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Alcohol

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Substance

Ethanol is obtained by the fermentation of sugar from fruits and/or grains

group

 Downer

Forms of appearance

Liquid, as a beverage with varying alcohol content; beer 3 – 9% ABV, wine 9 – 14% ABV, spirits (vodka, gin) 15 – 40% ABV and Stroh rum 80% ABV.

Consumption patterns

 Alcohol is consumed orally as a beverage or food additive.

dosage

Standard drinks contain approximately 12 g of alcohol (300 ml beer, 100 ml wine, and 2 cl or 4 cl spirits). The blood alcohol concentration in per mille (‰) depends on the amount consumed, the type of alcohol, the time and duration of consumption, as well as individual factors (age, gender, weight, etc.)

Be careful when mixing substances!

  • Codeine

  • GHB / GBL

  • heroin

  • Ketamine

  • cocaine

  • Nitrous oxide

  • Opioids (painkillers)

Substance groups

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Effect

Stimulation, relaxation, disinhibition, euphoria. At higher doses, reduced reaction time, overconfidence, talkativeness, irritability, aggression. After excessive consumption: stomach pain, nausea, and headache (hangover).

Onset of action

 60 minutes after ingestion, the blood alcohol level (per mille) reaches its highest concentration.

Duration of effect

 On average, 0.1 – 0.15 ‰ of alcohol is broken down in the body per hour, with men breaking down alcohol slightly faster than women.

Aftereffects

up to several hours (highly dose-dependent).

Risks and side effects

Balance and speech disorders, visual disturbances (tunnel vision, double vision), and nausea. High risk of accidents due to overestimation of one's abilities and reduced visual and reaction times. Very high doses (3–4‰) can cause
high blood pressure, hypothermia or hyperthermia, deep sleep, coma, and death.

Long-term risks

Alcohol can cause addiction with psychological and physical symptoms. Typical withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, tremors, nausea, and vomiting. Possible consequences of regular heavy consumption include damage to all body organs, disorders of the nervous system, and impaired memory. Alcohol is a co-carcinogen, meaning it significantly increases the carcinogenic effects of other substances, such as cigarette smoke.

Safer Use

  • Don't drink out of boredom or when you're feeling down.

  • Drink with enjoyment and take your time.

  • Don't drink on an empty stomach.

  • Avoid mixing different alcoholic drinks; drink water with them (e.g., a glass of water after each alcoholic drink).

  • Be careful with mixed drinks (e.g., alcopops or homemade mixes)! With these sweet drinks, you can hardly taste the alcohol – the risk of an unintentional overdose is high.

  • Generally, avoid consuming alcohol if you are using other psychoactive substances; their effects will change or dangerous side effects may occur (e.g., alcohol and GHB = risk of suffocation!).

  • If you drink, don't drive – use public transport, take a taxi or walk.

  • Regular or high-dose alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses a risk to the unborn child and can result in serious damage.

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