What Kind of Drug Is Alcohol?
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Most of us grow up learning that drugs are bad, and we should stay away from them. Then again, didn’t many of us also learn that alcohol is a drug? Alcohol is classified as a drug but is not commonly seen (or treated) as one in our society and culture today.
From “Wine Wednesdays'' with the neighborhood moms to pandemic-era virtual mixology classes, alcohol is often seen as a celebratory sidekick in our lives. However, alcohol is classified as a drug, so are we overlooking its drug-like effects? Let’s take an in-depth look at the type drug that alcohol is. We’ll learn more about how it affects our brain and body, and identify its similarities to other drugs.
To better understand alcohol as a drug, let’s first take a look at drug classifications and how common drugs fit into them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a drug is any chemical substance that alters the way an individual’s mind or body functions. Drugs can be classified according to several criteria, including dependency potential, chemical composition, and overall effects. There are seven main effect-oriented categories of drugs:
These categories may seem straightforward, but some drugs tend to be puzzling. For instance, how can alcohol make us calm but also promote uninhibited behavior and a rapid heart rate? Is alcohol a depressant or a stimulant?
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. As we’ve learned, depressants suppress messaging between our brain and body. The CNS is the central hub of all signals in our body. It receives, processes, and responds to sensory information and tells the rest of the body how to respond. This can affect a multitude of functions including movement, speech, awareness, and our five senses.
This explains why our thoughts and actions are impaired when we are intoxicated. When we take a look at the specific neurotransmitters targeted by alcohol, we can better understand its complex effects and why it’s considered a drug.
Simply put, alcohol is considered a drug because it changes our mental and physical state. It does this by altering the function of our neurotransmitters.
The main neurochemicals targeted by alcohol include dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and glutamate. Alcohol suppresses glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter) and increases the function of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter). This combination slows down messages between our brain and body and gives alcohol its depressant effects.
At the same time, alcohol increases the function of serotonin (a mood-regulating hormone) and stimulates the release of dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone). Working together, these neurotransmitters give us a temporary feeling of happiness and activate our brain’s reward circuit, which keeps us coming back for more.
Since alcohol impacts our normal functioning by disrupting neurotransmitters, it also has the ability to cause psychological and physical dependence — a defining characteristic of a drug.
Like many drugs, alcohol has properties that lead to physical and psychological changes. Let’s take a look at the direct impacts that alcohol has on the systems in our body.
While alcohol is categorized as a drug, it’s not a controlled substance like other drugs with similar risks. Drug classifications and legality are influenced by a number of factors, such as politics, public perception, cultural norms, and science. Alcohol is particularly dangerous due to a number of factors:
Cultural norms often downplay alcohol as an enhancement to our lives rather than the harmful substance that it is. Society paints drinking as a way to relax, socialize, and get rid of negative emotions while understating the negative aspects of alcohol. This is a major reason that alcohol dependence is so prevalent today.
Like many drugs, alcohol has a high risk of dependence. Here are some ways to identify alcohol dependence:
Practicing moderation or choosing sobriety are the most effective strategies to prevent alcohol dependence. While there’s a social aspect of alcohol, there are also plenty of alcohol-free activities to enjoy. And thanks to the sober-curious movement, mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly available (and socially acceptable). If we’re concerned about our relationship with alcohol, seeking treatment or support can help us overcome challenges on our journey to better health.
Alcohol is classified as a drug for clear reasons. However, societal and cultural influences have allowed it to slip into our social fabric without being seen for its drug-like effects. Understanding alcohol’s impacts on our body can help us make intentional decisions about drinking.
While alcohol has the potential to cause dependence and addiction, there are strategies and tools we can implement that allow us to have a healthier relationship with alcohol. A mindful life awaits, free from alcohol’s effects!
1. Is alcohol a drug?
Yes, alcohol is categorized as a drug.
2. What is alcohol classified as?
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant.
3. Why is alcohol considered a drug?
Alcohol is considered a drug because it impacts our mental and physical functions. It can also cause physical and psychological dependence.
4. If alcohol is a drug, why is it not illegal?
Alcohol was once a controlled substance, but the Prohibition Era famously did not reduce consumption. Now, there are regulations in place that aim to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
5. Is alcohol better or worse than other drugs?
Alcohol is considered more dangerous than other drugs as it causes more deaths than all other drugs combined.
6. Can you become addicted to alcohol?
Yes, alcohol affects the reward system in the brain, which can cause dependence and addiction.
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Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.