health
Alcohol is a drug, and as such alters a person's physical and mental state.
When alcohol hits the brain, a sense of wellbeing and relaxation, a lessening of tension and inhibitions, slurred speech and unsteadiness soon follow.
Binge drinking is associated with accidents, violence and crime, as well as a hangover the next day, with headaches, vomiting and indigestion.
Even though the heavy regular drinker may not become drunk, damage to the internal organs may still happen. This increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, stomach ulcers, heart disease, strokes and some cancers.
Alcohol is a depressant and many heavy drinkers have mental health problems.
Alcohol often contributes to problems with family, relationships, work, finances and crime.
An increasing number of teenagers are binge-drinking alcohol, and many adults regularly drink more than the safe recommended amounts.
The Office for National Statistics says the number of alcohol-related deaths each year in the UK more than doubled between 1991 and 2005, and many A&E admissions are alcohol-related, costing the health service millions of pounds.
To enjoy alcohol without the risks, it's best to stick to recommended safe amounts. Government guidelines advise men to drink no more than three to four units of alcohol a day and women to drink no more than two to three units of alcohol a day.
When a person drinks at harmful levels, treatment may be needed (such as counselling, a support group or medication) to discourage drinking or to reduce alcohol cravings.
If severe withdrawal symptoms occur that make it difficult for someone to stop drinking, for example, nausea, shaking and sweating, then detoxification in hospital may be recommended with medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms.