Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in America.
Alcohol works like an anesthesia, and in effect puts the brain to sleep. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down body functions such as heart rate and respiration. It is estimated that 103 million people in the United States are current drinkers, and 11 million are heavy drinkers. Female alcohol addiction accounts for 40,000 babies born each year with birth defects. After consumed, alcohol enters the bloodstream and acts on the brain in about 30 seconds.