Find out the facts, request your FREE copy of the booklet, The Truth About Alcohol. Alcohol is a drug. The actual drug classification is a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital bodily functions resulting in delayed reactions, distracted perceptions and unsteady movements. It affect the mind as well reducing the ability to think clearly, rational and impairs judgment. Taken in large doses can cause breathing difficulties, blackouts, unconsciousness, vomiting and even death.