It depresses the central nervous system. It can alter moods, cause changes in the body, and become habit forming. So, alcoholism is drug dependency. It can be as addictive as any other drug.
Alcohol is the number one widely used mind altering substance.
There are approximately 11 million alcoholics in the United States. Three million of those are teenagers ages 16-24. The younger the drinker, the faster the addiction to alcohol develops. Youth may become alcoholic in six months to three years, versus the 10 to 15 year pattern for adults. Alcoholic related accidents are the leading cause of death to young people, followed by homicide and suicide.