Alcohol is a depressant drug that reduces social inhibitions and relaxes. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of fruits, vegetables or grains.
Alcoholic drinks consist mainly of water and ethanol or ethyl alcohol to varying strengths.
About 9 out of 10 people in the UK drink. The average amount consumed is the equivalent to 8 pints of beer a week for a male and 3 pints of beer for a female. It is one of the most widely used drugs in our society. In the late teens and early twenties alcohol consumption is about average. Effects of short-term use Alcohol is absorbed very quickly into the blood stream from the stomach lining, in as short a time as 5 to 10 minutes.