Some people love drinking alcohol at social events and parties while others abhor it. When misused, alcohol causes a lot of issues in society. From dysfunctional families to premature loss of lives. Alcohol use becomes seriously detrimental if it traps you into an addiction.
Despite its known adverse effects and occurrences of withdrawal, people can’t seem to get enough of it. Its legal status further boosts its standing in society even though many people attend alcohol detox programs. This, therefore, begs the question, is alcohol a drug?
What Is a Drug?
A drug is a substance that alters your mental or physical state. That is the simplest definition that you can get out there. Drugs can change our moods and thinking patterns. Their effect may vary from person to person. Other factors such as gender will also play a role in how a drug affects you. The capabilities of altering the physical or mental states of a person make drugs unpredictable.
Drugs can be beneficial or non-beneficial. A drug is beneficial if it has some medicinal value and is used correctly. This does not imply in any way that all drugs with medicinal value are beneficial. It all boils down to how you use it. If you use it in line with the doctor’s recommendations, then it is beneficial. If you abuse it, it ceases to be beneficial despite having medicinal value.
Drugs can also be legal or illegal. Legal drugs are those whose usage is permitted by law. The usage may be recreational or medicinal. The statutes will define that. On the other hand, illegal drugs are substances that have restrictions on their usage. If you have them, you will be liable for punishment by law.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
We now understand what a drug is. The burning question then is if alcohol is classified as a drug. Some people mistakenly think that drug is a term only for illegal substances. They reserve the term drug for substances such as marijuana and cocaine. However, the fact that alcohol alters the body’s mental and physical state warrants for it to be a drug.
The following reasons make alcohol classified as a drug:
- Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the working of vital organs. That’s why someone with a higher alcohol content will have slurred speeches and unsteady movements.
- Alcohol changes the functionality of our brains. It reduces your ability to think rationally and render sound judgments.
- Alcohol has beneficial effects. Some brands can act as a perfect disinfectant for wounds.
- Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system. Heavy drinking can lead to dependence and addiction.
Alcohol Treatment Programs at Midwest Detox Center
Consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction. Addiction is a disease just like any other and can be treated. Some of the treatment programs at Midwest Detox Center include:
- Men’s and women’s detox programs: Gender-specific programs help men and women feel comfortable during alcohol and drug detox.
- Group therapy program: A modality that uses insights from peers for recovery and support.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This treatment focuses on behaviors that push you towards addiction. It aims at changing the behavior for fast recovery.
- Alumni program: A support program that helps you cope post-treatment. It reduces the chances of you relapsing.
Join Us Today
It is clear that alcohol is a drug even though it is commonly and legally used. Furthermore, it is possible to become addicted if you over-consume it. Luckily there are treatment options available to alleviate the addiction. Contact Midwest Detox Center today by calling 833.647.0392 if you struggle with an alcohol use disorder. We will help you remove alcohol from your system safely and promote recovery.