Alcohol Rehab

Probably the oldest psychoactive substance around, with evidence of use for at least 10,000 years, starting in the Stone Age, alcohol is also available in the widest variety of forms. A chemical called ethanol is the basis of alcoholic substances, which is made through simple processes of fermenting or distilling sugar-based products.

Strength and flavors depend on the process and the products used. Fermentation, or the chemical breakdown of agricultural products like grains, fruits, and vegetables, produces wine and beer. Distillation—the purification by evaporation and condensation—of those products makes hard liquor. Beer, wine, liquor, coolers, and malt liquor are all forms of alcohol. Even some nonalcoholic products actually contain small percentages of alcohol, such as ice cream. Ethanol is also present in a wide variety of products, including mouthwash, toothpaste, cough syrup, prescription drugs, and many foods.

Taken orally, alcohol is characterized as a depressant, although it may seem to have stimulant or “upper” qualities. Users feel high because the inhibitions and judgment sections of the brain are depressed. Alcohol also seems to stimulate blood flow, causing flushing, because it relaxes the passages of the circulatory system. After an initial high, users often experience depression.

Other short-term effects include dizziness, slurred speech, disturbed sleep, impaired motor skills, nausea, and sometimes violence. High doses can lead to respiratory depression and death. Blackouts frequently occur during drinking episodes—a kind of amnesia during which drinkers may act normal but not be conscious of their behavior. Hangovers—sick feelings following drinking episodes—are common. Over the long term, alcohol ingestion can lead to learning impairments and addiction (alcoholism).