Alcohol is a drug that slows down the brain and nervous system. It is the most widely used drug in Australia. Drinking a small amount is not harmful for most people, but regular drinking of a lot of alcohol can cause health, personal and social problems.
Alcohol slows down the messages sent between the brain and the rest of the body.
Drinking a lot of alcohol regularly over time is likely to cause physical, emotional or social problems. Damage to some body organs can be permanent. Women and alcohol Doctors suggest that women should drink less than men. This is because women's body tissue absorbs higher concentration of alcohol than men's. Anyone can develop a 'tolerance' to alcohol.