explain how alcohol can be considered a drug.

Brief Explanations:

Drugs are substances that alter the body's function. Alcohol affects the central - nervous system, changes mood, behavior, and cognitive function, similar to other drugs. It can cause physical and psychological dependence, and has short - and long - term health effects.

Answer:

Alcohol can be considered a drug because it is a substance that alters the body's physiological and psychological functions. It affects the central nervous system, can cause changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. It also has the potential to lead to physical and psychological dependence and has both short - term (like impaired judgment) and long - term (such as liver damage) health impacts, which are characteristics of drugs.