If You’re Asking Is Alcohol a Drug?

Alcohol addiction is a growing problem in the United States. Experts think this increase in consumption relates to how teens don’t think of alcohol as a drug. When asked, “Is alcohol a drug?” most teens admit that they put alcohol in a class of its own. However, it’s a major problem that teens don’t take alcohol seriously because it can lead to addiction.

Is Alcohol a Drug?

The answer to the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” is yes. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the motor and other vital functions of the body. That’s the reason why people start to slur their words or move unsteadily after drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Beyond affecting motor skills, alcohol has an impact on the brain. Studies show that it, like other depressants, impairs people’s ability to think rationally. It distorts their good judgment as well, which may put them in bad situations.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

If this person can't stop drinking, the answer to is alcohol a drug is probably clear.Like other drugs, alcohol affects the body in many ways. It enters the bloodstream through the blood vessels in the stomach and small intestine. The stomach absorbs nearly 20 percent of the alcohol that people drink. The small intestine absorbs the remaining 80 percent.

Since the stomach absorbs some of the alcohol, drinkers can start feeling its effects within minutes. At this point, the alcohol immediately starts slowing down nerve cells in the body. After consuming a certain amount of alcohol, which varies from person to person, the respiratory system starts to slow down. In some cases, a slowdown in breathing can lead to coma or even death.

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Knowing the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” is just half of the battle. It’s also important to know that, like any other drug, it’s possible to develop an addiction. Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a mental disease that differs from alcohol abuse.

The difference is that people who abuse alcohol still have control over their actions. They choose to drink regardless of the reason. With alcohol addiction, however, people no longer have control over their actions, once they take that first drink.

Alcohol addiction affects people of all different races, genders and socio-economic classes. However, scientists believe that some people have a greater chance of developing alcoholism. Factors that play a role in its development include genetics and behavioral and psychological factors.

It’s important for people to know that alcoholism is a real disease that changes the chemical balance of the brain. It can also be a very deadly disease. People should never attempt to tackle alcohol addiction alone.

Alcohol Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Spotting alcohol addiction signs and symptoms isn’t easy. After all, drinking alcohol has developed into a socially accepted activity. Even people who know the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” choose to drink in many social situations. They even come up with fun excuses to drink, such as the phrase, “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”

These sayings may seem fun on the surface, but people often use them to make light of a drinking problem. Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction include:

  • Increased frequency of drinking
  • High tolerance for alcohol
  • Lack of a hangover after drinking lots of alcohol
  • Drinking alcohol at inappropriate times

People who have a drinking problem may also have problems with school, work or relationships. Once they develop a drinking problem, it typically consumes their every waking thought.

They also no longer care about work, family or friends. They just care about when they can get the next drink. The need for a drink makes them blow off their obligations when possible.

Those who recognize these signs of alcoholism might question, “Is alcohol a drug?” However, they may be too ashamed or afraid to admit that it is a drug and that they have a problem.

Key Points to Understand About Alcohol Addiction

Is alcohol a drug? Yes, but people can overcome the addiction with some hard work and help from a rehab center. Another key point is that it’s easier to treat alcohol addiction in the early stages. However, rehab centers can treat alcohol addiction even after long-term use.

It’s also important for people to know that there’s no one cause of alcohol addiction. It can strike anyone for any number of reasons. Finding a rehab center that understands this and provides custom treatment plans is a must to obtain proper care.

Studies show that individual and personal plans help individuals overcome addiction. To beat it, however, they need strong motivation as well. Like overcoming any addiction, alcoholism requires expert care.

Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the biggest humps to get over during alcoholism recovery is alcohol withdrawal. Since the answer to, “Is alcohol a drug?” is yes, people experience withdrawal when they try to stop drinking. The symptoms that they experience vary greatly from person to person.

How much and for how long people drink alcohol affects the alcohol withdrawal symptoms that they have. In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that their effects lead to death. Thankfully, detox centers can help people withdraw from alcohol safely.

Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, aggression, and sweating. Severe cases may include hallucinations, memory loss, and seizures. In many situations, medical detox services lessen the pain that people have during alcohol withdrawal.

The Dangers of Alcohol

Some people who know the answer to, “Is alcohol a drug?” write it off as harmless. However, this isn’t the case.

Alcohol not only physically harms the body but also puts others at risk. Studies show that the drug kills more teens yearly than all other drugs combined. They also show that teens who use alcohol are 7.5 times more likely to try other drugs.

Alcohol leads people to make poor choices. These poor choices contribute to the fact that nearly 40 percent of all crimes happen under the influence of alcohol. Also, 39 percent of all traffic accidents happen because people drink and drive.

Get Help for Your Alcohol Addiction at Healing Springs Ranch

Healing Springs Ranch takes your addiction very seriously. We know the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” and want to help you understand it. Our facility has 28 beds so that we can give clients the individual attention that they deserve.

What really separates Healing Springs Ranch from other rehab centers is our custom treatment plans. We’re proud to cater to your individual needs. Our counselors will help you figure out the “why” of your addiction.

The first step to recovery is detox, which is why we work closely with a local detox facility. We can provide transportation from the detox center to our rehab center. Detoxing helps build a strong foundation for the rest of your rehab experience.

Healing Springs Ranch also uses a whole-person approach to treating addiction. We focus on healing the mind and body. Through purpose and identity work, we provide treatment options that aren’t available anywhere else. Some of the different addiction programs that we offer include:

Our facility also offers a number of fantastic amenities. Some of these include a nine-hole golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, and sand volleyball court. Our amenities allow you to relax and enjoy yourself while battling your addiction.

Overcoming your alcohol addiction requires more than just knowing the answer to the question, “Is alcohol a drug?” Use the custom plans at Healing Springs Ranch to take control of your life. Reach out to us today at 866-656-8384 for more information on how we can help you.

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