Drink

Other names

Bevy, booze, plonk, drink, tipple, lash and other brand names

What is it?

Alcohol is a liquid made from fruits, vegetables and grains. Most are mixtures of [ethyl alcohol (ethanol)].

It is a depressant substance and different products have varying levels of alcohol in them.

How is it used?

Comes in liquid form and is a drink.

Effects

• Immediate effects can depend on the strength and amount used, your age, gender, physical build, mental state and other factors
• Using alcohol can lead to emotional highs and lows, uncoordinated movement, blackouts and unconsciousness
• Reaction times and decision making will be affected
• Alcohol can cause double vision, slurred speech, dehydration, headaches, nausea, dizziness, sickness
• Long term use can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, liver, heart and mental health problems
• Small amounts may make the user feel relaxed and more able to talk to other people, but it can also reduce a persons self control and inhibitions

The law

• It is illegal to sell alcohol to any person under the age of 18 and it is also illegal for someone else to buy it for anyone under the age of 18.
• It is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to consume alcohol in a public place.
• People over 14 yrs of age can visit licensed premises but cannot consume alcohol
• 16 yr olds can purchase some alcohol (e.g. beer, cider or perry) to drink with a meal in a restaurant but not in a bar.
• It is an offence to drink and drive or to ride your bike or to be drunk and disorderly in a public.
• It's illegal to give alcohol to a child under the age of 5.