Is Alcohol Considered a Drug? What is its effect on life?

Yes, Indeed, Alcohol is a Drug.

It has been classified as a Central Nervous System depressant. What this means is that any form of alcohol consumption slows down mental function within the mind and brain. It also has the effect of reducing important body functions. This is because of the increased production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When the person consumes larger amounts than the body can easily process, it results in a depressant effect.

Some of the depressant effects are:

Distorted perceptions
Slurred speech
Delayed reaction time
Cognitive impairments
Lessened inhibitions
Poor coordination or lack of motor skills
Distorted judgment and more

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ALCOHOL as a Stimulant

Despite being known for its depressant effects, alcohol can also have a stimulant effect based on the amount and rate of use. A couple of glasses of wine will produce the stimulant effect. But much of this is based on the person’s weight, speed of consumption and their own body’s ability to process.

Some of the side effects of alcohol as a stimulant include:

Increased blood pressure
Talkativeness
Increased heart rate
Over-confidence
Euphoria and more

Can Someone Overdose from Alcohol?

Yes, and alcohol poisoning can be a life-threatening condition. It occurs when a person drinks too much alcohol. When someone drinks alcohol, it absorbs into the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body.

When the individual drinks too fast or too much, there is a greater percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream, and alcohol poisoning occurs.

It affects many vital organs if not treated promptly.

Brain: It can lead to confusion, impaired motor coordination, stupor, unconsciousness, and potentially permanent brain damage.
Heart: It can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), decreased heart rate, and even heart failure.
Lungs: It increases the risk of respiratory depression, where breathing becomes slow or stops entirely.
Liver: The liver is overwhelmed trying to metabolize large amounts of alcohol, which can lead to liver damage or failure.
Kidneys: It can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to increased urine production.
Pancreas: Alcohol poisoning can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Body Temperature: It can lead to hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).

Drinking beyond clear signs of impairments can result in alcohol overdose.

The Challenges of a Loved One’s Addiction

Life can become very challenging when a loved one struggles with addiction, whether it be with alcohol or other substances. If you have a loved one with substance use disorder, you have witnessed their gradual decline and their self-destruction.

Their alcohol or drug use is beyond social “acceptance,” and you see it but may feel powerless to do something.

How do you start to Help

It can or may not be a real issue, depending on the viewpoint. Parents or relatives may see the dangers of a person’s consumption, but the issue may be unreal to the user.

You may feel you’ve done all you can to help the person, but they still go out and use. This situation can be true in many families, and desperation or “indifference” often sets in.

This situation is quite common and occurs more often than one may believe. But how do you start successfully helping an addicted person?

Marc J. Bernard

Marc Bernard is one of the co-founders and Senior Administrator of ARC Services, established in 2013.

Is Alcohol a Drug?