INTRODUCTION

What is commonly called "alcohol", despite very different modes of production, a

wide variety of tastes and colors is actually
composed of one and the same substance, ethanol,
which acts in a specific way on the body. Ethanol or
ethyl alcohol, or in common language pure alcohol,
comes from the fermentation of fruits, grains or
tubers. The manufacture of certain alcohols
comprises a distillation step, which makes it possible
to increase their concentration of pure alcohol.

I- What is alcohol?

All alcoholic beverages contain the same molecule, called ethanol, or, in common
parlance, pure alcohol. Ethanol comes from the fermentation of fruits, grains or
tubers. The manufacture of certain alcoholic beverages involves a distillation step,
which makes it possible to increase the concentration of alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages differ in taste and ethanol concentration, but are all toxic and
can lead to drunkenness. Some drinks are more concentrated in pure alcohol than
others, but they are usually served in smaller doses.

In reality, drinks such as those served in bars, restaurants or nightclubs all contain
approximately the same amount of pure alcohol: about 10 grams. This is called a
standard glass, or an alcohol unit.

II- What happens to alcohol in your body?

After consumption, the alcohol is absorbed as is in the small intestine and passes
into the blood. In a few minutes, it is then transported throughout the body, including
the brain. Alcohol is largely eliminated by the liver.

III- What is alcoholism?

BAC is the blood alcohol level. It varies according to the quantity of alcohol
consumed, but also according to the corpulence and the sex of the person, the speed
of consumption and the fact of having eaten or not. Finally, each person reacts
differently according to his state of health, fatigue, etc.

IV- What happens when you drink alcohol?

Alcohol acts on the functioning of your brain: it changes the consciousness and the
perceptions, and therefore your behaviors.

Consumed at low doses, alcohol disinhibits and provides a feeling of relaxation,

pleasure, euphoria or even excitement. Reflexes begin to diminish.

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Consumed at higher doses, alcohol causes drunkenness: poor coordination of
movements, slurred speech, decreased reflexes and alertness, drowsiness, etc.
Memory loss, delusions and hallucinations can also occur.

In certain particular situations, even low alcohol consumption can become

dangerous:

for the duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding,

during childhood,
when driving a vehicle or a machine,
when you have an activity that requires vigilance,
when you take certain medicines (see their instructions),
in certain acute or chronic diseases.

V- The effects of alcohol

Immediate effects, mainly on the brain, which occur

a few minutes after consumption and may last
several hours. Throughout this period, brain function
and behavior are disrupted, resulting in specific
risks;
long-term effects on different organs, with an
increased risk of developing many diseases.

VI- The long-term health consequences

Regular and excessive consumption of alcohol (more than 3 standard drinks per day
on average for men, more than 2 standard drinks per day on average for women)
increases the risk of developing many diseases: certain cancers, cardiovascular
diseases and digestive, diseases of the nervous system and psychic disorders.

Alcohol dependence is often referred to as "alcoholism" in everyday language.

Alcohol dependence is not defined by a frequency of consumption or a quantity
drunk. The key symptom of alcoholism is the loss of control over your drinking: at this
point, drinking alcohol has become a necessity.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol, consumed in moderation, has no significant side effects for most consumers.
On the other hand, alcohol abuse can have damaging effects on the mind and body.

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