(alcohol) A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor, and some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants). Alcohol contains a carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group (a molecule made of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom).

A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

(alcohol) A volatile liquid prepared by fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, a diuretic, and a disinfectant. Although the exact mechanism of CNS depression is unknown, alcohol may act by inhibiting the opening of calcium channels, mediated by the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) to GABA-A receptors, or through inhibitory actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Alcohol inhibits the production of antidiuretic hormone, thereby producing diuresis that may lead to dehydration. This agent kills organisms by denaturing their proteins.

(alcohol) Many Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that adults of legal drinking age should either not drink or drink in moderation. Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. Also, there are some people who should not drink at all. If you are going to drink, it's important to know how alcohol affects you and how much is too much. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it is a drug that slows down brain activity. It can change your mood, behavior, and self-control. It can cause problems with memory and thinking clearly. Alcohol can also affect your coordination and physical control. Alcohol also has effects on the other organs in your body. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you drink too much at once, it could make you throw up. Alcohol's effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including: How much you drink; How often you drink; Your age; Your sex; Your genetics; Your overall health; Whether or not you have a family history of alcohol problems. For most women, moderate drinking is no more than 1 standard drink a day; For most men, moderate drinking is no more than 2 standard drinks a day. Even though moderate drinking may be safe for many people, there are still risks. Moderate drinking can raise the risk of death from certain cancers and heart diseases. In the United States, a standard drink is one that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in: 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol content); 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content); 1.5 ounces or a "shot" of distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content). Some people should not drink alcohol at all, including those who: Are in recovery from an alcohol use disorder (AUD); Are are unable to control the amount they drink; Are under age 21; Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; Are taking medicines that can interact with alcohol; Have medical conditions that get can worse if you drink alcohol; Are planning on driving; Will be operating machinery or doing activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness. If you have questions about whether it is safe for you to drink, talk with your health care provider. Excessive drinking includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use: Binge drinking is drinking so much at once that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or more: For men, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours.; For women, it is usually after about 4 or more drinks within a few hours.; Heavy alcohol use means: For men, having more than 5 drinks on any day or more than 15 drinks per week.; For women, having more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 8 drinks per week. . Binge drinking raises your risk of injuries, car crashes, and alcohol overdose. It also puts you at risk of becoming violent or being the victim of violence. Heavy alcohol use over a long period of time may cause health problems such as: Alcohol use disorder (AUD); Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease; Heart diseases; Increased risk of certain cancers; Increased risk of injuries. Heavy alcohol use can also cause problems at home, at work, and with friends. But treatment can help. NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Two carbon primary alcohol formed by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates or by synthesis from ethylene; it is a clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body; it has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant; it is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant. Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma, and death. Genetics and personal characteristics may play a part in the development of alcohol-related disorders.

Ethanol, a member of a class of organic compounds that are given the general name alcohols; its molecular formula is C2H5OH. Ethanol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and as an additive to automotive gasoline (forming a...