Alcohol is categorized as which type of substance?

Alcohol is categorized as a central nervous system depressant because it primarily affects the central nervous system by slowing down brain function and neural activity. This leads to symptoms such as relaxation, reduced anxiety, and impaired motor skills, which are characteristic effects of depressants. By decreasing the excitability of neurons, alcohol alters mood and cognitive function, which is central to its classification.

In contrast, the other categories do not accurately describe the effects of alcohol. A centrifugal depressant is not a recognized term in pharmacology. Cognitive enhancers refer to substances that improve mental functions such as memory, attention, and creativity, which does not align with alcohol's impairing effects. Stimulants, on the other hand, increase alertness, attention, and energy by boosting central nervous system activity, which is the opposite of what alcohol does. Therefore, defining alcohol as a central nervous system depressant is accurate and reflects its physiological impact on the body.