Alcohol is so deeply ingrained in many cultures that it’s often viewed as part of everyday life — a staple at social gatherings, a way to celebrate milestones or unwind after a stressful day. However, when we take a closer look at what alcohol does to the mind and body, it becomes clear that alcohol meets the criteria of a drug. Understanding alcohol’s classification, its risks, and the reasons behind its widespread acceptance is crucial, especially for those seeking help with or insight into alcohol use disorders.
Alcohol is also classified as a psychoactive substance because it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce short-term psychological and mood alterations. The fact that it’s socially acceptable in most places does not change its pharmacological properties. When we look at the effects, it’s clear that alcohol can be just as harmful, addictive, and disruptive as many other controlled substances.
What Kind Of Drug Is Alcohol?
Technically, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it decreases and suppresses the nerves in the brain. This can create the feeling of calm, relaxation and decreased stress that some people experience with alcohol use. It can also lead to confused thinking due to your brain function slowing, as well as decreased coordination, slurred speech and decreased inhibition.
In addition to its neurological effects, alcohol also causes chemical changes in the brain. Alcohol stimulates the release of endorphins — chemicals that cause pleasure. These chemicals are released naturally throughout a normal day in response to good things that the brain wants to reinforce. This can be many things, from completing a difficult task to eating sweet food, to watching a sunset or even having intercourse.
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When endorphins are artificially released by alcohol, they can create a stronger feeling of pleasure than is naturally experienced. For some people, this feeling can be so good they are driven to drink with increasing frequency and larger amounts. As alcohol use is continued and increased, the brain will actually rewire itself to seek out alcohol, leading to addiction.
Alcohol addiction is referred to as an alcohol use disorder. This type of disorder is a disease that causes you to be unable to stop using alcohol even though it causes negative consequences in your life. Those who struggle with alcohol use disorder often require alcohol detoxification, followed by inpatient treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Alcohol?
Short-Term Side Effects
- Reduced Inhibitions: A drink or two can make people feel more sociable and relaxed, but it can also lead to impulsive behaviors and poor judgment.
- Impaired Coordination and Slowed Reaction Time: This is why driving or operating machinery under the influence is dangerous.
- Mood Swings: Alcohol can fluctuate from mild euphoria to aggression or sadness.
- Memory Lapses or Blackouts: Drinking too much, too quickly can disrupt short-term memory function, sometimes leading to partial or full memory loss of events.
Long-Term Side Effects
- Liver Damage: Heavy, prolonged drinking is a leading cause of liver diseases like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Chronic alcohol use is associated with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of stroke.
- Mental Health Problems: While some might use alcohol as a coping mechanism, it can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions over time.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, leading to malnutrition.
- Cancer Risk: Long-term, excessive alcohol use is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, including breast, liver, colon, and throat cancers.
Alcohol’s negative impact on the body can be amplified if consumed in large quantities or in conjunction with other substances. Even moderate drinkers can experience adverse effects if they have underlying health conditions or a predisposition to addiction.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
Alcohol has a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system, which plays a major role in addiction. When a person drinks alcohol, it prompts the release of dopamine and endorphins — chemicals that create feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, the brain begins to associate alcohol with these pleasurable feelings, reinforcing the desire to drink again and again.
Moreover, chronic drinking alters the balance of neurotransmitters involved in stress, mood regulation, and cognitive function. As a result, when someone who has become dependent on alcohol stops drinking, they may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are often alleviated by drinking more alcohol, creating a vicious cycle of dependence.
An individual’s risk of alcohol addiction can be influenced by a variety of factors:
- Genetics: Having a family history of alcohol use disorder can increase the likelihood of developing the same condition.
- Environment: Growing up in a household or community where alcohol use is normalized can influence future drinking patterns.
- Mental Health: Those with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may use alcohol to self-medicate, increasing their risk of addiction.
Why Is Alcohol Legal If It’s a Drug?
Despite the risks and the classification of alcohol as a psychoactive substance, alcohol remains legal in most countries around the world for several reasons:
- Historical and Cultural Roots: Humans have been fermenting and consuming alcoholic beverages for thousands of years. Alcohol is intertwined with social traditions, religious ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
- Economic Factors: The alcohol industry is a significant source of revenue and employment. Governments collect substantial tax revenue from the sale of alcoholic products.
- Regulation Instead of Prohibition: Complete prohibition in the United States (1920–1933) demonstrated that banning alcohol outright did not eliminate its use. Instead, it gave rise to illegal production and organized crime. Today, alcohol is regulated through measures like age restrictions, licensing for sellers, and limits on advertising.
- Public Opinion: Alcohol, unlike many other drugs, is socially accepted and even celebrated in certain contexts. Because of this, there is often less political will to outlaw or significantly reduce access.
However, the legality of alcohol does not minimize its risks. Medical and public health experts continuously warn about excessive drinking, raising awareness of its potential harm to individuals and society. Laws and regulations around alcohol can vary widely, reflecting ongoing debates about how to balance economic benefits, personal freedoms, and public health.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) can occur when a person who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period suddenly stops or drastically reduces their alcohol intake. This abrupt change causes the body, which has become accustomed to functioning with alcohol, to react negatively.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Mild Symptoms: Anxiety, shaky hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.
- Moderate Symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, irritability, and heightened anxiety or mood swings.
- Severe Symptoms (Delirium Tremens): Hallucinations, severe confusion, fever, seizures, and extreme agitation. Delirium tremens (DTs) can be life-threatening if not treated.
Treatment and Management
People experiencing alcohol withdrawal should seek professional help. Treatment may include:
- Medical Detox: A supervised environment with medications that help manage symptoms and reduce cravings.
- Therapy and Counseling: Behavioral therapies, group support, and counseling can address underlying issues and provide coping mechanisms.
- Inpatient or Outpatient Programs: Depending on the severity, treatment might require ongoing support in a structured setting.
Withdrawal is a compelling indicator of alcohol dependence. It’s often one of the greatest barriers to getting sober because the discomfort or danger of withdrawal can deter people from quitting on their own.
The Dangers Of Alcohol
Alcohol’s dangers extend far beyond the individual drinker, affecting families, communities, and society at large. Some of the most significant risks include:
- Accidents and Injuries: Impaired judgment and coordination lead to accidents like falls, car crashes, and drownings. Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities worldwide.
- Violence and Abuse: Alcohol can exacerbate aggression and reduce self-control, contributing to domestic abuse, assault, and other violent crimes.
- Long-Term Health Complications: Chronic alcohol misuse is a top contributor to preventable diseases, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- Mental Health Impacts: While some people initially use alcohol to cope with stress or depression, excessive drinking can worsen mental health conditions over time.
- Financial and Social Consequences: Heavy drinking can lead to job loss, financial strain, and strained relationships. Social isolation can worsen as alcohol use escalates.
Ultimately, alcohol poses a range of dangers, from the acute risks of over-intoxication to the chronic harms associated with long-term abuse. Recognizing these risks is the first step in preventing and addressing alcohol-related harm.
How Big Of A Drug Problem Is Alcohol in Florida?
Statistics show that 18.2% of all adults in Florida drink alcohol excessively — almost one in five people. Only 8.3% of people in Florida reported using other recreational drugs, showing that alcohol use is over twice as prevalent as all other drugs combined.
Alcohol is an even bigger problem with those who are underage. Statistics show that over 21% of adolescents aged 12–20 in Florida reported on a survey that they had used alcohol in the last month.
Getting Help For Alcohol Abuse
If you or a loved one is struggling with their alcohol use, The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health is ready to help. Reach out to our helpful representatives to discuss treatment options that can suit your needs and get you started on an alcohol-free life.
