From the perspective of academic psychologists, this is true: "Substance use disorders (SUDs), as described in DSM-IV, are part of a class of disorders (substance-related disorders) that are “related to the taking of a drug of abuse (including alcohol)” [1 p. 175]. Although the transition from DSM-IV to DSM-5 involves changes at multiple levels for SUDs, this basic definition remains unchanged [1,2]."

However, most likely readers of the article are likely unaware of the distinction (or may resist it), so the usage of the colloquial and informal definition of "drug" that excludes alcohol would help more people with alcohol use disorder find the article and learn about its main points.

[0] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519702/

I think the fact that they're grouped logically is enough, for the most part. It seems widely acknowledged that alcohol is not good for you, but there is a psychological distinction between doing shots at your local dive bar and a glass of Pinot with dinner. I think the spectrum of alcohol use is just broader than most other drugs except for maybe cannabis and psilocybin.

There isn't a chemical distinction that separates alcohol from other drugs, only social constructs.

You're being downvoted even though you're absolutely right.

I'm assuming that arbitrary distinction makes it a lot easier to rationalize drinking alcohol while they stigmatize or demonize people who say, smoke weed or eat psychedelic mushrooms (or any other drug, really) in reasonable quantities, even if they are extremely productive members of society.

Right, and social constructs carry more weight in cultural/societal norms which is why I doubt anyone will ever say I'll have a glass of drugs with dinner tonight even though a lot of people know there isn't a technical, chemical distinction.

Nobody says "I'll smoke some drugs" either, closest thing you'll hear people say is that they're going to smoke some weed.

"Alcohol and drugs" is a harmful distinction when we're talking about substance use, abuse, or harm reduction because it automatically implies that alcohol is categorically different from (and less harmful than) other drugs, thus reinforcing the misinformation and antiquated beliefs.