Alcohol
When
we speak of alcohol, we are generally talking about ethyl alcohol,
which is also known as ethanol. The chemical formula for ethanol is CH3CH2OH.
The molecular structure of ethanol is shown below: atoms, the {The black-colored spheres are carbonred ones are oxygen and the smaller white-colored spheres represent hydrogen atoms.}
Ethanol
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Other Alcoholic Beverages
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Alcohol is a drug and it is classified as a depressant, the same drug class as a barbiturate or tranquilizer.
Once
alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream, it acts upon the central
nervous system like a depressant, affecting speech, vision, and
coordination. Smaller doses of alcohol may cause euphoria and a mild
relaxed feeling. Intoxication occurs when higher doses are taken. An
overdose of alcohol can cause unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and
death.
As many alcoholics know, alcohol can be addictive.
Alcoholism is a disease. Research suggests that some people have a
genetic predisposition to alcoholism.
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