To better understand how alcoholism is caused and its effects on society and humankind, it is necessary to first understand how alcohol affects the body. Alcohol, contrary to popular belief, is a depressant, not a stimulant. It is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream by the small intestine, and less hastily through the stomach (Encarta Encyclopedia 98 Computer Edition). The level of blood alcohol concentration is influenced by many factors: the amount of alcohol consumed in a certain period of time, the drinker's age, weight, height, gender, build, metabolism, and tolerance level. From there, it goes on to lessen activity in the brain and spinal cord (Merit Students Encyclopedia, Volume 1 37). Once the alcohol is in the system, no food or beverage can interfere with the effects of the alcohol. How the alcohol effects the person also depends on a number of factors. These include the amount taken, past experience with alcohol, and the conditions under which the alcohol is consumed. At different blood alcohol concentrations (BAC's), the body is affected in different manners. For example, at 50 milligrams per decilitre, a person will feel a mild intoxication. Accompanying this level is a feeling of warmth, impaired judgement, and decreased inhibitions. A hundred and fifty milligrams per decilitre shows an obvious intoxication in most people, complemented with a staggering gait and other lessened muscular coordinations, slurred speech, double vision, and loss of memory and comprehension. Next comes comatose, and finally, at anywhere from 450 to 550 milligrams per decilitre, death (Health Canada). The most common short-term effect of drinking too heavily is a "hangover." The symptoms of a hangover include headache and vomiting. Long-term results include liver disease and heart failure, as well as loss of appetite, infections, and sexual impotence. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person. It affects women differently than men, the young differently than the elderly. For women, impairment comes sooner when the same amount of alcohol is consumed. The reason for this is that women have a lower level of water in their bodies, so the alcohol becomes more highly concentrated. The recommended limit for women is one drink per day, whereas the limit for men is two. Elderly people usually have slower reaction times, problems with hearing and seeing, and a lower tolerance level to alcohol. These, plus the effects of alcohol, could put older people at r

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