Is Alcohol a Drug? Addiction, Withdrawal, Dangers, Symptoms & Treatment

• Delayed reaction time
• Cognitive impairments
• Slurred speech
• Unsteady gait
• Poor coordination or lack of motor skills

• Distorted perceptions
• Lessened inhibitions
• Distorted judgment
• Sedation

• Talkativeness
• Over-confidence
• Improvements in mood

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Euphoria

When a person consumes larger quantities of alcohol, specifically more than the body is equipped to process, the drinker is more likely to experience the depressant effects of alcohol. Whether drinking beer, wine, or liquor, the amount used can drastically impact whether the user experiences depressant or stimulant effects.

According to a study conducted by Behavioral Neurobiology of Alcohol Addiction, there is a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, also referred to as alcoholism, in people who experience a greater stimulant response after consuming alcohol. Those who do not have a risk for alcohol dependence are more likely to experience a greater sedative response. Other genetic, environmental, and familial factors influence whether an individual will develop an alcohol use disorder, however, all of these factors may play a role in the development of alcoholism.

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease characterized by the uncontrollable seeking of alcohol, as well as drinking that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful personal or professional consequences. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), there are approximately 17.6 million people who suffer from alcohol use disorders or chronic alcohol abuse in the United States.

Alcohol is both physically and psychologically addictive. Regarding the physically addictive aspect, drinking alcohol stimulates the release of endorphins and dopamine, both of which produce euphoric sensations, such as feelings of pleasure. Studies conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggest that genetic factors also influence how the brain reacts to different people when they consume alcohol. This study suggests that some people’s brains release more euphoric chemicals in response to alcohol than others, making them more susceptible to developing an alcohol use disorder.

Many individuals who consume alcohol are not aware that alcohol can cause physical changes in the brain’s chemistry and functioning, which also plays a major role in the development of alcohol dependence. The brain’s reward and pleasure centers become overloaded when an individual consumes alcohol regularly, resulting in cravings to repeat their drinking habits and behaviors.

Despite one’s desire to cut down or quit drinking, alcohol can compromise one’s ability to make decisions, as well as impact one’s impulse control resulting in a compulsion to drink. This also makes relapse more likely when one attempts to quit drinking. What may begin as recreational alcohol use can quickly become abuse and can easily transition into an alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence.

Alcohol is psychologically addictive because it becomes a learned behavior that affects one’s thoughts and beliefs. Alcohol is also commonly used as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other discomforting emotions and feelings. This coping mechanism can become a habit that may seem impossible to break. Fortunately, there are many alcohol treatment centers available that offer psychotherapy to help individuals find the motivation and hope to begin their recovery process.

• Hand tremors, or “the shakes”
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety

• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Delirium Tremors

• Unconsciousness
• Inability to feel pain
• Toxicity
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Vomiting

• Respiratory depression
• Cold or clammy skin
• Blue-colored skin
• Death

• Fatty liver
• High blood pressure
• Throat, mouth, larynx, breast, liver, colorectal, or esophageal cancer.
• Stroke
• Thiamine or vitamin B deficiency

• Memory loss
• Difficulty learning
• Alcoholic Hepatitis
• Liver disease
• Liver fibrosis

• Appearing intoxicated more regularly
• Appearing tired, unwell or irritable
• An inability to say no to alcohol
• Becoming secretive or dishonest
• Drinking more, or longer than one intended
• Wanting to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but haven’t been able to do so 
• Spending a lot of time drinking, being sick or getting over the aftereffects
• Experiencing craving, a strong need, or urge to drink
• Founding that drinking, or being sick from drinking, often interferes with taking care of your home or family, job troubles or school problems
• Continuing drinking even though it was causing trouble with family or friends
• Giving up or cutting back on activities that are important or interesting to you, in order to drink

• More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)
• Continuing to drink even though it was making you feel depressed, anxious, or adding to another health problem, or after having had a memory blackout
• Having to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want. Or finding that your usual number of drinks have much less effect than before
• Finding that when the effects of alcohol are wearing off, you have withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating.

When it comes to Alcoholism treatment, it is normal to think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab, but it becomes difficult to think of more options of treatment for this condition. There are a variety of treatment methods currently available. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are three types of treatment: 

• Behavioral Treatments for alcoholism: are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can be beneficial.
• Medications for alcoholism: Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional and may be used alone or in combination with counseling.
• Peer-Support Groups for alcoholism: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. Due to the anonymous nature of mutual-support groups, it is difficult for researchers to determine their success rates compared with those led by health professionals.