Alcohol is a powerful depressant drug that slows down thinking and reaction time, as well as other activity of the brain and spinal cord. Alcohol rapidly enters the bloodstream and circulates to all parts of the body within a few minutes. When it reaches the brain it knocks out control centers, causing intoxication.
Alcoholism is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled use of alcohol. Experts believe that genetic factors make certain people more vulnerable to alcoholism. Environmental, cultural, and psychological factors can also contribute to the development of the disease.
People who have a problem with alcohol drink to escape problems or turn off painful feelings of loneliness, insecurity, guilt, etc. But rather than solving them, alcohol only makes the problems worse.
Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce coordination, slow reflexes and lead to over-confidence. Alcohol can also lead to violence, poor judgment, job loss, and trouble with the law. The heavy costs of alcohol abuse include highway deaths, teenage death, spousal abuse, suicide, crime, arrests, and financial problems, in addition to broken families, abused children, ruined careers and lives cut short.
Regardless of age, driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense. If stopped for drunk driving, you can be arrested, get a suspended license, jail sentence, fine, and/or mandatory attendance at alcohol education classes. Beyond legal ramifications there is an increase in auto insurance rates, inconvenience, and embarrassment. Drinking and driving can be a very costly mistake.