What Is Alcohol?

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Alcohol is a drug.

Classified as a depressant, alcohol impairs the central nervous system, leading to slowed functions in the body. This results in slurred speech, unsteady movement, distorted perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

As for how it affects the mind, alcohol reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.

The amount of alcohol consumed determines its impact. Many people drink alcohol for its stimulant effects, such as a beer or glass of wine to “loosen up.” However, as someone drinks more alcohol, they experience its depressant properties and begin feeling mentally clouded or lose coordination and control.

Alcohol overdose can cause severe depressant reactions: inability to feel pain, vomiting (a response to toxicity), unconsciousness, coma or even death. These effects depend on the amount and speed of alcohol consumption.

There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is created through fermentation, a chemical process in which yeast breaks down certain food ingredients, such as grains or fruits, to produce alcohol.^1,2,3

Alcohol Content

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Fermented drinks, like beer and wine, typically contain from 2 percent alcohol to 20 percent alcohol.

Distilled drinks, such as liquor, contain from 40 percent to 50 percent or more alcohol.⁴

The alcohol content of common beverages is:⁵

• Beer 2—8% alcohol
• Cider 4—8% alcohol
• Wine 8—14% alcohol
• Tequila 40% alcohol
• Rum 40% or more alcohol
• Brandy 40% or more alcohol
• Gin 37.5—50% alcohol
• Liqueurs 15—55% alcohol
• Whiskey 40—68% alcohol
• Vodka 35—95% alcohol

Updated: 2025