End of the Line

ALCOHOL

Brand / Generic Names

Beer, Wine, Brandy, Gin, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey.

Street Names

Booze, Brew, Cold One, Juice, Sauce, Wahoo Juice

Possible Effects of Alcohol

The term "Alcohol" has been synonymous with "spirituous" liquids for the past 300 years while the history of alcohol consumption , along with codes limiting its consumption, go back to 1700 B.C. There are basically four types of alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Propyl Alcohol and Butyl Alcohol. Ethyl Alcohol is the type used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The other three types of alcohol, Methyl, Propyl and Butyl Alcohol, if consumed can result in blindness and death - even in relatively small doses.

Alcohol, and its consumption can cause a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair judgment and coordination. In small amounts, it can induce feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, suppress anxiety, and in some, inspire feelings of confidence. However, as the dose is increased , normally beyond 6 ounces, the pleasant euphoric feelings begin to give way to feelings of depression. Intoxication occurs because the liver is unable to metabolize more than one ounce of alcohol every hour. Therefore, when a person consumes more alcohol than the body can metabolize, intoxication occurs. Intoxication can generally last anywhere from one to 12 hours. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to increased tolerance to the drug that in turn leads to greater and greater amounts required to achieve its desired effects. Once the body develops a dependence to alcohol, a sudden cessation of its intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and include severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations , and convulsions. Alcohol can be lethal if the amount of alcohol reaches a concentration above 460 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. When the amount of alcohol in the blood is to high, death from respiratory depression can occur. Additionally, while long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver, mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome that can include irreversible physical and mental changes to the baby.

For More Information On These Killers