Alcohol (drug)

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Alcohol, also known by its chemical name ethanol, is a psychoactive drug that is the active ingredient in many types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and distilled spirits. It is one of the oldest and most common recreational substances known to mankind, and it is responsible for the characteristic effects of alcohol intoxication, or drunkenness.

Ethanol-2D-skeletal

Physiology and Effects[edit | edit source]

Among other effects, alcohol can induce feelings of happiness and euphoria, decrease anxiety, increase sociability, and produce sedation. It can also cause impairment of cognitive, memory, motor, and sensory function, and generally depress central nervous system function. These effects can lead to potentially harmful situations, including accidents, risky behavior, and poor decision-making.

Types of Alcohol[edit | edit source]

While 'alcohol' typically refers to ethanol in the context of alcoholic beverages, it's important to note that there are several types of alcohol. Methanol, isopropanol, and ethylene glycol, for instance, are types of alcohol that are toxic to humans. Ethanol is the only type of alcohol that is found in alcoholic beverages or commonly used for recreational purposes.

Alcohol and Health[edit | edit source]

While moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, particularly regarding heart health, excessive drinking is associated with a wide range of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, psychological disorders, and an increased risk of several types of cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

Alcohol (drug) Resources
Wikipedia





Pathophysiology of ethanol







Pharmacology of ethanol








WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/w/index.php?title=Alcohol_(drug)&oldid=4961548"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD