Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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Alcohol is a substance that is a natural byproduct of sugar and plant fermentation.
Commonly used as a disinfectant, alcohol is also a primary ingredient in fuels, paints, solvents, beauty products, and food additives. It is also distilled into a drinkable liquor or brewed (undistilled) into beers, wines, ciders, and mead.
Though there are various uses and types of alcohol, drinking can be fatal depending on the amount of alcohol you drink. Always consult a poison control center or 911 if an individual has consumed an alcohol-based substance not intended for human consumption.
There are many methods for the treatment of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Consult a doctor or treatment center to discover available treatment options/resources in each region.
Isopropyl is a chemical compound made from water and propene in a hydration reaction or by hydrogenating acetone. Methyl is the purest form of alcohol. It is produced synthetically by a multi-step process involving natural gas and a process called “steam reforming.”
Ethyl alcohol is a plant-based fermentation. To increase ethyl alcohol’s potency, producers distill the plant-based fermentation with high heat which evaporates extra water from the original product.
Isopropyl is commonly used as a disinfectant. Methyl is frequently sourced as a solvent in industrial or commercial instances. Ethyl or ethanol is the form of alcohol most widely produced for consumption in spirits and beers/ciders.
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Distilled alcohol forms from a process of heating the fermented plant matter at high temperatures to produce steam that is collected and bottled. This process creates higher-strength and higher-proof alcohol.
In contrast, undistilled alcohol is made by fermenting sugar or plant matter and yeast with water and heat to produce ethanol as a byproduct. It is less pure and lower in strength.
Distilled alcoholic drinks, also known as spirits or hard liquor, vary in fermentation processes, ingredients, and alcohol by volume (ABV). Below is a list of popular distilled alcoholic spirits.
Undistilled alcoholic beverages are a staple in many cultures and regions around the world. Examples of undistilled alcoholic drinks include fortified wines, beer, and saké.
In the U.S., a standard drink is any drink that consists of 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is equal to about 0.6 fluid ounces or 1.2 tablespoons. 14 grams of alcohol is found in:
Different brands and types of alcohol vary in alcohol content.
The effects of alcohol on the body depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The liver can only process approximately one standard drink per hour.
Although the standard drink amounts are useful for following health guidelines, they don’t always reflect common serving sizes. Likewise, while the alcohol concentrations listed are considered typical, there is significant variability in alcohol content within each kind of alcoholic beverage.
Drinking five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women within two hours is considered binge drinking. Consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women in a single session on five or more days in a month is considered heavy drinking.
Short term effects of alcohol consumption include:
Long term effects of alcohol consumption include:
Moderate drinking is considered two drinks or less in a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women. Drinking in moderation helps to reduce the risk of alcohol-related issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults choose not to drink. If they do choose to drink, they should drink in moderation (two drinks or less in a day for men or one drink in a day for women).
— CDC Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol
Three. The three types of alcohol are isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol
The three types of alcohol are isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is the only one that can be consumed by humans.
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