Alcohol

Alcohol is a compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, which is produced when glucose is fermented by yeast. The alcohol content of a particular drink is controlled by the amount of yeast and the duration of fermentation. Fruits are used to make wines and ciders, while cereals such as barley and rye form the basis of beers and spirits.

Alcohol is a drug which has the immediate effect of altering mood. Because drinking makes people feel relaxed, happy and even euphoric, you may find it surprising to learn that alcohol is in fact a depressant. As such, it switches off the part of the brain that controls judgement, leading to loss of inhibitions. As most people are aware, alcohol also affects physical coordination.

The more alcohol consumed, the greater the effect - speech becomes slurred, vision blurred, balance is lost and movements are clumsy. Apart from cases of extreme intoxication, however, these effects are short-term. The liver breaks down and eliminates alcohol from the body, taking about an hour to deal with one unit.

• Alcohol - a summary See your doctor or practice nurse if you are drinking heavily and are finding it difficult to cut down. A more detailed leaflet on alcohol is also available. Click here to find out more about the...
• Alcohol Detoxification Detoxification is an option if you are alcohol dependent.
• Alcohol and Liver Disease Drinking too much alcohol can lead to three types of liver conditions - fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis. You are unlikely to develop these problems if you drink within the recommended safe...
• Alcohol and Problem Drinking Alcoholism is a word which many people use to mean 'alcohol dependence' (alcohol addiction). Some people are 'problem drinkers' without being dependent on alcohol. If you are alcohol dependent then...
• Alcohol and Sensible Drinking Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day). Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than three...