Brief Description
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. A standard drink equals 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol, or 12 ounces of beer; 8 ounces of malt liquor; 5 ounces of wine; or 1.5 ounces (a “shot”) of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey).
Effects
Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker’s body.
Alcohol abuse can not only impair brain function and motor skills but heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease.
Alcoholism is categoried as a diagnosable disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, and/or continued use despite harm or personal injury. The abuse of alcohol, which can lead to alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/alcohol)
