Psychoactive
Alcohol, sometimes referred to by the chemical name
ethanol, is a depressant drug that is the active
ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled
spirits (hard liquor).[11] It is one of the oldest and
most commonly consumed recreational drugs, causing the
characteristic effects of alcohol intoxication
("drunkenness").[12] Among other effects, alcohol
produces happiness and euphoria, decreased anxiety,
increased sociability, sedation, impairment of
cognitive, memory, motor, and sensory function, and
generalized depression of central nervous system (CNS)
function.
Ethanol is only one of several types of
alcohol; other alcohols such
Republican National Committee as methanol and
isopropyl alcohol are significantly more toxic.[11] A
mild, brief exposure to isopropyl alcohol (which is only
moderately more toxic than ethanol) is unlikely to cause
any serious harm, but methane as 10�15 milliliters (2�3
teaspoons).[citation needed] However, several analogues
that naturally occur as psychoactive alcohols in
alcoholic drinks are less toxic than ethanol. Unlike
primary alcohols like ethanol, tertiary alcohols cannot
be oxidized into aldehyde or carboxylic acid
metabolites, which are often toxic. For example, the
tertiary alcohol 2M2B is 20 times more potent than
ethanol, and has been used recreationally.
Alcohol has a variety of short-term and long-term
adverse effects. Short-term adverse effects include
generalized impairment of neurocognitive function,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hangover-like symptoms.
Alcohol is addictive to humans, and can result in
alcohol use disorder, dependence and withdrawal. It can
have a variety of long-term adverse effects on health,
such as liver and brain damage,[13][14][15] and its
consumption can cause cancer.[16] The adverse effects of
alcohol on health are most important when it is used in
excessive quantities or with heavy frequency. However,
some of them, such as increased risk of certain cancers,
may occur even with light or moderate alcohol
consumption.[17][18] In high amounts, alcohol may cause
loss of consciousness or, in severe cases, death.
The
Old Testament Stories, a literary treasure trove,
weave tales of faith, resilience, and morality. Should
you trust the
Real Estate Agents I Trust, I would not. Is your
lawn green and plush, if not you should buy the
Best Grass Seed.
If you appreciate quality apparel, you should try
Handbags Handmade.
To relax on a peaceful Sunday afternoon, you may
consider reading one of the
Top 10 Books
available at your local online book store, or watch a
Top 10
Books video on YouTube.
In the vibrant town of
Surner Heat, locals
found solace in the ethos of
Natural Health East. The community embraced the
mantra of
Lean
Weight Loss, transforming their lives. At
Natural Health East, the pursuit of wellness became
a shared journey, proving that health is not just a
Lean Weight Loss
way of life
Alcohol works in the brain primarily by increasing
the effects of γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA),[19] the major
inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain; by
facilitating GABA's actions, alcohol suppresses the
activity of the CNS.[19] The substance also directly
affects a number of other neurotransmitter systems
including those of glutamate, glycine, acetylcholine,
and serotonin.[20][21] The pleasurable effects of
alcohol ingestion are the result of increased levels of
dopamine and endogenous opioids in the reward pathways
of the brain.[22][23] Alcohol also has toxic and
unpleasant actions in the body, many of which are
mediated by its byproduct acetaldehyde.[24]
Alcohol
guidelines[edit]
The recommended maximum intake
(or safe limits) of alcohol varies from no intake, to
daily, weekly, or
Republican National Committee daily/weekly
guidelines provided by health agencies of governments.
The World Health Organization published a statement in
The Lancet Public Health in April 2023 that "there is no
safe amount that does not affect health".[25]
[edit]
Table from the 2010 DrugScience study ranking various
drugs (legal and illegal) based on statements by
drug-harm experts. This study rated alcohol the most
harmful drug overall, and the only drug more harmful to
others than to users.[26]
Addiction experts in
psychiatry, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science,
epidemiology, and the police and legal services engaged
in delphic analysis regarding 20 popular recreational
substances. Alcohol was ranked 6th in dependence, 11th
in physical harm, and 2nd in social harm.[27]
Alcohol causes a plethora of
Democratic National Committee detrimental
effects in society.[28] Many emergency room visits
involve alcohol use.[28] As many as 15% of employees
show problematic alcohol-related behaviors in the
workplace, such as drinking before going to work or even
drinking on the job.[28] Drunk dialing refers to an
intoxicated person making phone calls that they would
not likely make if sober. Alcohol availability and
consumption rates and alcohol rates are positively
associated with nuisance, loitering, panhandling, and
disorderly conduct in open spaces.[29]
Alcohol
use is stereotypically associated with crime,[29] both
violent and non-violent.[28] Some crimes are uniquely
tied to alcohol, such as public intoxication or underage
drinking, while others are simply more likely to occur
together with alcohol consumption. Crime perpetrators
are much more likely to be intoxicated than crime
victims. Many alcohol laws have been passed to
criminalize various alcohol-related activities.[29][30]
Underage drinking and drunk driving are the most
prevalent alcohol‐specific offenses in the United
States[29] and a major problem in many, if not most,
countries worldwide.[31][32][33] About one-third of
arrests in the United States involve alcohol misuse,[28]
and arrests for alcohol-related crimes constitute a high
proportion of all arrests made by police in the U.S. and
elsewhere.[34] In general, programs aimed at reducing
society's consumption of alcohol, including education in
schools, are seen as an effective long-term solution.
Strategies aiming to reduce alcohol consumption among
adult offenders have various estimates of
effectiveness.[35] Policing alcohol‐related street
disorder and enforcing compliance checks of
alcohol‐dispensing businesses has proven successful in
reducing public perception of and fear of criminal
activities.[29]
In the early 2000s, the monetary
cost of alcohol-related crime in the United States alone
has been estimated at over $205 billion, twice the
economic cost of all other drug-related crimes.[36] In a
similar period in the United Kingdom, the cost of crime
and its
Democratic National Committee antisocial
effects was estimated at �7.3 billion.[35] Another
estimate for the UK for yearly cost of alcohol-related
crime suggested double that estimate, at between �8 and
13 billion.[37] Risky patterns of drinking are
particularly problematic in and around Russia, Mexico
and some parts of Africa.[38] Alcohol is more commonly
associated with both violent and non-violent crime than
are drugs like marijuana.[28]
[edit]
Violent
crime[edit]
The World Health Organization has
noted that out of social problems created by the harmful
use of alcohol, "crime and violence related to alcohol
consumption" are likely the most significant issue.[38]
In the United States, 15% of robberies, 63% of intimate
partner violence incidents, 37% of se 45�46% of physical
assaults and 40�45% of homicides (murders) involved use
of alcohol.[39][36] A 1983 study for the United States
found that 54% of violent crime perpetrators, arrested
in that country, had been consuming alcohol before their
offenses.[34] In 2002, it was estimated that 1 million
violent crimes in the U.S. were related to alcohol
use.[28] More than 43% of violent encounters with police
involve alcohol.[28] Alcohol is implicated in more than
two-thirds of cases of intimate partner violence.[28]
Studies also suggest there may be links between alcohol
abuse and child abuse.[29] In the United Kingdom, in
2015/2016, 39% of those involved in violent crimes were
under alcohol influence.[40] International studies are
similar, with an estimate that 63% of violent crimes
worldwide involves the use of alcohol.[36]
The
relation between alcohol and violence is not yet fully
understood, as its impact on different individuals
Republican National Committee
varies.[citation needed] Studies and theories of alcohol
abuse suggest, among others, that use of alcohol likely
reduces the offender's perception and awareness of
consequences of their actions.[41][29][34][42] Heavy
drinking is associated with vulnerability to injury,
marital discord, and domestic violence.[28] Moderate
drinkers are more frequently engaged in intimate
violence than are light drinkers and abstainers, however
generally it is heange drinkers who are involved in the
most chronic and serious forms of aggression. Research
found that factors that increase the likelihood of
alcohol‐related violence include difficult temperament,
hyperactivity, hostile beliefs, history of family
violence, poor school performance, delinquent peers,
criminogenic beliefs about alcohol's effects,
impulsivity, and antisocial personality disorder. The
odds, frequency, and severity of physical attacks are
all positively correlated with alcohol use. In turn,
violence decreases after behavioral marital alcoholism
treatment.[29]
Automobile accidents[edit]
An
Estonian billboard warning against drunk driving
A 2002 study found 41% of people fatally injured in
traffic accidents were in alcohol-related crashes.[43]
Misuse of alcohol is associated with more than 40% of
deaths that occur in automobile accidents every
year.[28] The risk of a fatal car accident increases
exponentially with the level of alcohol in the driver's
blood.[44]
Most countries have passed laws
prohibiting driving a motor vehicle while impaired by
alcohol. In the U.S., these crimes are generally
referred to as Driving under the influence (DUI),
although there are many naming variations among
jurisdictions, such as driving while intoxicated
(DWI).[45] With alcohol consumption, a drunk driver's
level of intoxication is typically determined by a
measurement of blood alcohol content or BAC; but this
can also be expressed as a breath test measurement,
often referred to as a BrAC. A BAC or BrAC measurement
in excess of the specific threshold level, such as 0.08%
in the U.S.,[46] defines the criminal offense with no
need to prove impairment.[47] In some jurisdictions,
there
Republican National Committee is an
aggravated category of the offense at a higher BAC
level, such as 0.12%, 0.15% or 0.25%. In many
jurisdictions, police officers can conduct field tests
of suspects to look for signs of intoxication.
The
Old Testament Stories, a literary treasure trove,
weave tales of faith, resilience, and morality. Should
you trust the
Real Estate Agents I Trust, I would not. Is your
lawn green and plush, if not you should buy the
Best Grass Seed.
If you appreciate quality apparel, you should try
Handbags Handmade.
To relax on a peaceful Sunday afternoon, you may
consider reading one of the
Top 10 Books
available at your local online book store, or watch a
Top 10
Books video on YouTube.
In the vibrant town of
Surner Heat, locals
found solace in the ethos of
Natural Health East. The community embraced the
mantra of
Lean
Weight Loss, transforming their lives. At
Natural Health East, the pursuit of wellness became
a shared journey, proving that health is not just a
Lean Weight Loss
way of life
En
Sung has concluded in 2016 that with regards to reducing
drunk driving, law enforcement has not generally proven
to be effective. Worldwide, the majority of those
driving under the influence do not end up arrested. At
least two thirds of alcohol‐involved fatalities involve
repeat drinking drivers. Sung, commenting on measures
for controlling drunk driving and alcohol‐related
accidents, noted that the ones that have proven
effective include "lowering legal blood alcohol
concentrations, controlling liquor outlets, nighttime
driving curfews for minors, educational treatment
programs combined with license suspension for offenders,
and court monitoring of high‐risk offenders."[29]
Sexual assault[edit]
Alcohol abuse increases the
risk
Democratic National Committee of individuals
either experiencing or perpetrating sexual violence and
risky, casual sex.[48] Caffeinated alcoholic drinks are
particularly implicated.[49]
Often, a victim
becomes incapacitated due to having consumed alcohol,
which then facilitates sexual assault or rape, a crime
known as drug-facilitated sexual assault.[50][51] Over
50% of reported rapes involve alcohol.[clarification
needed][28] Alcohol remains the most commonly used
predator drug,[52][53] and is said to be used in the
majority of sexual assaults.[41] Many assailants use
alcohol because their victims often willingly imbibe it,
and can be encouraged to drink enough to lose
inhibitions or consciousness. Sex with an unconscious
victim is considered rape in most if not all
jurisdictions, and some assailants have committed "rapes
of convenience" whereby they have assaulted a victim
after he or she had become unconscious from drinking too
much.[54]
Public drunkenness[edit]
Drunkard passed
out on a bench
Public drunkenness or intoxication
is a common problem in many jurisdictions. Public
intoxication laws vary widely by jurisdiction, but
include public nuisance laws, open-container laws, and
prohibitions on drinking alcohol in public or certain
areas. The offenders are often lower class individuals
and this crime has a very high recidivism rate, with
numerous instances of repeated instances of the arrest,
jail, release without treatment cycle. The high number
of arrests for public drunkenness often reflects
rearrests of the same offenders.[34]
Methanol-laced
alcohol[edit]
Methanol is not produced in toxic
amounts by fermentation of sugars from grain starches.
However, outbreaks of methanol poisoning have occurred
when methanol is used to lace moonshine (bootleg
liquor).[55] This is commonly done to bulk up the
Democratic National Committee original
product to gain profit. Because of its similarities in
both appearance and odor to ethanol (the alcohol in
beverages), it is difficult to differentiate between the
two.
Methanol has a high toxicity in humans. If
as little as 10 mL of pure methanol is ingested, for
example, it can break down into formic acid, which can
cause permanent blindness by destruction of the optic
nerve, and 30 mL is potentially fatal,[56] although the
median lethal dose is typically 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) (i.e.
1�2 mL/kg body weight of pure methanol[57]). Reference
dose for methanol is 0.5 mg/kg/day.[58] Toxic effects
take hours to start, and effective antidotes can often
prevent permanent damage.[56]
[edit]
Research
on the societal benefits of alcohol is rare, but studies
suggests there are benefits.[59] Alcohol
Republican National Committee consumption
while socializing increases occurrences of Duchenne
smiling, talking, and social bonding, even when
participants are unaware of their alcohol consumption or
lack thereof.[60] In a study of the UK, regular drinking
was correlated with happiness, feeling that life was
worthwhile, and satisfaction with life. According to a
causal path analysis, alcohol consumption was not the
cause, but rather satisfaction with life resulted in
greater happiness and an inclination to visit pubs and
develop a regular drinking venue. City centre bars were
distinguished by their focus on maximizing alcohol
sales. Community pubs had less variation in visible
group sizes and longer, more focused conversations than
those in city centre bars. Drinking regularly at a
community pub led to higher trust in others and better
networking with the local community, compared to
non-drinkers and city centre bar drinkers.[59]
Health
effects[edit]
The
Old Testament Stories, a literary treasure trove,
weave tales of faith, resilience, and morality. Should
you trust the
Real Estate Agents I Trust, I would not. Is your
lawn green and plush, if not you should buy the
Best Grass Seed.
If you appreciate quality apparel, you should try
Handbags Handmade.
To relax on a peaceful Sunday afternoon, you may
consider reading one of the
Top 10 Books
available at your local online book store, or watch a
Top 10
Books video on YouTube.
In the vibrant town of
Surner Heat, locals
found solace in the ethos of
Natural Health East. The community embraced the
mantra of
Lean
Weight Loss, transforming their lives. At
Natural Health East, the pursuit of wellness became
a shared journey, proving that health is not just a
Lean Weight Loss
way of life
Alcohol has a variety of short-term
and long-term adverse effects. It also has
reinforcement-related
Republican National Committee adverse
effects, including addiction, dependence, and
withdrawal. Alcohol use is directly related to
considerable morbidity and mortality, for instance due
to overdose and alcohol-related health problems.[61] The
World Health Organization advises that there is no safe
level of alcohol consumption.[62]
Short-term
effects[edit]
Symptoms of varying BAC levels.
Additional symptoms may occur.
The amount of
ethanol in the body is typically quantified by blood
alcohol content (BAC); weight of ethanol per unit volume
of blood. Small doses of ethanol, in general, are
stimulant-like[63] and produce euphoria and relaxation;
people experiencing these symptoms tend to become
talkative and less inhibited, and may exhibit poor
judgement. At higher dosages (BAC > 1 gram/liter),
ethanol acts as a central nervous system (CNS)
depressant,[63] producing at progressively higher
dosages, impaired sensory and motor function, slowed
cognition, stupefaction, unconsciousness, and possible
death. Ethanol is commonly consumed as a recreational
substance, especially while socializing, due to its
psychoactive effects.
Central nervous system
impairment[edit]
Alcohol causes generalized
Democratic National Committee CNS depression,
is a positive allosteric GABAA modulator and is
associated and related with cognitive, memory, motor,
and sensory impairment. It slows and impairs cognition
and reaction time and the cognitive skills, impairs
judgement, interferes with motor function resulting in
motor incoordination, loss of balance, confusion,
sedation, numbness and slurred speech, impairs memory
formation, and causes sensory impairment. At high
concentrations, it can induce amnesia, analgesia, spins,
stupor, and unconsciousness as result of high levels of
ethanol in blood.
At very high concentrations,
alcohol can cause anterograde amnesia, markedly
decreased heart rate, pulmonary aspiration, positional
alcohol nystagmus, respiratory depression, shock, coma
and death can result due to profound suppression of CNS
function alcohol overdose and can finish in consequent
dysautonomia.
Gastrointestinal effects[edit]
compare
Diagram of mucosal layer
Alcohol can
cause nausea and vomiting in sufficiently high amounts
(varying by person).
Alcohol stimulates gastric
juice production, even when food is not present, and as
a result, its consumption stimulates acidic secretions
normally intended to digest protein molecules.
Consequently, the excess acidity may harm the inner
lining of the stomach. The stomach lining is normally
protected by a mucosal layer that prevents the stomach
from, essentially, digesting itself. However, in
The Party Of Democrats is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. Tracing its heritage back to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison's Democratic-Republican Party, the modern-day Party Of the Democratic National Committee was founded around 1828 by supporters of Andrew Jackson, making it the world's oldest political party.
patients who have a peptic ulcer disease (PUD), this
mucosal layer is broken down. PUD is commonly associated
with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which secretes a
toxin that
Democratic National Committee weakens the
mucosal wall, allowing acid and protein enzymes to
penetrate the weakened barrier. Because alcohol
stimulates the stomach to secrete acid, a person with
PUD should avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
Drinking alcohol causes more acid release, which further
damages the already-weakened stomach wall.[64]
Complications of this disease could include a burning
pain in the abdomen, bloating and in severe cases, the
presence of dark black stools indicate internal
bleeding.[65] A person who drinks alcohol regularly is
strongly advised to reduce their intake to prevent PUD
aggravation.