Do you ever ask yourself, “Is alcohol a drug?” Often, people associate drugs as different kinds of medication that come in pill form. But the definition of a drug is any substance other than food that produces changes in the body. So, according to this definition, alcohol is definitely a drug as it produces significant changes to many important functions in the body. Therefore, individuals need to be aware of how alcohol affects the body and what to do if they need alcohol addiction treatment.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Alcohol belongs to a class of compounds that are central nervous system depressants. When you consume alcohol, the way your brain functions, neural activity, and other important body functions are suppressed.
These changes result from the fact that the production increase for the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid. So consuming alcohol brings about the same effects on the body as taking other depressants.
Specifically, some of the effects of consuming alcohol include:
- Reduced coordination
- Slurred speech
- Impaired cognitive function
- Slowed reaction time
- Decreased inhibitions
- Distorted judgment and perception
From a clinical perspective, alcohol is a depressant. But it also provides effects that are associated with stimulants. If a limited amount of alcohol is consumed, you can experience effects that include:
- Enhanced feeling of confidence
- A heightened level of talkativeness
- Increased heart rate
- Sense of euphoria
- Increased blood pressure
So there is no denying that consuming alcohol causes significant impacts on the body.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
The reality is that many people get addicted to alcohol. This fact provides further evidence to answer the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” Alcohol addiction is one of the most common chronic illnesses we face today. This common condition often features impulsive drinking in spite of the destructive consequences that result.
When you consume a lot of alcohol habitually, your mind, as well as your body, develop a dependency on it. The stimulation of dopamine and the release of endorphins leads to physical dependency.
These hormones cause a feeling of pleasure when you consume alcohol. And in addition to this feeling of euphoria, the use of alcohol becomes a learned behavior, which leads to psychological addiction.
So as you consume alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and other problems you are confronted with, your dependency on alcohol grows. Over time, consuming alcohol can develop into a habit that can only be broken with proper treatment.
Seek Help from Medical Professionals
Alcohol addiction is a problem for millions of users around the world. The effects of alcohol abuse are devastating to both the person struggling with alcohol addiction as well as their family. Alcohol is a dangerous drug that can even cause death if not properly treated.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, you are surely aware of its disastrous effects. Treatment can be difficult because individuals with alcohol use disorder often do not want help.
But there are many treatment programs available that can help. Fresh Start Recovery Center offers outpatient treatment programs.
Also, Fresh Start Recovery Center offers gender-specific programs like our men’s rehab and women’s rehab program for those who feel more comfortable in a same-sex environment.
Outpatient treatment options provide ideal care for milder cases of alcohol addiction. This type of treatment offers the flexibility of having patients return home daily after completing their treatment.
Fresh Start Recovery Center Can Help
Some people suffering from alcohol addiction choose to quit on their own. But this method can be dangerous and features a high likelihood of relapse. The dangers of withdrawal symptoms make this option potentially dangerous.
But now you can answer the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” So the importance of medical professionals in curing alcohol addiction cannot be understated. Call the Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833.625.0398 for more information on how we can help you break free from alcohol addiction.
