With alcohol being such an accepted part of celebrations and weekend events, many people consider drinking completely harmless. They might think of cocaine and heroin as drugs, but they don’t classify alcohol in the same way. They’ve never wondered, “Is alcohol a drug?” because it’s legal to buy and use. However, people who abuse it may suffer the same negative consequences that come with illicit drug use.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Yes, alcohol is a drug. It’s classified as a depressant, meaning it slows down many of the body’s functions. Even a couple of drinks can have an effect. The more someone drinks, the more alcohol impacts an individual’s reaction time and coordination. Those are just the physical effects.
Psychologically, drinking affects judgment and rationale. That’s why so many people engage in risky behaviors when they’re under the influence. They may have unprotected sex, get into fights, or get behind the wheel despite knowing the dangers.
For anyone wondering, “Is alcohol a drug?” it’s the most widely used drug in America. Since so many people drink for various reasons, it’s not always easy to recognize when moderate use turns into abuse. Often, people downplay the adverse effects because they don’t think of alcohol as a drug the same way they do substances like meth or cocaine.
Because it’s legal, some people don’t see the danger in it. However, if you or a loved one struggle with addiction, it’s likely that you recognize the downsides.
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Drowsiness and slowed motor skills may seem minor, but they contribute to DUIs every day. Major effects of alcohol abuse include:
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Personal and legal problems
- Organ damage
- Addiction
Like any other addictive substance, alcohol has the potential to create dependency. As a person drinks more, his body becomes used to drinking. Over time, his tolerance builds, so he must drink more to feel the same effects.
Alcohol may be a legal drug, but it can be just as damaging as illicit ones. It has the power to negatively impact someone’s family life, job performance, and health.
Now that you know the answer to “Is alcohol a drug?” are you worried that you or a loved one suffers from dependency?
Breaking the Damaging Cycle of Addiction
Ardu Recovery Center is an addiction treatment facility in Provo, Utah, that’s perfect for anyone looking for a Salt Lake City alcohol rehab center. We’re about an hour away from Salt Lake City, and we utilize traditional, evidence-based treatment methods alongside mindfulness-based interventions.
Our programs include:
- Holistic and medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
With help from the compassionate staff at Ardu Recovery Center, you can rise up from the lows of drug and alcohol addiction and turn your life around. Contact Ardu Recovery Center today at 801-810-1234 for more information.
