Is Alcohol Considered A Drug?

Alcohol is often mentioned in one breath with drugs,Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and
especially when the subject is abuse or addiction. Morefor some that may be trouble. Some individuals, for
often, alcohol is referred to as a separate substanceexample, are more prone to suffer from the effects
and in fact, its abuse is often discussed separatelyof alcohol compared to others who drink the same
from that of drugs. But can alcohol be considered aamount. However, the danger of using alcohol cannot
drug?be emphasized enough. The devastating effect of
Drug definedalcoholism on families and society is well documented
If a textbook definition is used, a drug may be definedand recognized.
as a substance that has an effect on living cells andAlcohol use is also often discouraged in pregnant
their function and is also used for medical purposes forwomen, older people, individuals who have heart
the diagnosis, prevention and cure of disorders anddiseases and hypertension and those who are taking
diseases. As such, alcohol may not be considered ascertain medications. Alcohol, like drugs, not only
a drug since it is not used directly to effect a cure.produces physical dependence, it also promotes
However, it is also a substance that can have similarneurochemical conditioning, where an individual
effects to drugs to disinfect, act as an analgesic, adevelops a tolerance to the substance, encouraging
tranquilizer or rarely, a stimulant.him to use alcohol in increasing amounts. Alcohol can
The link between alcohol and drugsalso change an individual's perception in its true
Alcohol is said to possibly be a contributor to health asbenefits, allowing a person to think that alcohol is
some are some drugs, but alcohol, like some drugs canneeded in order for them to function socially and
be addictive. When used in moderate amounts, alcoholemotionally.
has been said to improve cardiovascular health.Getting help for alcohol addiction or abuse
However, health experts discourage non-drinkers toOnce the problem with alcohol addiction or abuse is
start drinking alcohol for the sole reason of benefitingacknowledged and accepted, the road to recovery
the heart. They recommend that other methods suchmay begin. There are plenty of local and national
as exercising and eating a good diet, should betreatment centers and resources that may be tapped
considered as the first line of defense.for help, either as a source of information or as a
As an addictive substance, alcohol can be as bad asmeans for rehabilitation.
drugs. Alcohol abuse and addiction, often referred inThere are several approaches to the treatment of
general terms as alcoholism, is a common problem inalcoholism, depending on how it is viewed. However,
many communities, able to cut across economic andmost treatments tend to focus on encouraging people
social barriers. It also produces a physical dependenceto stop alcohol intake. It is often supplemented by
and when it does, it becomes a chronic disease. Thesocial networking and group supports, along with life
use of too much alcohol, like drugs, can also increasetraining, to effectively help alcoholics from using alcohol
tolerance and produce withdrawal symptoms.again.
Like drugs, alcoholism can lead to family, health andSince alcohol, like drugs, often involves a combination
social problems. It's not uncommon for alcoholics toof factors that lead to misuse and addiction, these
destroy family and social relationships, lose their jobs orfactors are often considered first before a course of
turn to illegal activities in order to support their habit. Ittreatment is prescribed. It is often more effective in
also causes health problems that are potentially lifehelping in alcohol treatment and in preventing future
threatening, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.relapses.
The danger of alcohol