Alcohol
Introduction
ALCOHOL is a licit drug that is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Cultural norms and social practices sanction its consumption, and its production contributes significantly to Australia’s gross national product (GNP).
The psychoactive properties of alcohol contribute to changes in mood, cognition and behaviour. The main psychoactive ingredient in beverage alcohol is ethyl alcohol (ethanol, or C2H5OH).
For more information about Alcohol, refer to the chapter from the Handbook for Health Professionals, Chapter 3 'Alcohol' (PDF 259 KB). Also see the GP teaching topic 'Alcohol'.
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