Alcohol
What is Alcohol?
Standard Drinks - Consumption and
Safety
Alcohol and Health
Alcohol and Men
Alcohol and Women
Driving / Blood Alcohol Content /
Legal
Alcohol and the law
What is Alcohol?
Alcoholic drinks are the result of fermentation in which
water and yeast act on the sugars of various types of grains,
vegetables and fruits. Ethyl alcohol, the active ingredient
in alcoholic drinks, is a drug that acts as a depressant.
There are four types of alcoholic beverages:
- Beer (.9% to 6% alcohol).
- Wine (12% to 14% alcohol).
- Fortified Wines (eg Sherry and Port) have alcohol added
and contain in the order of 18% to 20% alcohol.
- Liquor (Scotch Rum Bourbon and Vodka) contain 40% to
50% alcohol.
The effects of alcohol on an individual depend on many factors;
including characteristics such as Age, Weight, Sex, Health,
Tolerance, Expectation, Mood and Environment. The use of alcohol
in combination with illicit and prescription drugs adds significantly
to its effect upon any individual. |
Alcohol can produce a wide range of immediate affects, depending
on the amount consumed and the individual. This includes;
- Loss of inhibitions.
- Flushing and dizziness.
- General Impairment of brain and nervous system functions.
- General loss of coordination.
- Impairment of motor skills (movement).
- Slow reactions.
- Aggression.
- General impairment of senses, blurred vision and slurred
speech.
- Vomiting.
- Unconsciousness.
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