About alcohol
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About alcohol
Alcohol (also known as booze and other nicknames) is the common name for ethanol or ethyl alcohol. Pure ethanol is a clear and colourless liquid. It is the intoxicating substance present at varying levels in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits.
How alcohol is made
Beer, wine and cider are made through a fermentation process. Fermentation is a natural biological process in which yeast changes sugar into alcohol. It makes drinks with lower alcohol concentration (4% to 15%).
Spirits, such as gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey, are made through distillation. This is an industrial process that makes drinks with higher alcohol concentrations (40% or more).
How alcohol affects you
Alcohol activates the pleasure or reward centres in the brain. It can make you feel:
- a sense of wellbeing
- relaxed
- disinhibited (having less control over your actions, especially inappropriate actions)
- euphoric (intense feeling of excitement or happiness)
Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. This means that alcohol slows down brain functions and thought processes. It can also affect other bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate.
Alcohol has the same effect no matter which alcoholic beverage you drink. Exactly how it affects you depends on factors such as:
- the amount you drink
- your gender and age
- your body size
- how quickly you drink
- the amount and type of food you have eaten
- medications you are taking that may interact with alcohol
- your past experiences with drinking
- your overall health
- your mood
Alcohol absorbs into your bloodstream through your mouth, stomach and intestines. Most of your organs and tissues are exposed to the same amount of alcohol as your blood, but your liver is exposed to more.
How long it takes for alcohol to affect you
How long it takes alcohol to affect you varies greatly. It takes longer if you drink it with certain types of foods, such as proteins and fats. It takes much less time if you drink it on an empty stomach.
Alcohol continues to circulate through your body until your liver eliminates it. Some alcohol (10%) exits your body through urine, sweat and breathing.
Alcohol for other purposes
There are two other main types of alcohol. These are not safe to drink:
- isopropyl alcohol (known as rubbing alcohol)
- used in sterilization agents, such as hand sanitizer
- used in everyday cleaning products and cosmetics
- methyl alcohol (known as methanol or wood alcohol)
- used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze and fuel for camping stoves
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