Alcohol is often considered a recreational drug and in Scotland, according to a survey in 2018, 53% of 13 year olds and 70% of 15 year olds who had ever tried alcohol, reported to have been drunk at least once.
Alcohol is a group of chemicals found in many products like anti-freeze (methanol), hand sanitizers and cleaning products (isopropanol). Ethanol is the only alcohol considered safe for consumption and even then, only in small amounts and only highly diluted.
Ethanol is considered highly flammable. It is found in petrol, antiseptics, disinfectants and was originally delivered as a general anaesthetic. Consumption of ethanol causes changes in the brain which is why it is considered a drug.
Fermentation of ethanol results in the production of alcohol and each type of alcoholic drink contains different levels of ethanol. Beer has 3 to 15% ethanol per 100ml while spirits have 20 to 50%. The higher the ethanol content in the alcohol, the more effect it has on the body and brain.
When ethanol reaches high levels in the blood, (0.4% BAV, which is equivalent to 10 to 12 standard drinks per hour, depending on your weight, sex, tolerance etc.), it becomes highly toxic and life-threatening.
Of course consuming any amount of alcohol has an effect on the brain and body however, those with an alcohol abuse disorder generally consume large quantities either at once, as a binge drinker, or over a long period time as an every day drinker. This can result in serious damage to the liver, kidneys, heart and brain and continued use can kill.