Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the US. Learn its effects, health risks, dangerous withdrawal, and treatment options.
Also known as: Booze · Liquor
Effects
- Relaxation and lowered inhibitions
- Slurred speech and impaired coordination
- Slowed reaction time and judgment
- Nausea and vomiting at higher amounts
Risks
- Alcohol use disorder and physical dependence
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Higher risk of at least seven types of cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal
- Dangerous withdrawal - seizures and delirium tremens
Overdose signs
- Confusion or inability to stay awake
- Vomiting
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Seizures
- Pale or bluish, cold skin
- Unconsciousness and not waking up
Treatment
Alcohol use disorder is treatable at every level of severity. Medically supervised detox keeps early withdrawal safe, and three FDA-approved medications - naltrexone (a daily pill or monthly injection), acamprosate, and disulfiram - paired with counseling and support groups help people stop drinking and stay in recovery.
Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the United States - legal, social, and easy to underestimate. Chemically it’s a central nervous system depressant: it slows brain activity, which is why a few drinks loosen inhibitions and blur coordination. Drinking too much, too often, can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD) - a medical condition, not a lack of willpower.
If you suspect alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone who has been drinking is confused, vomiting, breathing slowly or irregularly, has a seizure, or cannot be woken. Do not leave them to “sleep it off” - blood alcohol can keep rising after the last drink, and an unconscious person can choke or stop breathing. While you wait for help, turn them on their side.
The health risks add up
Beyond the immediate dangers, regular heavy drinking raises the risk of liver disease, high blood pressure, heart problems, and at least seven types of cancer - including breast, liver, colon, and throat. The risk climbs with how much and how long a person drinks, and it drops when people cut back or stop.
Withdrawal can be dangerous - don’t quit cold turkey alone
Alcohol is one of the few drugs where stopping suddenly can be life-threatening. After heavy daily drinking, abrupt withdrawal can bring on tremors, anxiety, and insomnia within hours - and, in severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal without treatment. Anyone who drinks heavily every day should taper under medical supervision rather than going it alone.
Treatment works
People recover from alcohol use disorder at every level of severity. Medically supervised detox keeps early withdrawal safe. From there, FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings or support abstinence, and they work best alongside counseling and peer support such as SMART Recovery or AA. There is no single right path - effective care fits the person.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drinking, call or text 988 (US) anytime, or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referrals.