Alcohol is a depressant drug. It slows the brain's activities and the activity of the spinal cord. Alcohol isn't always used in a bad way though. People have been known to use alcoholic beverages throughout history. It is used with meals, at social gatherings, in religious ceremonies, to celebrate, for medical purposes, and on ceremonial occasions.
Alcohol comes in different varieties.
Alcohol affects the brain so it has the potential to be abused. Alcohol rapidly enters the bloodstream and circulates to various parts of the body in a few minutes. Therefore, to avoid intoxication, the average 150 pound person could consume one drink in one and a half hours with no accumulation of alcohol in the blood. Drinking faster than this would result in intoxication. Driving is a big problem when alcohol is involved.