What type of drug is ETOH classified as?

ETOH, which stands for ethanol, is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This classification is based on the effects that ethanol has on the body and brain. When consumed, ethanol acts by slowing down brain activity, impairing cognitive functions, motor skills, and overall coordination. This depressant effect can lead to drowsiness, relaxation, and impaired judgment, which are characteristic signs of substance influence.

In contrast, stimulants increase brain activity and elevate mood, leading to heightened alertness and energy, while opioids tend to relieve pain and produce sedation by affecting specific receptors in the brain. Hallucinogens, on the other hand, alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes but do not classically induce the depressant effects associated with substances like ethanol. Thus, classifying ETOH as a CNS depressant is accurate due to the nature of its effects on the central nervous system.