Alcohol

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Other names

Booze, Bevy, Drink, Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol, Methylated Spirits, Beer, Cider, Sherry, Wine, Spirits, Liquors

What is looks like & how it is taken

Available in various liquid forms including attractively flavoured alcopops and cocktails
Mixing different types of alcoholic drinks, making it difficult to know how much has been consumed

The effects

Immediate effects dependent upon amount used, age, gender, physical build, mental state and other factors
Short term users feel relaxed with lowered inhibitions and affects reaction times and decision making
Heavier use can lead to emotional highs and lows, uncoordinated movement, blackouts and unconsciousness
Nausea and sickness at any point
Drinking alcohol may be an acceptable social pastime but it can lead to social and physical difficulties

The health risks

Addiction
Liver damage
Delirium tremens (The shakes or DTs) – when withdrawing
Risk of suffocation from inhaling vomit when unconscious
Overdose is a particular risk if mixed with other drugs and can lead to death

Legal Status

Can be sold to people over 18 years old in licensed premises
Can be sold to people over 18 years old in licensed premises
People over 14 years of age can visit licensed premises but cannot consume alcohol
16/17 year olds can consume beer, cider or perry with a meal in a restaurant or bar if bought by an adult who is with them
It is illegal to give alcohol to a child under the age of 5
Being drunk in a public place and driving under the influence of alcohol are offences in law