Alcohol is everywhere in our society, at parties, events, billboards, commercials, TV and movies. Due to the disinhibiting effects, alcohol is used as a social lubricant. For others, alcohol can “take the edge off.” Despite alcohol’s integration into society, it still is classified as a drug, leading as one of the most widely used drug substances in the world.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant in liquid form. Depending on one’s size, weight, age, and sex, the amount consumed varies to produce effects, or intoxication. Also, alcoholic drinks differ in alcohol amounts– beer is about 5% alcohol, wine is usually 12-15% alcohol, and hard liquor is about 45% alcohol.
Alcohol addiction is difficult to identify because it is so widely used in our society. Onlookers cannot determine the manner in which another drinks, only the individual can truly know if they are simply drinking socially or have a problem. The disease of alcoholism lies in the mind and the body. Prolonged heavy use of alcohol can lead to a physical addiction to alcohol. Alcoholics are bodily and mentally different from others in their reaction to alcohol.