Is Alcohol a Drug?
When we think of drugs, we usually think about illegal substances that are highly addictive and dangerous. We might not immediately put alcohol in this category, because it’s legal to buy and consume if you’re of age. Also, alcohol can be found at nearly every restaurant, grocery store, and social event.
Alcohol’s widespread use and availability can make it difficult to determine if it’s a drug or not. To determine if alcohol is a drug, let’s take a look at what drugs are, how alcohol is categorized, and the effects of alcohol on the body and brain.
How to Determine Which Substances Are Considered Drugs
Drugs are defined as any chemical substance that creates a biological effect in living things. Specifically, these substances affect the normal functioning of the body and brain. Drugs can be consumed in a variety of ways, and some drugs are medicinal while others are not.
Drugs can be grouped into several distinct categories. The International Association of Chiefs of Police define seven drug categories, and they include:
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
- CNS stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Dissociative anesthetics
- Narcotic analgesics
- Inhalants
- Cannabis
These drug categories differ from each other in their biological effects, risk of addiction, and legality.
Determining a Drug’s Legality With the DEA’s 5 Drug Schedules
The U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determines the medical benefit and level of risk for each type of drug, and they place them into five distinct categories, or schedules:
- Schedule 1: drugs with no medical use and a high potential for abuse
- Schedule 2: drugs with a high potential for abuse and severe dependence
- Schedule 3: drugs with a moderate to low potential for abuse and dependence
- Schedule 4: drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence
- Schedule 5: drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and dependence
The drugs in these schedules are highly regulated, and they’re considered to be controlled substances. Some controlled substances are legal to consume with a prescription, while others are completely illegal to possess.
Read our related article to learn the differences between drug misuse, abuse, and addiction.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Alcohol is a chemical substance that alters the body and mind, so it’s considered to be a drug. Specifically, alcohol is categorized as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Other CNS depressants include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Sedative-hypnotics
- Opiates
Although it’s a regulated substance, alcohol isn’t considered a controlled substance. This means that it isn’t included in the DEA’s drug scheduling, similarly to tobacco products. Even though alcohol isn’t a controlled substance, it produces a psychoactive effect and there is a risk for dependency.
Read our related article to discover the differences between habits and addictions.
Is Alcohol a Narcotic?
The term “narcotic” was originally used to describe psychoactive drugs that impair the senses and produce numbness. Based on this definition, many people would consider alcohol to be a narcotic. However, the definition of narcotic has recently been refined to only include opiates.
Is Alcohol an Opiate?
Opiates are pain-relief drugs that are made from opium. Opioids are synthesized chemicals that mimic the effects of opium. The most common forms of opiates and opioids are:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
Opiates and opioids impair cognition, induce sedation, and create a euphoric effect. Alcohol is similar in its effects, but it’s not an opiate or opioid. This is because alcohol isn’t derived from opium in any way. Although alcohol is a drug, it’s not considered to be a narcotic or an opiate.
Why is Alcohol a Drug? A Closer Look at Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain and Body
Alcohol is considered a drug due to its effect on the brain and body. It’s a psychotropic substance, meaning it affects cognition, emotions, and perceptions. Alcohol slows down brain activity, which leads to delayed reaction times, impaired judgment, lowered inhibitions.
Alcohol can elevate someone’s mood and make them feel relaxed, euphoric, and sociable. These enjoyable feelings make it easy for someone to develop an alcohol habit. When someone routinely uses alcohol, it can quickly lead to dependency and addiction.
Read our related article for more information on alcohol addiction.
How is Alcohol Dangerous?
Long-term alcohol use can severely damage the body and mind. Physically, alcohol is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Psychologically, chronic alcohol use leads to dependency, addiction, and mental health issues.
Someone doesn’t have to be addicted to alcohol for it to be dangerous. Alcohol impairs cognitive abilities and reduces inhibitions. This makes it easier for someone to engage in risky behaviors, such as excessive drinking, unsafe activities, and driving under the influence.
Alcohol severely impairs the ability to drive, and nearly a third of fatal accidents are due to alcohol. Although alcohol is a legal drug, it can have serious long-term and short-term consequences.
Treat Alcohol Use Disorder at Sequoia Behavioral Health
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the inability to stop consuming alcohol due to having a physical and mental dependence on it. AUD is often a persistent issue that can impact someone’s health, relationships, and mental well being. Although AUD can be a lifelong issue, someone can achieve an effective recovery by seeking professional help.
Treating Alcohol Use Disorder at Sequoia Behavioral Health
At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we understand that AUD can be a damaging condition that leaves you feeling hopeless. Our treatment programs heal the root of your addiction and teach you the strategies needed to live a healthier and happier life.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder, read our addiction resources to discover how we help our clients achieve and maintain an effective recovery.