All substances that we put into our bodies can be classified as drugs. This includes things like, tea and coffee (which contain caffeine), medicines that are prescribed by doctors, alcohol and illegal drugs. There are 3 main types that all substances can be grouped into. These are:
Depressant
Stimulant
Hallucinogen
Depressants (eg, alcohol, heroin, methadone, tranquillizers, solvents)
These work by depressing the central nervous system and slowing everything down including thoughts, speech and the body.
Stimulants (eg, caffeine, ecstasy, speed, cocaine, crack)
These work by speeding up the central nervous system and make everything seem as if it is going faster, including thoughts, speech and the body.
Hallucinogens (eg, LSD, cannabis, ketamine)
These alter the way a person sees, hears and feels things, causing hallucinations and confusion.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant drug that works by depressing the central nervous system and slowing everything down including thoughts, speech and the body.
Alcohol enters the body through the mouth and throat. It then travels to the stomach and small intestines where it is absorbed into the blood, which carries it around the body. The heart pumps the alcohol (in the blood) to every part of the body and after about 5 minutes the alcohol reaches the brain.
Small amounts of alcohol can be removed by the lungs and lost as vapour in the breath. The liver breaks down most of the alcohol at a rate of one unit every hour, into carbon dioxide, water and waste materials. Urine containing alcohol waste materials is stored in the bladder before it passes out of the body. Small amounts of alcohol can pass through the skin and be lost as sweat.
Alcohol is not illegal to drink or buy for adults over 18 years old. It is illegal for any child under the age of 5 to given alcohol. The Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 determines how alcohol is sold in licensed premises to anyone under 18.
