PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase, Alcohol Dehydrogenase, Nucleus Accumbens
Document Summary
Beverage alcohol consists of any drink containing ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. Ethyl alcohol an alcohol that functions as a central nervous system depressant. We regularly contact other forms of alcohol, but these are types that are not safe to drink (ex. isopropanol aka rubbing alcohol, methanol, etc: methanol if consumed can cause blindness. Beverage alcohol is consumed across the world, second only to caffeine. Approximately 2 billion people a year consume alcoholic beverages, and approx. 76 million have an alcohol disorder such as alcohol addiction. Alcohol consumption per capita varies (figure 8. 1: highest alcohol consumption levels occur in europe, the russian. Federation, and former soviet states, north america, south america and australia: middle east reports the lowest level of alcohol consumption. Beer, wine and spirits serve as the primary source of beverage alcohol. Small amounts of alcohol are also found in vinegar and certain liquid medications such as cough syrups.
