All alcohols are poisonous, but ethyl alcohol is less poisonous than others. Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a rubbing alcohol, but it has caused acute intoxication, convulsion, coma, and death in children due to prolonged exposure to vapors during sponging for fevers. Alcoholic drinks are the most commonly abused drug in the U.S. Alcohol is addictive, and its repeated use often results in the need to drink more and more to produce intoxication. Other symptoms of alcohol abuse are impaired coordination and often aggressive actions. Alcohol acts as a depressant and reduces self-criticism and anxiety.
Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and low in other nutrients.
For this reason, heavy drinkers often have a weight problem. The effects of alcohol increase the power of drugs contained in, for example, some cough mixtures and sedative drugs, such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants. As a result, one drink may have the effect of several and can cause drowsiness and drunkenness. This is dangerous and can be fatal. Alcohol should not be taken by epileptics because it may bring on convulsions.