Alcohol – What You Need to Know

Alcohol has been a mainstay in the human experience for thousands of years, but what is it, exactly? From its effects on the body, to its benefits and risks, it’s important to have a basic understanding of alcohol before you partake. Let’s dive into what alcohol is and what you need to know about it.

What Is Alcohol?

Alcohol, in its simplest form, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine and spirits. It’s produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits or vegetables. It’s a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down the messages going from your brain to your body, reducing your reactions and affecting your judgement and behaviour.

Alcohol Effects on the Body

Alcohol is absorbed directly into your bloodstream and processed by your liver. Drinking too much can damage the liver and cause all sorts of health problems. It can also affect your heart and other organs. Depending on how much you drink, it can damage your brain too. Alcohol also affects how your body works. It can slow your reaction time and coordination, and reduce your balance and alertness. It’s not uncommon for people to make bad choices, such as drinking and driving, after drinking alcohol.

The Benefits and Risks of Alcohol

Although moderate drinking can have some health benefits, drinking too much alcohol can lead to many health problems, including liver disease and cancer. Heavy alcohol use can result in alcohol poisoning, problems with memory, and coordination, and can increase your risk of accidents, poisonings and injuries.

If you do decide to drink, keep in mind that the recommended guidelines for adults are no more than two standard drinks per day and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. It’s also important to drink and drive responsibly and not to mix alcohol with any other drugs.

Taking all of this into account, it’s important to be aware of the positive and negative consequences of alcohol before you drink. Having a basic knowledge of what alcohol is and understanding the associated risks can help ensure you and those around you stay safe.