Alcohol is categorized as a sedative/hypnotic or depressant intoxicant. Beverage alcohol( scientifically known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is one of the most common psychoactives used by humans and its effects are well-studied and documented. Alcohol is often not thought of as a drug due to its acceptance and common usage for both religious and social purposes. Also the fact that alcohol is legal, easily obtainable, and often surrounds us to some degree in everyday society, lends easily into the thought process that chronic or daily usage is not only normal and acceptable, but preferable.

Do not be deceived though because alcohol is a drug, one of the most highly addictive drugs, and improper care related to detoxification can be fatal.

Physicians have historically promoted alcohol for its perceived benefits when consumed in moderation, most recently for protection against coronary heart disease. The current medical evidence available suggests that any health benefits from alcohol are debatable.

Individuals who drink alcohol on a regular basis become tolerant to many of the unpleasant effects of alcohol, and in turn are able to consume larger quantities before suffering these effects. A great danger of tolerance is that often deteriorating physical conditions may go unnoticed by others until severe damage develops, or until they are hospitalized (whether it be for other medical reasons or directly related to alcohol) and suddenly experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological dependence may occur with regular use of even moderate daily amounts, and may even manifest in individuals who only drink in a particular setting ( such as before or during social occasions). This form of psychological dependence is reflected through the phenomenon of mental obsession combined with a craving for the psychological effect that alcohol provides. In addition there is a "physical allergy" that exists in alcoholics making it nearly impossible for that individual to make rational decisions related to consumption. Once an alcoholic consumes that first drink, the craving for a second drink is intensified. With each drink consumed the craving is exponentially intensified making it nearly impossible to drink responsibly.

Physical dependence occurs in consistently heavy drinkers. Once adjusted they will suffer acute withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking.

Withdrawal symptoms may result in, but are not limited to:

• hallucinations

• blackouts

• coma

• tremors

• insomnia

• vomiting

• grand mal seizures

• death

Overdosage can result in hallucinations, blackouts, grand mal seizures, coma, and death. There is no way to set specific parameters for overdose based on alcohol consumption, partly due to the prevalence of tolerance which is ever-changing in a chronic abuser.

Drinking heavily over a short period of time usually results in a "hangover" (headache, nausea, shakiness, and sometimes vomiting), usually beginning 8-12 hours later. A hangover is due partially to alcohol poisoning, partly to the body's reaction to withdrawal from alcohol, and dehydration. There is currently no known effective cure for a hangover.

Long-term effects of alcohol appear after repeated use over a period of months or years. The negative physical and psychological effects of chronic abuse are numerous; some are potentially life-threatening. Some harmful consequences are primary resulting directly from prolonged exposure to alcohols toxic effects (such as heart and liver disease or inflammation of the stomach).

Others are secondary relating indirectly to alcohol abuse, they include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and sexual impotence or menstrual irregularities. The risk of serious disease increases exponentially as consumption increases.

This is a breif description for alcohol. For more information contact your physician or refer to resources such as the Physicians' Desk Reference( PDR) or obtain online information through:

http://www.erowid.org

http://www.drugs.com