Alcohol

Drug Class: Sedative hypnotic. It is a depressant drug.

Common Terms: booze, ale, beer, liquor (e.g., vodka, whisky, rum), spirits, wine

Consumption and Standard Dose:

• liquid drink
• A standard drink is defined as 12 oz. (341ml) of beer, 5 oz (142 mil) of wine, 1.5 oz (85ml) liquor
• beer (5% or less alcohol); wine (9-12% alcohol); liquor (40% alcohol)

Alcohol affects some people more or less strongly than others, and can affect the same person differently at different times. This can depend on body weight, metabolism, tolerance/experience, food in the stomach and other factors.

The Buzz:

• Low to moderate amounts can produce feelings of relaxation, lowered inhibitions, and increased sociability.
• Larger amounts can cause dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, slower reflexes, sleepiness, bad judgment, dehydration and a hangover the next day.

Overdose and other negative effects:

• Overdoses (usually drinking too much too quickly) can cause loss of motor control, black-outs, temporary coma (passing out), and in extreme cases, death
• Highly addictive and tolerance builds quickly
• Long term use can damage the liver, brain and other organs resulting in mental and physical problems
• Impairs vision and motor coordination… Driving drunk is illegal and endangers yourself and others.

Dangerous Drug Combinations:

• Use extreme caution when mixing with GHB!
• Dangerous to combine with anything else that makes you sleepy including
• sedative drugs such as opiates (e.g., Heroin, morphine, Demerol)
• barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital)
• Quaaludes (methaqualone)
• Valium-like drugs (benzodiazepines)
  

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