Alcohol Abuse
By Caroline Hauder
Alcohol is a Drug
It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.
As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.
THE FACTS
Responsible for
- 52% of rape
- 50% of spousal abuse
- 69% 0f drownings
- 49% of murders
Tell a family member
Enroll yourself in treatment
Be positive
You don't have to get sucked in!
Knowing your facts
Alcohol overdose causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or, worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly.
There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol.