Alcohol
A chemical that comes from the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches.
What is it?
Alcohol refers to a wide range of drinks, including wine, beer, and liquors (like vodka or tequila). The scientific name for the chemical in all of these drinks that affects your brain and body is “ethanol."
What does it do?
When you drink alcohol, your stomach and small intestines absorb it, and alcohol enters into your bloodstream. Your body recognizes alcohol as something bad, so your liver then works to filter it out of your blood. If you’re drinking faster than your liver can process the alcohol, your blood alcohol concentration or “BAC” increases and you start to feel “drunk,” also called intoxication.
What are the risks?
The official definition of binge drinking is having four (for girls) or five (for guys) drinks in about two hours. Binge drinking can increase your risk of injuries (including from falls, accidents, or assaults) or damage to your brain and other organs.
How can we stay safe?
Never (ever ever ever) drive after consuming alcohol or let someone else who’s been drinking drive. Always plan to have a designated driver or call an Uber to get home. Even if it’s a short trip or you’ve only had a little to drink, getting behind the wheel after drinking any amount puts yourself and everyone around you at risk.
