Alcohol
DepressantsAlso known as: Booze, Drinks, Liquor, Beer, Wine, Spirits
Medical Review & Editorial Standards
All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is Alcohol?
Alcohol (ethanol) is a legal psychoactive substance produced by fermentation of sugars. It is a central nervous system depressant that affects neurotransmitter systems. Despite its legal status and social acceptance, alcohol is responsible for significant health problems and deaths worldwide.
Effects
Relaxation, lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, slurred speech, impaired coordination, drowsiness, mood changes, reduced anxiety initially
Risks & Dangers
Liver disease, heart disease, cancer, brain damage, memory problems, addiction, accidents, violence, risky behavior, overdose (alcohol poisoning), death
Withdrawal Symptoms
Tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (potentially fatal). Medical supervision essential for severe withdrawal.
Addiction Potential
High - Alcohol is highly addictive. Physical and psychological dependence develops with regular heavy use.
Duration
Effects typically last 1-3 hours per standard drink, depending on tolerance and metabolism
Legal Status
Legal for adults 21+ in the US. Illegal for minors. DUI laws regulate impaired driving.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing Alcohol with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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