed may turn to heavy drinking as a form of "self-medicating".

    Content Summary

    1. Alcohol is a depressant, although it is capable of producing stimulant effects.
    2. Alcohol consumption impairs the regular functioning of your central nervous system (CNS), which in turn modifies how your brain communicates with the nerves throughout your body.
    3. Despite the fact that many people use alcohol to brighten them up or make them feel better, alcohol is actually a central nervous system depressant.
    4. Alcohol, like other depressants, has a detrimental effect on a person's physical and mental activities, slowing it down.
    5. There is a strong association between excessive alcohol use and feelings of depression.
    6. There are numerous ways that alcohol can influence the brain.
    7. Drinking alcohol can increase self-esteem and confidence in some individuals.
    8. One of the most popular depressants is alcohol, often known as ethanol.
    9. The "mood-boosting" side effects of alcohol make it easy to give in to the urge to drink, but doing so increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder or becoming dependent on alcohol.
    10. impairment or loss of memoryExcessive alcohol consumption can result in alcohol poisoning, which can cause respiratory failure, unconsciousness, and even death.
    11. Listed below are some of the long-term repercussions of heavy alcohol consumption:InjuriesMalady of the liverCardiovascular diseaseConditions that persist for an extended period of timeDepressionA long history of alcohol consumption is related with an elevated risk of both cancer and suicide.
    12. Drinking Alcohol Causes Sleep DisruptionsEver had a night of lousy sleep after drinking?
    13. Alcohol consumption is related with alterations in the chemical composition of the brain, which can result in sleep disturbances.
    14. Additionally, alcohol use might disturb your sleep-wake cycle and prevent you from achieving sufficient REM sleep.
    15. Looking for the best rehab centre?
    16. Due to the fact that weariness and lasting physical symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate, a poor night's sleep can easily have a negative effect on your mood the following day.
    17. It has the potential to induce significant depression.
    18. If you already suffer from depression, consuming alcohol might exacerbate your symptoms since it heightens the strength of your emotions.
    19. In contrast, increased alcohol consumption is unlikely to prove beneficial.
    20. Therefore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding excessive drinking whenever it is possible.
    21. Each year, alcoholism is directly responsible for the deaths of more than 95 thousand people.
    22. Addiction to alcohol is harmful not just to the user's physical and mental health, but also to the social lives of those around them.
    23. Mental health professionals can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
    24. MedicationIn order to alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms or kerb alcohol cravings, your doctor may recommend medication.
    25. There are many different kinds of support groups out there.
    26. The programmes that work for you may not be the best option for someone else, so it's good to know what other options are out there.
    27. The combination of depression and heavy drinking is associated with more severe depression and higher risk of suicidal ideation.
    28. This suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption can raise the likelihood of experiencing depression.
    29. One of the risks of heavy drinking is an increased likelihood of acquiring depression.
    30. If you have a genetic predisposition for depression, this can make your depressive symptoms worse.
    31. Because alcohol is a depressive and because it affects chemicals in the brain that play a role in modulating mood, some people may worry that it contributes to their sadness.
    32. Many noteworthy interactions have been discovered by researchers looking into the connection between alcohol use and mood disorders.
    33. Example: a night of heavy drinking might reduce the brain's supply of neurotransmitters linked to feelings of happiness, but it's natural for the brain to rebound the next day.
    34. Conversely, heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to permanent alterations in the brain, which can in turn lead to depression or another mood disorder.
    35. A review of the relevant literature published in 2015 found that alcoholics were more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.
    36. Dependence And Tolerance Go Hand In HandDepressants can cause tolerance and dependence if used frequently.
    37. Addiction to depressants can have a mental, physical, or dual impact on one's life.
    38. One's body learns to function normally while under the influence of a depressant when dependence develops.
    39. Those who develop a tolerance to depressants may find that taking their doses takes precedence over everything else.
    40. Cravings are another factor that can make it hard to stop using depressants.
    41. Sometimes it's hard to tell if alcohol consumption is leading to or causing a person's depression.
    42. Instead, twin studies have revealed that the same characteristics that enhance the likelihood of heavy drinking in families also increase the chance of depression.
    43. Humans carrying certain variations of this gene are at greater risk for developing alcoholism and depression.
    44. And of course, there's also the influence of family and friends.
    45. But you have a more significant drinking problem if you need alcohol to get through the day, or if it disrupts your personal life, professional life, social life, or mental health in any way.
    46. Alcoholism and major depressive disorder are both serious illnesses that require medical attention.
    47. If you're worried about your physical or mental health, see a doctor or a certified psychologist.
    48. Numerous pharmaceutical alternatives exist for the treatment of depression.
    49. It's also possible to lessen alcohol cravings and frequency with the help of medication.
    50. Is alcohol like a narcotic in that it first makes you sleepy and then makes you think too much?
    51. No, not quite.
    52. A series of procedures must must be completed before alcohol may be produced.
    53. The oesophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
    54. After that, it enters the veins and makes its way to the brain and the rest of the body.
    55. It will take a bit longer if there is food in the stomach and the "door" to the small intestines (the pyloric sphincter) is closed securely.
    56. This blog post will help you make an informed decision about Rehab Treatment Melbourne fees for different treatments.
    57. Your Brain When You're DrunkThe effects of alcohol on the brain include the following chain reactions:
    58. Since alcohol slows both speech and reflexes, drunk people often slur their words and have impaired cognitive abilities.
    59. You may find it more difficult to breathe if you drink too much liquid because it will cause your body temperature to drop.
    60. Harmful to ingest.
    61. Consuming Alcohol When You Suffer from a Mood DisorderMany depressed people use alcohol as a daily coping mechanism.
    62. But doctors say that might be dangerous.
    63. Furthermore, having a mental disorder makes it considerably more tough to manage an addiction to substances.
    64. Those who struggle with mental health issues like depression or anxiety are statistically more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder or become alcoholics.
    65. A person who is depressed may turn to heavy drinking as a form of "self-medicating," despite the fact that this strategy is fraught with danger and increases the person's chance of becoming addicted.
    66. Substance abuse patients with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and alcoholism, have a more challenging time recovering from their addiction, according to studies.
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