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Is Alcohol a Drug? Everything To Know About The “Social Lubricant”

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuSeptember 2, 2024
Written by
On September 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Alcohol is commonly found in social settings, celebrations, and daily life globally, yet its classification as a drug is often misunderstood.
  • Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, causing relaxation, impaired cognitive functions, altered mood swings, and physical symptoms such as flushed skin and impaired speech.
  • Yes, alcohol is considered a drug, and while it is legal for adults in most places, it is regulated and can be a controlled substance in certain contexts, such as when driving.
  • Chronic alcohol use can lead to severe health issues including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, weakened immune system, brain damage, mental health disorders, increased cancer risk, and physical dependence, as well as social and familial consequences.
  • Alcohol is classified as a psychoactive drug due to its effects on brain chemistry, potential for dependence, and physiological impacts.
  • Stopping heavy alcohol use can result in withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, insomnia, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and mood swings.
  • Genetic predisposition, psychological factors, environmental influences, early initiation of drinking, traumatic experiences, and peer influences can increase vulnerability to alcohol use disorder.
  • Treatment for alcohol addiction is available through various treatment centers, offering plans to address dependence and promote sobriety.

Alcohol is a constant presence in social settings, celebrations, and daily life for many people all over the world. The widely consumed social lubricant is considered a drug, though it is not a controlled substance. Let’s look at how alcohol affects you in the short and long term and learn more about how it’s most commonly classified.

The Short-Term Effects of Alcohol

The short-term effects of alcohol consumption will vary depending on factors such as the amount you consume and your tolerance level. Here are some of the more common short-term effects:[1]

  • Central nervous system depression: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down brain function. The result is a feeling of relaxation and lowered inhibitions.
  • Impaired cognitive and motor functions: Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Using it can lead to impaired decision-making, decreased motor skills, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Altered mood: Alcohol is known to alter your mood and can cause shifts between euphoria and agitation. It may also lower your inhibitions. This can lead to behaviors that you might not display when sober.
  • Physical effects: The short-term physical effects of alcohol consumption include flushed skin, increased heart rate, and dilation of blood vessels. At higher doses, It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
  • Speech and vision impairment: Alcohol can impair speech by affecting the muscles used for speaking. It can also cause blurred or double vision.
  • Blackouts and memory impairment: In some cases, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blackouts. This is where you can’t recall events that occurred while you were intoxicated. Alcohol also inhibits the creation of new memories.

The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

The long-term effects of alcohol can impact both your physical and mental health. Here are some of the long-term effects that come from drinking alcohol:[2]

  • Liver damage: Alcohol is processed in the liver. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is irreversible and is fatal in some cases.
  • Cardiovascular problems: Long-term heavy drinking can increase your risk of high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and stroke.
  • Digestive issues: Alcohol can irritate your digestive tract. This may result in gastritis or pancreatitis.
  • Weakened immune system: Chronic alcohol use weakens your immune system. This may make you more susceptible to disease.
  • Brain damage: Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to cognitive impairment and memory issues. 
  • Mental health: Alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. It can also exacerbate any existing mental health conditions you may be struggling with. 
  • Cancer risk: Chronic alcohol use is a risk factor for multiple types of cancers.
  • Tolerance and dependence: Your body may develop tolerance to alcohol. After a while, you may require greater amounts to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to physical dependence, making it difficult to stop drinking even when there are negative consequences.
  • Physical appearance: Alcohol abuse can contribute to weight gain due to its high-calorie content and impact on your metabolism.

Is Alcohol a Drug?

Alcohol is classified as a drug. It is not, however, considered a controlled substance. It is considered a psychoactive substance because it affects the central nervous system (CNS) and alters brain function.[3] It’s also a CNS depressant, which means it slows down your brain activity and other bodily functions.  

Similar to other harmful substances, alcohol is considered a drug because it causes changes in brain chemistry and behavior, can lead to dependence and addiction, and has physiological effects on the body, such as impairing motor skills and judgment.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting or significantly reducing alcohol consumption after heavy and prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which occur due to physical alcohol dependence. This means your body has adapted to functioning with alcohol and now requires it to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This opens the door to a variety of health problems and health risks.

Common withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include:[4] 

  • Anxiety: You may experience heightened anxiety or feelings of nervousness if you stop drinking alcohol. You may feel a sense of unease, restlessness, or constant worry.
  • Shaking or tremors: Tremors are a hallmark symptom of alcohol withdrawal. These tremors can range from mild to severe and may be more pronounced during stressful moments or when attempting fine motor tasks.
  • Sweating: Alcohol withdrawal often causes sweating, even when it’s not hot, or you’re not under physical duress. 
  • Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are common during alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be very dangerous.
  • Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling and staying asleep is a common alcohol withdrawal symptom. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate fatigue and contribute to discomfort during the withdrawal process.
  • Increased heart rate: Rapid heartbeat and palpitations are frequently reported during alcohol withdrawal. This may be a result of increased anxiety, dehydration, and changes in your cardiovascular function as your body adjusts to the newfound lack of alcohol.
  • High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a potential symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
  • Mood swings: Emotional instability is common during alcohol withdrawal. You may experience fluctuations from sadness or depression to anxiety to euphoria.

Who Is Most at Risk for Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Use Disorder?

There are several factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Although anyone can develop a problem with alcohol, certain groups are more vulnerable. Here are some factors that contribute to increased risk of Alcohol Use Disorder:[5] 

  • Genetic factors: Your family history plays a major role in determining your susceptibility to alcohol abuse. People with a family history of alcoholism are at higher risk themselves due to certain genetic predispositions.
  • Psychological factors: Certain personality traits and mental health conditions increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse. These factors include low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and depression.
  • Environmental influences: Growing up in an environment where alcohol use is normalized or where there is easy access to alcohol also increases your risk. Peer pressure and social norms that encourage heavy drinking play a role as well.
  • Early initiation: Starting to drink at adolescence increases the risk of developing alcohol problems later in life. Early exposure to alcohol can alter the development of your brain and increase your likelihood of struggling with dependence.
  • Stressful life events: Traumatic experiences such as abuse or the loss of a loved one may lead you to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. 
  • Trauma: If you’ve experienced trauma, you’re more likely to develop issues with alcohol as a way to cope with psychological pain.
  • Peer influence: Peer groups and social circles that encourage heavy drinking can contribute to higher rates of alcohol abuse

Treatment Options Are Available

If you or a loved one is under the spell of alcohol addiction or is struggling with substance abuse, seeking out help is essential. American alcohol rehab treatment centers are plentiful and can provide you with a plan to free you from alcohol dependence and set you down a path toward sobriety.

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol

These are a few of the main types of alcoholic beverages:

  • Beer: Beer is brewed from grains like barley, wheat, maize, or rice. It’s fermented by yeast, resulting in varieties such as lagers, ales, stouts, and porters. Each of these varieties has its taste and characteristics.
  • Wine: Wine is made by fermenting fruits with yeast. There are many types of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling varieties.
  • Spirits: Spirits are created by distilling fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables, concentrating their alcohol content. Examples include vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, and brandy.

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic condition in which you find it hard to control your alcohol consumption, regardless of the negative impact it has on your life. In the throes of AUD, you may have strong cravings for alcohol, develop a tolerance that makes you need to drink larger quantities to feel the desired effects, and endure withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. This disorder can be a burden on many aspects of your life. Comprehensive treatment and support is essential for recovery.

Many insurance plans cover alcohol rehabilitation services. Insurance providers will offer varying coverage for addiction treatment, rehab, and mental health services. Many provide partial or full coverage for these and many related services. Review your insurance policy and speak to your provider to understand what is covered, including copayments, deductibles, and limitations.

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[1] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Table A.1, Alcohol use disorder and major medical conditions: Epidemiological associations. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424847/table/appd.t1/?report=objectonly

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About alcohol use. Retrieved July 29, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html

[3] National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Psychoactive substance. In NCI dictionary of cancer terms. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/psychoactive-substance

[4] MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Alcohol withdrawal. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm

[5] Nehring, S. M. (2024b, March 16). Alcohol use disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436003/

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