Alcohol

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Alcohol is one of the world’s favorite intoxicants. It is frequently found at social gatherings because it provides an anxiety-reducing effect. Consuming too much alcohol will result in alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.

Alcohol is most often used for

Summary

Alcohol, otherwise known as Drinking alcohol or ethanol, is the main ingredient in a wide range of social drinks and the reason for the differentiation between 'Alcoholic' and 'Non-alcoholic' drinks.

It is a neuroactive chemical that is able to change one's perception, and has a unique metabolic pattern relative to other sources of calories (the macronutrients; carbohydrates, proteins, and dietary fats). It contributes 7 calories per gram energy-wise, but this does not always correlate well with bodyweight like the other macronutrients do.

What else is Alcohol known as?
Note that Alcohol is also known as:
  • Ethanol
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Beer
  • Gin
  • Vodka
  • Wine
  • Jager
Alcohol should not be confused with:
  • Alcohol (The chemistry definition)
Dosage information

Abstinence from drinking is defined as having no ethanol intake whatsoever.

"Moderate" drinking in the literature is dependent on gender and not ultimately defined, but an upper limit can be placed at 9 units per week for women and 12-14 units a week for men, with no single event exceeding 4 units.

A unit is typically 12 oz (355 mL) of 5% beer, 5 oz (150 mL) 12.5% wine, or 0.85 oz (25 mL) of drinks with a higher (40%) alcohol content.

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