Do you sometimes wonder, “Is alcohol a drug?” A lot of people think alcohol isn’t a drug because most equate drugs to various medications in pill form. However, the definition of a drug is any substance besides food that affects the body’s function. However, alcohol affects the body in the same way drugs do and it can cause individuals to develop a dependency in the same way when it is abused. Thus, individuals struggling with alcohol abuse need the kind of alcohol addiction treatment program offered through Georgia Addiction Recovery Center.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Alcohol is categorized as a central nervous system depressant. When you drink alcohol, your brain function, neural activity, and other vital bodily functions slow down.
These effects happen because of the production of the gamma-aminobutyric acid, the inhibitory neurotransmitter, increases. This is why consuming a lot of alcohol way beyond your body’s tolerance can have similar effects as a depressant. Some of the effects of alcohol are:
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive impairment
- Poor coordination
- Delayed reaction time
- Distorted perception or judgment
- Unsteady gait
- Lessened inhibitions
It also has stimulant effects. If taken in small amounts, you may experience effects such as:
- Overconfidence
- Talkativeness
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Improved mood
- Euphoria
Even though you may not think of alcohol as a drug, its effects on the body are clear.
What Makes Alcohol Addictive?
The fact that people get addicted to alcohol is further proof that it is a drug. Alcohol addiction is one of the most prominent chronic illnesses today. This condition is characterized by impulsive drinking despite knowing its harmful consequences.
If you consume too much alcohol regularly, both your body and mind may become dependent on it. As to physical addiction, the cause is due to the stimulation of dopamine and endorphin release. Both of these hormones produce euphoric sensations.
These chemicals are responsible for you feeling pleasure when you drink. Besides this, alcohol use is psychologically addictive by becoming a learned behavior.
It will then affect your thoughts and beliefs as you continue to use drinking as a coping mechanism for anxiety, stress, and other problems you face. Soon, it turns into a habit that you cannot break unless there is proper treatment.
Get Help from Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
Alcoholism affects millions of people in the world. Its effects are devastating not only to the person struggling with the disease but their family as well. It is a highly dangerous drug that can cause one to lose their life if not treated with care.
If you are struggling with alcoholism or know someone who is, you probably know how powerful its effects can be. In most cases, a person with alcohol use disorder does not want help. This makes it challenging to help them.
But don’t worry. There are treatment programs available. Two of the services offered at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center that may help include:
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): For individuals in need of more flexible treatment or a condensed version to accommodate their work or home life then IOP may be the best choice.
- Outpatient Treatment: For milder cases, the outpatient treatment option is more flexible. While it also includes the same programs as an inpatient treatment program, the patient can go home after receiving treatment for the day.
Some alcoholics choose to quit on their own. We don’t advise this as it can be dangerous, not to mention there’s a high chance of relapse. The danger is due to the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, which can be fatal.
Alcohol Is a Drug
Ultimately, it is best to entrust your recovery to a professional. Each person has different needs and circumstances, which must be taken into account in choosing effective treatment. Is alcohol a drug? We hope this article answered your question. If you have inquiries, contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at 855.952.3546 for more information.
