Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol Beverage alcohol is produced by fermenting or distilling various fruits, vegetables or grains. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine, and less rapidly from the stomach and colon. Pregnant women who drink risk having babies with fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome effects include mental retardation, growth deficiencies, head and facial deformities and heart defects. A pulse rate lower than 40 is a medical emergency.
Women absorb alcohol into the bloodstream faster and metabolize it slower than men.
Alcohol does not relieve depression it makes it worse. A daily glass of wine will add 10 pounds per year. In addition to being a depressant, alcohol is a chemical solvent, a local anesthetic and an irritant. Alcohol is found in many beverages, also in many prescription and non-prescription drugs. The peak Blood Alcohol Level occurs 60 to 90 minutes after ingestion when the stomach is empty.