Drugs & Alcohol Information

Alcohol

Found in

Beer, cider, alco-pops, alco-milks, spirits (including meths/white spirit), wine, etc.

Description

Sold as alcoholic beverages of many forms, also available from DIY shops (meths/white spirit)

Routes of use

Ingestion

History

Alcohol has been used throughout history as a social drink and in medicinal remedies. Earliest records from ancient Egypt depict fermentation of fruits to produce primitive beers. It is used throughout the world in many cultures and is thought of generally as an acceptable social drug.

Effects people seek

Alcohol is a depressant drug (not a stimulant as many people think), it slows down the brain and hence the body's reactions. Common effects experienced include loss of inhibitions, relaxation, talkativeness and a 'warm feeling' of enhanced well-being. Other effects: The higher the dose the worse the effects. There can be a loss of control over speech, vision, the limbs, consciousness and even life. The lowering of reaction times and impairing of judgement makes driving extremely hazardous. Methylated spirits can also cause permanent damage to the eyes leading to blindness. Most people vomit and dehydrate after a drinking binge. Long term and heavy drinking has been linked to liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, certain cancers, pancreatitis and several other disorders of the reproductive system and sexual organs. Having risky sex whilst drunk can lead to exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. 

Dependence & Tolerance

There can be both physical and psychological dependence to the effects of alcohol. The tolerance to these effects increases with regular drinking therefore more drink is required to produce the same  effects.

The Law