Alcohol is a depressant drug that depresses the action of the body's central nervous system. Alcohol is classified as both a food and a drug. Its classification as a good is based on the fact that it contains calories. These calories are, however, what is know as empty calories because they contain none of the nutrients that are considered necessary for the maintenance of good health. Approximately 1,000 people per year in the United States die from alcohol overdose or alcohol poisoning.
Straight whiskey is absorbed more rapidly into the blood stream.
Mixers tend to slow this rate of absorption and drinks mixed with water have a slower absorption rate than those that are mixed with carbonated beverages. According to the National Council on Alcoholism, the actual cases of alcoholism are estimated at around 10 million, making it second only top cardiovascular disease. How alcohol may affect you depends on several individual factors. These include such things as your body weight and body chemistry, your previous experience with alcohol, and various individual psychological factors. It also depends on the type of drink consumes and whether or not you have eaten lately.