Alcohol

The alcohol in beer, wine and spirits is ethanol, a drug that slows activity in the central nervous system. People drink for the taste, to celebrate, to feel more at ease with others or to switch off. An initially lively feeling can coexist with impaired judgement, coordination and reactions.

It can be difficult to notice when drinking becomes something you need rather than choose. Holding down a job and keeping your friendships does not rule out a problem, including repeatedly drinking more than intended or being unable to cut back. Your friends’ drinking is not a reliable measure of your own risk. In Spain, selling or supplying alcohol to under-18s is prohibited.

You may feel relaxed, talkative or euphoric, but also become upset, irritable, dizzy or nauseated. The same drink can affect you differently on different occasions. Feeling in control does not make driving safe. A blackout can happen while you remain awake and interacting with people: later, the memories are missing.

Alcohol poisoning can look like someone has simply fallen asleep. If they cannot be woken, breathe slowly or irregularly, or have a seizure, call emergency services and stay with them. Sleeping it off, coffee and a cold shower are not treatments for an overdose.

Alcohol can cause dependence, liver damage and several cancers, as well as accidents and poisoning. Combining it with opioids, benzodiazepines or sleeping medicines can suppress breathing and be fatal. Exposure during pregnancy can harm the developing baby. Legal availability does not make these risks disappear.

Shaking, sweating, a racing heart or needing a drink to feel normal can signal dependence. Get medical help before trying to stop abruptly: withdrawal can cause seizures and severe confusion. You do not need to lose your job or a relationship before seeking support. Being unable to stop is enough reason to ask.