Depressant affects concentration and coordination, and slows down the response time to unexpected situations. In larger doses depressants can cause unconsciousness and death. Tranquilizers, heroin and cannabis are also depressants. Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive, or mood-changing, recreational drug. People drink to relax, celebrate and have fun.
Alcohol is part of most social occasions.
Alcohol and the body Alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the stomach and the small intestine. All alcohol drunk will reach the blood stream, no matter how much food is in the stomach. Alcohol is distributed throughout the water in the body, but not the fatty tissue. The liver breaks down about 90 percent. A small amount leaves the body in the urine, sweat and breath.