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The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
Kaliʻu Boteilho
Department of Psychology, Grand Canyon
University PSY 102: General Psychology
Elaine Hampton
February 7, 2024
, 2
The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
While alcohol can be a way to escape reality, overusing and consuming it can
cause severe damage to your physical and mental health. Alcohol is considered a central
nervous system depressant and a drink synthesized by fermentation. While the age
requirement for
consumption differs in different countries, here in the United States, the legal age to drink any
alcohol is twenty-one. Although drinking can be a good way to release stress, people should
understand that it comes with many risks, such as decreased health, slower brain function, and
addiction.
Drug Description
Alcohol is a depressant created by the fermentation of sugars and yeast made to help
people feel relaxed in small amounts and discombobulated in heavy amounts. Ethanol is the
main ingredient that makes alcohol what it is and contributes to all the associated symptoms,
such as slurred speech, impaired judgment, poor motor control, and in extreme cases, euphoria.
While in small amounts, alcohol can be pleasurable, in massive amounts, it can lead to kidney
failure, cancer, and death. In addition, due to the vast varieties of alcohol, such as wine, hard
liquor, margaritas, beer, or whisky, new concoctions are made every day. This is why here in
the United States, alcohol consumption is widespread.
Effects on the Brain
While alcohol may not seem like it should be referred to as a drug, it is considered and
classified as one because it affects the central nervous system and slows down brain function.
Short-term effects on the brain include slowed reaction time, loss of memory, and blurred vision.
The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
Kaliʻu Boteilho
Department of Psychology, Grand Canyon
University PSY 102: General Psychology
Elaine Hampton
February 7, 2024
, 2
The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain
While alcohol can be a way to escape reality, overusing and consuming it can
cause severe damage to your physical and mental health. Alcohol is considered a central
nervous system depressant and a drink synthesized by fermentation. While the age
requirement for
consumption differs in different countries, here in the United States, the legal age to drink any
alcohol is twenty-one. Although drinking can be a good way to release stress, people should
understand that it comes with many risks, such as decreased health, slower brain function, and
addiction.
Drug Description
Alcohol is a depressant created by the fermentation of sugars and yeast made to help
people feel relaxed in small amounts and discombobulated in heavy amounts. Ethanol is the
main ingredient that makes alcohol what it is and contributes to all the associated symptoms,
such as slurred speech, impaired judgment, poor motor control, and in extreme cases, euphoria.
While in small amounts, alcohol can be pleasurable, in massive amounts, it can lead to kidney
failure, cancer, and death. In addition, due to the vast varieties of alcohol, such as wine, hard
liquor, margaritas, beer, or whisky, new concoctions are made every day. This is why here in
the United States, alcohol consumption is widespread.
Effects on the Brain
While alcohol may not seem like it should be referred to as a drug, it is considered and
classified as one because it affects the central nervous system and slows down brain function.
Short-term effects on the brain include slowed reaction time, loss of memory, and blurred vision.
