Is alcohol a drug that’s been causing problems for you or someone you love? Are you on the fence about alcohol treatment because you think a recovery center only handles drug addictions to “real” drugs? You might be surprised to know that alcohol is a “real” drug.
What Is A Drug?
The most common definition lists a drug as any chemical you ingest that affects the way the body works. It’s important to note, however, that the term “drug” is not necessarily a bad thing. Many drugs are safe when individuals use them properly and as their doctor directs.
For this reason, drugs aren’t classified as “good” or “bad.” Rather, they’re classified into a variety of categories. Below are two of the most common:
- Stimulants – Aptly named, this class of drugs stimulate the body’s organ systems and cause them to go into overdrive. Drugs in this category include ADHD medications, cocaine, methamphetamine (Meth) and even caffeine.
- Depressants – These drugs trigger the body’s automatic responses (such as breathing and heart rate) to slow down. Marijuana, opiates, and benzodiazepines are common medications in this category.
Having defined a drug, you know have the tools to answer, “is alcohol a drug?”
So, Is Alcohol A Drug?
Surely alcohol fits the definition of a drug, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a bartender that’s been arrested for dealing drugs. Our society simply doesn’t see alcohol as anything more than a routine part of adult life. It’s precisely our culture of acceptance that causes people to miss an alcohol problem until it’s a full-blown alcohol addiction.
Even stranger still, alcohol is neither a depressant nor a stimulant – it’s both.
Though most people use alcohol for its stimulant effects (appropriately referred to as “liquid courage”), they fail to realize that the depressant effects aren’t far behind. Unfortunately, you can overwhelm your body’s tolerance level long before you realize there’s a problem.
Everyone’s tolerance level is unique but the stimulant effects of alcohol never come without depression. In some instances, these depressant effects can even slow down breathing and heart rate. Left untreated, the brain is no longer able to regulate the basic functions of life. As a result, individuals sometimes die from too much alcohol.
Will A Recovery Center Treat An Addiction To Alcohol?
Absolutely – and Soledad House specializes in it.
Many of our highly-credentialed counselors and staff have been through their own journey of recovery and are eager to help you through yours. Some of the highlights of our women’s only program include:
- 12-step program
- Support from other residents
- Personalized addiction treatment plans
- Family programs
- Relapse prevention education
Our 80-bed facility also offers a short trip to the beach and all the amenities of coastal California life.
Don’t let an addiction to alcohol ruin your quality of life. Addiction treatment help is available. Call us today at 866.314.3222 to learn how you can live a vibrant, alcohol-free life.
