H2U.com

What Is Alcohol?

Alcohol is the liquid distilled product of fermented fruits, grains, and vegetables. Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it decreases the responses of the central nervous system. Many people find that alcohol helps them to relax and increases their comfort in social situations. Many people can drink alcohol without having major problems. However, it has a moderate potential for abuse, and some people become addicted .

Alcohol includes ethyl alcohol and ethanol, both of which are taken orally. Alcoholic beverages include beer, wine coolers, wine, and distilled spirits. A standard drink of alcohol is equal to any of the following:

One 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler (beer ranges considerably in its alcohol content, with malt liquor being higher in its alcohol content than most other brewed beverages)
One 5-ounce glass of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits

Possible Effects

Drinking alcohol can cause the following:

Intoxication
Sensory alteration
Reduced anxiety

Long-term Heavy Use of Alcohol

Heavy use of alcohol is very damaging to the body; it can lead to any of the following:

Nerve damage
Liver damage
Pancreatitis
Certain forms of cancer
Some kinds of stroke
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Psychotic behavior

Symptoms of Overdose

Staggering
Drowsiness or passing out
Odor of alcohol on breath
Slurred speech, dilated pupils
Fetal alcohol syndrome (in babies whose mothers drink during pregnancy)
Confusion, disorientation, loss of motor nerve control
Convulsions, shock
Involuntary defecation
Slowed breathing rate

Withdrawal Syndrome

Stopping the use of an addictive drug can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms. This is called withdrawal. When an alcoholic stops drinking, the following withdrawal symptoms may occur:

Sweating
Tremors
Altered perception
Psychosis, fear, and auditory hallucinations

Signs of Possible Misuse

Alcohol is a powerful drug that can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Signs of a possible alcohol-related problem include the following:

A tendency to drink more than was intended
Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
Drinking interferes with relationships, daily life, and work
Continued drinking despite negative social and occupational consequences
A tendency to become irrational and violent when drinking and/or to drive while drunk

Resources

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

http://www.samhsa.gov/

Alcoholics Anonymous

http://www.aa.org

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

http://www.ncadd.org

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Sources

US Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Clearing House for Alcohol & Drug Information

http://www.health.org/govpubs/rpo926/

Drug dependence and addiction. In: The Merck Manual – Home Edition . Merck & Co., Inc.; 2003.

Available at: http://www.merck.com/

Accessed: September 10, 2003.

Last reviewed September 2003 by Richard Glickman-Simon, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Alcohol