Most of us know what alcohol looks like, how it is packaged, and how it makes one feel. Perhaps something we don't know is that alcohol is a drug. Its scientific name is Ethyl Alcohol and it is classified as a depressant, the same drug class as a barbiturate or tranquilizer. Alcohol is unique because it is legal for adults to buy and drink and is widely accepted in our culture. In fact, alcohol is the most popular drug among youth and adults.

Sadly, alcohol is also one of the most deadly drugs available to youth today. The leading cause of death amongst teens in this country is alcohol-related traffic accidents. Alcohol also causes heart disease, high blood pressure, liver damage, brain damage, and many other health problems.

Once alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream, it acts upon the central nervous system like a depressant, affecting speech, vision, and coordination. The physical effects of alcohol depend on many factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the time in which it is consumed, the emotional state and body weight of the drinker, the concentration of the drink, and the amount of food in the stomach at the time of consumption.

Smaller doses of alcohol may cause euphoria and a mild relaxed feeling. Intoxication occurs when higher doses are taken. Responses to higher doses of alcohol are varied: it may make some people feel more outgoing and giddy, while others mayl feel depressed, aggressive, or hostile. Physical responses to increased doses of alcohol may include altered perception, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, staggered walk, blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. An overdose of alcohol can cause unconsciousness, respiratory failure and death.