Alcohol is found in fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and distilled spirit [ 15 ] β in particular, rectified spirit , [ 16 ] and serves various purposes; Certain religions integrate alcohol into their spiritual practices. For example, the Catholic Church requires alcoholic sacramental wine in the Eucharist , and permits moderate consumption of alcohol in daily life as a means of experiencing joy.
It is also frequently involved in alcohol-related crimes such as drunk driving , public intoxication , and underage drinking. Short-term effects from moderate consumption include relaxation , decreased social inhibition , and euphoria , while binge drinking may result in cognitive impairment , blackout , and hangover. Excessive alcohol intake causes alcohol poisoning , characterized by unconsciousness or, in severe cases, death.
Long-term effects are considered to be a major global public health issue and includes alcoholism , abuse , alcohol withdrawal , fetal alcohol spectrum disorder FASD , liver disease , hepatitis , cardiovascular disease e. In , the WHO declared that 'there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption' and that 'the risk to the drinker's health starts from the first drop of any alcoholic beverage.
They highlight that even minimal alcohol intake is associated with elevated health risks, emphasizing that reducing alcohol intake is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their current drinking levels.
Dutch courage , also known as pot-valiance or liquid courage, refers to courage gained from intoxication with alcohol. Alcohol use among college students is often used as "liquid courage" in the hookup culture , for them to make a sexual advance in the first place.
