Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the active chemical ingredient in distilled spirits (liquor), wine and beer. By itself, ethanol is clearly and colorless. Commonly called "alcohol," ethanol is a depressant drug. It is the most widely consumed drug in the United States with a significant potential for abuse. Despite the fact that the beverages may differ, the same amount of alcohol (six-tenths of one percent) is contained in the following: a five-ounce glass of table wine (12 percent alcohol by volume); a 12-ounce beer (5 percent alcohol by volume); one-and one-half ounces (one "shot") of 80-proof liquor (40 percent alcohol by volume); and one 12-ounce wine cooler (5 percent alcohol by volume).
Brand or Common Names:
Beverage Alcohol, Ethanol, Whiskey, Wine, Beer, Ale, Vodka, Distilled Spirits, Liquor, Liqueur, Brandy
Slang Terms:
Booze, Hooch, Brew
Medical Uses:
Mild Sedative, To Induce Sleep, To Improve Appetite and Digestion (also as a solvent for other drugs)
Duration of Effects:
Dose Related
Possible Effects:
Nausea, Altered Hand-Eye Coordination, Drunkenness, Vision and Sleep Disturbance, Impaired Judgment, Cirrhosis, Pancreatitis, Ulcers, Heart Disease, Increased Blood Pressure, Addiction, Death
Methods of Use:
Oral
Effects of Overdose:
Respiratory Depression, Death
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Trembling, Anxiety, Anorexia, Insomnia, Convulsions, Hallucinations, Possible Delirium Tremens (DTs), Paranoia