What is it?

Alcohol, or ethanol which is its chemical name, is a powerful liquid drug made from fermenting sugars with yeast.?


Is alcohol addictive?

Yes. It has been recently estimated that at least 1 in 20 people in the UK are alcohol dependant.

What are the effects?

Alcohol is a depressant drug, it slows down the working of the brain. The initial effects of small amounts of alcohol produce a feeling of well-being and make you feel less inhibited. The more you take, the more depressant the effects become and the worse your hangover will be.

Can you overdose on alcohol?

Yes. Like most drugs, alcohol has a lethal or dangerous dose level. However, the biggest danger by far is actually being very drunk and doing dangerous or risky things whilst your perception is impaired, like driving.

If I am dependant, what can I do ?

If you have been drinking excessively every day, it is ESSENTIAL to seek professional advice before embarking on any reduction or abstinence programme.

If you want more help we can send you our Safer Drinking booklet, you can request this by .?

If you would like to talk to someone about your problem, or if you are affected by someone else’s drinking please contact the nearest NORCAS service to you. You’ll find details of our local services by clicking here.