Alcohol is a drug classified as a depressant Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and goes directly to the brain. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. Alcohol can be addicting when consumed regularly or in large amounts. Alcohol is physically addicting and produces psychological dependence. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease characterized by physical addiction, tolerance to the effects of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when the use of alcohol is reduced or stopped.
Alcoholism is a disease that tends to develop over time and progress through stages.
The typical progression from alcohol use to addiction involves the following stages. The user becomes obsessed with alcohol and consumes it regularly, often alone. The user feels constant emotional or physical pain which can be lessened only by alcohol. Alcoholics repeatedly and unsuccessfully attempt to control their excessive drinking. They also experience blackouts, where they forget what they did while drunk.