Alcohol use disorder is a growing problem in the United States. With just about 86% of Americans 18 years or older saying they have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives and approximately 88,000 people dying a year due to alcohol-related causes, it is crucial to understand the horrific effects of alcohol. Everyone is well aware of the opioid epidemic and the effect of other drugs, but people tend to overlook the detrimental effects of alcohol. It might be because of its legality. Since there is no law preventing adults over 21 years old to consume it, it makes it easy to overlook. People may also wonder is alcohol a drug? Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person is consuming alcohol on a regular basis. However, it is more than that in that you have an uncontrollable urge to drink and can’t go long without indulging in alcohol. If someone attempts to quit drinking when they have this condition, they suffer from uncomfortable alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
People with this condition may experience blackouts, dizziness, cravings for alcohol, anxiety, stomach problems, and more. That may make you question — is alcohol a drug?
Is Alcohol A Drug?
The ingredients in alcohol include a psychoactive drug or chemical called ethanol. In fact, that is the active ingredient in alcohol. This drug acts on the brain in the following ways:
- It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, making the person feel “good”
- The brain shrinks in response to continued drinking
- Cognitive function decreases
- Learning is inhibited
- The brain appears differently on an MRI when a person has drank for a period of time
As you can see, the effects of alcohol are very similar to that of a drug, because alcohol is a drug.
Withdrawing From Alcohol
When someone attempts to withdraw from alcohol, they will go through a process that releases the toxins from their bodies. When withdrawing from alcohol, you can expect to have the following symptoms:
- 6-12 hours after your last drink, the symptoms may be more mild. You could experience symptoms, such as moodiness, nervousness, cravings, and stomach upset.
- In 12 -24 hours, the withdrawal symptoms may become more intense. These include things such as confusion, an irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and tremors.
- In 48 – 72 hours, you may have the worst of the symptoms. There is a possibility that you could have a seizure.
Of course, the symptoms you experience will vary depending on how long you have been drinking and how much you were used to drinking. You can make it through the withdrawal period with the help of a certified treatment center.
Welcome to Sunflower Wellness Retreat
At Sunflower Wellness Retreat, you can begin your journey to a brighter future without substance use. You will find our retreat center the perfect mix of relaxation and therapeutic aid. With our 12 acres of retreat-like environment, you are sure to find tranquility and peace of mind. We have plenty of land with basketball and volleyball courts, plus other recreational options.
Surrounded by compassionate therapists, you will have plenty of therapy and treatment options, such as:
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization treatment program
- Medication-assisted treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
Do not let alcohol use disorder take over your life and hinder your peace of mind. You can break free from substance use with the help of a qualified treatment facility. Now that you know the answer to — is alcohol a drug, you can move on in life. Contact us at 855.730.8825 and find hope and happiness for your life. Get the help that you need today.
