Alchohol

For our purposes, alcohol refers to ethyl alcohol or ethanol, one of the most popular psychoactive drugs in the world.

The way alcohol is used in society is related to a complex set of sociocultural rules, rituals and regulations, and to fully investigate these factors would be a learning unit in itself. These societal factors make assessment of what constitutes problem drinking quite difficult. Where problem drinking is identified, a reduction to no more than two standard drinks a day for women and no more than four standard drinks a day for men is recommended as a general guide. Also, the individual should have at least two alcohol free days a week.

Alcohol dependence with tolerance is well documented and characterised by a severe, and sometimes life threatening, withdrawal syndrome.

Pharmacology

The ethyl alcohol molecule is very soluble in both fat and water, and the tissues drugs have to cross to get into the central nervous system are high in fat. What this means is that after it is consumed, alcohol moves very efficiently and quickly into the brain and other tissues. From the last drink a person has to maximum blood alcohol levels is about one hour. This has particular implications for blood alcohol levels in people driving motor vehicles after drinking.

Alcohol is metabolized by enzymes in the liver. When these enzymes cannot keep up with the amount of alcohol entering the body, intoxication occurs.

Although this drug has been with us for thousands of years, the precise way alcohol acts is still being clarified. However, it is known that it is a depressant that acts on neurotransmitters.

Routes of Administration

• orally.