Alcohol

What is Alcohol

• A colourless volatile flammable liquid, C2H5OH, that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits

• It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions

• As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally

Alcohol in Society• Alcohol is the #1 drug problem

in the U.S.• There are more than 12 million

alcoholics in the U.S.• Three-fourths of all adults drink

alcohol; 6% are alcoholics• Americans spend a total of $197

million each day on alcohol• Nearly 7 million persons age 12

to 20 are binge drinkers• 75% of all high school seniors

report being drunk at least once

Alcohol Deaths

• In the U.S., a person is killed in an alcohol-related car accident every 30 minutes

• one-third of all suicides involve the use of alcohol.

• 39 percent of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.

Alcohol Law Changes

Alcohol in History

• Alcohol has had unquestionable importance throughout history. It was a very important trade product since its discovery and was of great importance to the economy of many countries. Alcohol has been served in bars for almost as long as it has been known about. This gave it great importance since these were places were locals would gather to meet and discuss many different things.

• Alcohol was discovered 10,000 years ago. The early products used to product alcohol were berries, milk, grain and grapes. It wasn’t long until it was discovered that alcohol produced pleasant and enjoyable effects after consumption. From here on, alcohol found its way into every culture and country in the world. It even became part of some religious rites. Aside from water, alcohol is one of the oldest drinks in existence.

Prohibition• Consumption of alcohol during

prohibition was not illegal.• July first is known as the "thirsty

first“• Speakeasy got their names because

one would have to whisper a code word for entry

• When FDR signed an amendment to the Volstead Act, he was quoted saying "I think this would be a good time for a beer"

• After prohibition, only half of the breweries previously opened reopened.

• Repeal Day hosts recommend enjoying a virgin drink first

• Huge gang activity increase during the prohibition due to the gangs controlling manufacturing of alcohol and distribution

• Al Capone started his career in Gang activity by smuggling banned alcohol into cities across the eastern seaboard

• The Great Depression was a major factor in the repeal of Prohibition as people could make more money and spend more money with Alcohol being legal, the government can also tax it as well.

Alcohol influences History

• Changed Alexander the greats conquests

• Created bacteriology & process of pasteurisation

• Saved humanity from dysentery disease

• Helped democracy in Ukraine

• Created first human societies

Short Term Effects

• A relaxing effect• Reduced tension• Lowered inhibitions• Poor concentration• Slow reflexes• Slow reaction time• Reduced coordination• Slower brain activity• Sensations and perceptions that are less clear

Long Term Effects

• Disrupts normal brain development;• Liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver;• Brain cells die, decreasing brain mass;• Stomach and intestinal ulcers and destroyed organs;• Blood pressure increases, causing heart disease, heart attack,

or stroke;• Male sperm production decreases;• Lower levels of iron and vitamin B, causing anemia;• Alcoholism;• Death; and• Fetal alcohol syndrome in unborn children.

Conclusion

• Alcohol is a drug that if used moderately and by the appropriate people can be a very enjoyable event, however, if abused and used hap-hazardly can cause disastrous results to yourself and those around you so follow what the TV ads say and please, drink responsibly.