Alcohol, sometimes referred to by the chemical name ethanol, is the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor). [11] .

Jun 28, 2024 · Alcohol or alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a psychoactive and toxic substance that can cause dependence. Worldwide, around 2.6 million deaths were caused by alcohol consumption in 2019. Of these, 1.6 million deaths were from noncommunicable diseases, 700 000 deaths from injuries and 300 000 deaths from communicable diseases.

Jan 14, 2025 · Most people who drink excessively do not have alcohol use disorder (also known as "alcohol dependence" or "alcoholism"). Many people who drink excessively can lower their alcohol use without specialized medical treatment.

Feb 15, 2024 · The effects of alcohol can be seen throughout your body, even for moderate drinkers. Alcohol affects your liver, metabolism, brain and more. Alcohol’s effects go far beyond hangovers.

Learn up-to-date facts and statistics on alcohol consumption and its impact in the United States and globally. Explore topics related to alcohol misuse and treatment, underage drinking, the effects of alcohol on the human body, and more.

Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works.

Apr 17, 2018 · The “alcohol” in alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits is actually ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. It’s the only type of alcohol that you can drink without causing serious damage to ...

Jun 21, 2024 · The evidence for moderate alcohol use in healthy adults is still being studied. But good evidence shows that drinking high amounts of alcohol are clearly linked to health problems. Here's a closer look at alcohol and health.

Science-based information on alcohol from NIAAA, including alcohol’s effects on the brain and body, drinking levels, alcohol use disorder, and when to get help.

Feb 28, 2025 · Alcohol, or ethanol, is the intoxicating agent found in beer, wine and liquor. Alcohol is produced by fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. 1 Fruits such as grapes, and grains like barley and wheat are most commonly used for wine, beer and liquors. Other plants, such as the cactus or sugar cane may be used in liquor production.