Heroin, cocaine, and marijuana are all recognizable variations of drugs. “A drug is a chemical that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often additions” (“American” 431). The effects a drug can have on the central nervous system and other parts of the body can be very devastating, but physical damage is only one result of drug use. When a person abuses a drug, it can cause them to act in a way that hurts themselves or others, often leading to problems at work, marital problems, child abuse, or even murder. Most drugs are illegal because of the harmful effects that can result from their use and abuse; However, a very powerful and extremely addictive drug has gotten out of hand. This drug is alcohol. “Alcohol's ability to alter bodily functions, as well as its potential to cause addiction, has led to its classification as a drug.” (Mitchell 9). Although it is legal in most countries, like all drugs it can cause serious harm if not used correctly. The key phrase here is “used correctly,” which most people don't do. With all the problems associated with alcohol, there should be stricter laws and harsher punishments for people who abuse alcohol. There are two types of addiction related to drug abuse: physical and psychological. Alcohol is no different. When a person is physically dependent on alcohol, also known as an alcoholic, their body needs alcohol and cannot function normally without it. Alcoholism is characterized by cravings, loss of control, and tolerance (the need for more and more alcohol). Alcoholics can also show withdrawal symptoms. This includes nausea, sweating, tremor and anxiety. “An alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious… middle of paper… Works Cited from American Heritage College Dictionary. 4th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2010. Print.Ball, Jacqueline A. Everything You Need to Know About Drug Abuse. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 1992. Print.Biggers, Jeff. Chemical dependency and dysfunctional family. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 1998. Print.Haughton, Emma. Alcohol. Austin: Steck-Vaugh Company, 1999. Print.Mitchell, Hayley R. Teen Alcoholism. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc., 1998. Print. Nakaya, Andrea C, ed. Opposing points of view: alcohol. Detroit: The Gale Group, 2008. Print.Sanders, Pete and Steve Myers. What do you know about drinking alcohol. Brookfield: Cooper Beech Books, 1997. Print.Wilson, Hugh T, ed. Drugs, society and behavior. 14th ed. Guilford: Dushkin/ McGraw Hill, 1999. Print.