• Alcohol is being consumed and produced by human since  pre-historic  times. It is a fermented and distilled beverage.  It has been consumed for dietary, medicinal, religious, social and recreational purposes. 
•  It is not only used as a recreational beverage, but as an important ingredient in antifreezing agents, antiseptics, fuel, preservatives, solvents, medical field (surgical spirits), as a raw material in the chemical industry etc.
• Ethanol in alcoholic beverages induces intoxication/drunkenness which gives hangover when its effects wear off.

• In acute cases alcohol consumption can lead to liver, kidney or respiratory failure and even death.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• Depending on how much is taken and the physical condition of the individual, SHORT TERM EFFECTS of Alcohol are:
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties 
• Distorted vision and hearing 
• Impaired judgment 
• Decreased perception and coordination 
• Unconsciousness 
• Anaemia (loss of red blood cells) 
• Coma
• Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• The continued use of alcohol in large amounts can lead to many health problems. Some of these are:
• Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning.
• Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
• Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity 
• Increased family problems, broken relationships 
• Alcohol poisoning 
• High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases 
• Liver disease 
• Nerve damage 
• Sexual problems 
• Permanent damage to the brain 
• Vitamin B₁ deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation 
• Ulcers 
• Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls) 
• Malnutrition 
• Cancer of the mouth and throat

• Some  common nicknames and street names for alcohol and drinking are-
• Booze, chug, brew, gargle, giggle juice, kool aid, hard stuff, hooch, jack, juice, mouthwash, refreshment, poison, sauce, vino, swish, shine

                Street names/Slang for Drinking

• Beer Bong or Hose Monster- used to drink beer quickly through a hose or funnel.
• Crunked: To be high off alcohol and marijuana at the same time.
• Hand Grenade: A small bottle of sweet, pre-mixed alcohol.
• Pre-game: Drinking alcohol before a party.
• Watermelon: Sometimes a whole watermelon is injected with alcohol, which can be cut up and served.
• Jello Shots or Zippers are jellies made from alcohol, and are served in small cups or cut up into squares.
• Jag: An extended period of heavy drinking.

Health benefits of Moderate ALCOHOL use:

• Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefit such as-
• By reducing risk of developing heart disease
• By reducing risk of dying of a heart attack.
• Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly in strokes.
• Lowers risk of gallstones
• Possibly reduces risk of diabetes
• Alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks.
• Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit only in an older adult or if has existing risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol.
•  In woman drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

• Did you know that over 40 percent of kids have consumed alcohol by the 8th grade? That number climbs even higher to 75 percent by the end of high school. Those are scary numbers, yet many parents refuse to believe their child would fall into these drugs.
• Do you think your teen is using drugs or drinking, then take action. The sooner you address the problem, the less likely that their experimentation will lead to abuse and addiction.
• If you know someone who is abusing alcohol for psychedelic pleasure get him/her tested for an early prevention.