Alcohol Health Dictionary

Alcohol: From 4 Different Sources


Alcohol is a chemical with definite physical and chemical properties. It may be used as the alcohol of pharmacy (ethyl alcohol, ethanol) for the making of tinctures, extracts, etc. Strength of alcohol used depends upon the phytochemistry of the plant. The weakest spirit is always chosen to serve the purpose.

Weak. 20-25 per cent. For water soluble ingredients and small amounts of volatile oils, i.e., Infusion Buchu Cone. A white wine (approximately 25 per cent) may prove adequate for most leaves, flowers and stems (i.e., Agrimony, Balm or Chamomile.

Medium Strength. 45 per cent. This is the strength, on average, used by the herbal practitioner. For tannins and small amounts of volatile oils, etc (i.e., Extract of Witch Hazel Liquid).

Moderately Strong. 60-70 per cent. Water soluble glycosides, (Tincture Digitalis, Squills, etc.).

Strong alcohols. 70-80 per cent. For alkaloids present in many plants.

Very Strong Alcohols. 90-99 per cent. For gums and resins (Myrrh), essential and volatile oils (Spirit Menth Pip., etc.).

Without alcohol, extraction of active constituents of plants would not be possible. Glycerine has not proved to be a satisfactory menstruum. For simple home-made tinctures Vodka offers a useful alternative provided it is of the strength specified.

Alcohol is not only a reliable solvent and preservative. It may be used effectively in the treatment of disease. In the form of wine it is one of the oldest drugs known to medicine. It appears in the pharmacopoeias and medical text-books of every civilised culture in the world. It may be used as an analgesic for the control of pain. It is an effective anaesthetic, vasodilator, sedative, and diuretic to stimulate kidney function. It was probably the first tranquilliser discovered. See: PRESCRIPTIONS.

Alcohol is the commonest substance to be incriminated in drug interactions. It can potentiate soporific effects in antidepressants, pain-killers and antihistamines and increase irritation of the stomach by aspirin. It can change the action of hypoglycaemic and anticoagulant remedies. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A colourless liquid produced from the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast. Also known as ethanol, alcohol is the active constituent of drinks such as beer and wine. In medicine, it is used as an antiseptic and solvent. Methanol is a related, highly toxic substance.

Alcohol is a drug and produces a wide range of mental and physical effects. The effect of alcohol on the central nervous system is as a depressant, decreasing its activity and thereby reducing anxiety, tension, and inhibitions. In moderate amounts, alcohol produces a feeling of relaxation, confidence, and sociability. However, alcohol slows reactions, and the more that is drunk, the greater is the impairment of concentration and judgement. Excessive consumption of alcohol results in poisoning or acute alcohol intoxication, with effects ranging from euphoria to unconsciousness.

Short-term physical effects of alcohol include peripheral vasodilation (widening of the small blood vessels), which causes the face to flush, and increased flow of gastric juices, which stimulates the appetite. Alcohol increases sexual confidence, but high levels can cause impotence. Alcohol also acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output.

In the long term, regular excessive alcohol consumption can cause gastritis (inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining), and lead to alcoholrelated disorders.

Heavy drinking in the long term may also lead to alcohol dependence.

However, people who drink regular, small amounts of alcohol (an average of 1–2 units a day) seem to have lower rates of coronary heart disease and stroke than total abstainers.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
A colourless liquid, also called ethanol or ethyl-alcohol, produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast. Medically, alcohol is used as a solvent and an antiseptic; recreationally it is a widely used drug, taken in alcoholic drinks to give a pleasant taste as well as to relax, reduce inhibitions, and increase sociability. Taken to excess, alcohol causes much mental and physical harm – not just to the individual imbibing it, but often to their family, friends, community and work colleagues.

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and disturbs both mental and physical functioning. Even small doses of alcohol will slow a person’s re?exes and concentration; potentially dangerous effects when, for example, driving or operating machinery. Drunkenness causes slurred speech, muddled thinking, amnesia (memory loss), drowsiness, erectile IMPOTENCE, poor coordination and dulled reactions – thereby making driving or operating machinery especially dangerous. Disinhibition may lead to extreme euphoria, irritability, misery or aggression, depending on the underlying mood at the start of drinking. Severe intoxication may lead to COMA and respiratory failure.

Persistent alcohol misuse leads to physical, mental, social and occupational problems, as well as to a risk of DEPENDENCE (see also ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE). Misuse may follow several patterns: regular but controlled heavy intake, ‘binge’ drinking, and dependence (alcoholism). The ?rst pattern usually leads to mainly physical problems such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, liver disease, heart disease and impotence. The second is most common among young men and usually leads to mainly social and occupational problems – getting into ?ghts, jeopardising personal relationships, overspending on alcohol at weekends, and missing days o? work because of hangovers. The third pattern – alcohol dependence – is the most serious, and can severely disrupt health and social stability.

Many researchers consider alcohol dependence to be an illness that runs in families, with a genetic component which is probably passed on as a vulnerable personality. But it is hard to disentangle genetic, environmental and social factors in such families. In the UK there are estimated to be around a million people suffering from alcohol dependence and a similar number who have di?culty controlling their consumption (together about 1:30 of the population).

Alcohol causes tolerance and both physical and psychological dependence (see DEPENDENCE for de?nitions). Dependent drinkers classically drink early in the morning to relieve overnight withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, and tremor. Sudden withdrawal from regular heavy drinking can lead to life-threatening delirium tremens (DTs), with severe tremor, hallucinations (often visual – seeing spiders and monsters, rather than the pink elephants of romantic myth), and CONVULSIONS. This must be treated urgently with sedative drugs, preferably by intravenous drip. Similar symptoms, plus severe INCOORDINATION and double-vision, can occur in WERNICKE’S ENCEPHALOPATHY, a serious neurological condition due to lack of the B vitamin thiamine (whose absorption from the stomach is markedly reduced by alcohol). If not treated urgently with injections of thiamine and other vitamins, this can lead to an irreversible form of brain damage called Korsako?’s psychosis, with severe amnesia. Finally, prolonged alcohol misuse can cause a form of dementia.

In addition to these severe neurological disorders, the wide range of life-threatening problems caused by heavy drinking includes HEPATITIS, liver CIRRHOSIS, pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISEASES OF), gastrointestinal haemorrhage, suicide and FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME; pregnant women should not drink alcohol as this syndrome may occur with more than a glass of wine or half-pint of beer a day. The social effects of alcohol misuse – such as marital breakdown, family violence and severe debt – can be equally devastating.

Treatment of alcohol-related problems is only moderately successful. First, many of the physical problems are treated in the short term by doctors who fail to spot, or never ask about, heavy drinking. Second, attempts at treating alcohol dependence by detoxi?cation or ‘drying out’ (substituting a tranquillising drug for alcohol and withdrawing it gradually over about a week) are not always followed-up by adequate support at home, so that drinking starts again. Home support by community alcohol teams comprising doctors, nurses, social workers and, when appropriate, probation o?cers is a recent development that may have better results. Many drinkers ?nd the voluntary organisation Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its related groups for relatives (Al-Anon) and teenagers (Alateen) helpful because total abstinence from alcohol is encouraged by intensive psychological and social support from fellow ex-drinkers.

Useful contacts are: Alcoholics Anonymous; Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire (including Alateen); Alcohol Concern; Alcohol Focus Scotland; and Alcohol and Substance Misuse.

1 standard drink =1 unit

=••• pint of beer

=1 measure of spirits

=1 glass of sherry or vermouth

=1 glass of wine

Limits within which alcohol is believed not to cause long-term health risks:

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. any of a class of organic compounds formed when a hydroxyl group (–OH) is substituted for a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon. The alcohol in alcoholic drinks is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which has the formula C2H5OH. It is produced by the fermentation of sugar by yeast. ‘Pure’ alcohol contains not less than 94.9% by volume of ethyl alcohol. It is obtained by distillation. A solution of 70% alcohol can be used as a preservative or antiseptic. When taken into the body ethyl alcohol depresses activity of the central nervous system (see also alcoholism). *Methyl alcohol (methanol) is extremely poisonous. See Appendix 11.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is described under ALCOHOL but a summary of the symptoms may be helpful in spotting the disorder. Behavioural symptoms vary but include furtiveness; aggression; inappropriately generous gestures; personality changes (sel?shness, jealousy, irritability and outbursts of anger); empty promises to stop drinking; poor appetite; scru?y appearance; and long periods of drunkenness.... alcohol dependence

Alcoholics Anonymous

A worldwide, independent, self-help organization that is operated locally by people working on a voluntary basis to overcome alcohol dependence. Regular group meetings are held in which members are encouraged to help one another stay sober by sharing their experiences openly and offering support and advice.... alcoholics anonymous

Alcoholism

See alcohol dependence.... alcoholism

Methyl Alcohol

An alternative name for methanol.... methyl alcohol

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A disorder of newborn infants that is caused by the toxic effects on the growing FETUS of excessive amounts of alcohol taken by the mother. Low birth-weight and retarded growth are the main consequences, but affected babies may have hand and facial deformities and are sometimes mentally retarded.... fetal alcohol syndrome

Alcohols

Plant chemicals in the form of sterols and volatile oils such as pulegone in Pennyroyal. ... alcohols

Alcohol Abuse

Three to four daily drinks for several weeks result in increased fat in liver cells. Then comes alcoholic hepatitis, inflammation of the liver tissue and destruction of cells, degenerating into an irreversible state known as cirrhosis. Complications develop such as intestinal bleeding, fluid accumulation, kidney failure and death if not arrested in time. Alcoholism is compulsive drinking leading to dependence.

Alternatives: Teas. Hops, Angelica, German Chamomile, or Skullcap. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup 3-4 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark, Black Cohosh, Valerian.

Formula. Equal parts: Cramp bark and Valerian. Dose – powders: 250mg, or one 00 capsule; liquid extracts: 15-30 drops; bark tinctures: 30-60 drops; in honey or water 3-4 times daily.

Cold infusion. 1 teaspoon Oak bark cut, in cup cold water. Infuse 1 hour. Dose: sips during the day. Tincture Cinchona, BPC (1949), 15-30 drops, 2-3 times daily.

Tincture Myrrh BPC (1973) 5-10 drops in half glass water 2-3 times daily.

Oil of Evening Primrose improves brain function in cases of withdrawal (Efamol Can Improve Alcohol Recovery, General Practitioner, p11, Sept 18, 1987).

Milk Thistle. Good responses observed. Dose: 80-200mg, thrice daily.

Chinese Medicine. Kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata) can effectively reduce the cravings of alcohol. The flowers are used in China for alcoholic poisoning. Used for reforming alcoholics. (Herbarium Dec 1993) Supplements. B-complex, A, C, E. Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc. For bone-loss of alcoholism: see: OSTEOPOROSIS.

Information. Alcoholics Anonymous, Stonebow House, Stonebow, York YO1 2NJ. ... alcohol abuse

Alcohol Intoxication

The condition that results from consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, often over a relatively short period. The effects of a large alcohol intake depend on many factors, including physical and mental state, body size, social situation, and acquired tolerance. The important factor, however, is the blood alcohol level. Mild intoxication promotes relaxation and increases social confidence. Alcohol causes acute poisoning if taken in sufficiently large amounts, however. It depresses the activity of the central nervous system, leading to loss of normal mental and physical control. In extreme cases, intoxication may lead to loss of consciousness and even death.

In most cases, recovery from alcohol intoxication takes place naturally as the alcohol is gradually broken down in the liver. Medical attention is required if the intoxication has resulted in coma. For the chronic mental, physical, and social effects of long-term heavy drinking, see alcohol dependence and alcohol-related disorders.... alcohol intoxication

Alcohol-related Disorders

A wide variety of physical and mental disorders associated with heavy, prolonged consumption of alcohol.

High alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, tongue, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and oesophagus, especially if combined with smoking. Incidence of liver cancer, as well as the liver diseases alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, is higher among alcoholics. High alcohol consumption increases the risk of cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and stroke. Alcohol irritates the digestive tract and may cause gastritis. Heavy drinking in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcoholics are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and to develop dementia.

Many alcoholics have a poor diet and are prone to diseases caused by nutritional deficiency, particularly of thiamine (see vitamin B complex). Severe thiamine deficiency, called beriberi, disturbs nerve function, causing cramps, numbness, and weakness in the legs and hands. Its effects on the brain can cause confusion, disturbances of speech and gait, and eventual coma (see Wernicke– Korsakoff syndrome). Severe thiamine deficiency can also cause heart failure.

A prolonged high level of alcohol in the blood and tissues can disturb body chemistry, resulting in hypoglycaemia (reduced glucose in the blood) and hyperlipidaemia (increased fat in the blood).

These may damage the heart, liver, blood vessels, and brain; irreversible damage may cause premature death.... alcohol-related disorders

Ethyl Alcohol

Another name for ethanol, the alcohol in alcoholic drinks.... ethyl alcohol

Alcoholic Hallucinosis

*hallucinations in the context of *alcoholism. They are usually shortlived *auditory hallucinations (‘hearing voices’). Although abstinence is the best remedy, they can persist beyond the active use of alcohol and are often difficult to treat (a recent review showed a dearth of data regarding all possible treatment options).... alcoholic hallucinosis

Liver Disease, Alcoholic

Damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

The longer consumption goes on, the more severe the damage.

The initial effect is the formation of fat globules between liver cells, a condition called fatty liver.

This is followed by alcoholic hepatitis, and damage then progresses to cirrhosis.

Alcohol-related liver disease increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

Liver function tests show a characteristic pattern of abnormalities, and liver biopsy may be needed to assess the severity of damage.

There is no particular treatment, but abstinence from alcohol prevents further damage.

Treatment for alcohol dependence may be required.... liver disease, alcoholic

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

(FASD, fetal alcohol syndrome, FAS) a condition of newborn babies that results from the toxic effects on the fetus of maternal alcohol abuse. Babies have a low birth weight and growth is retarded. They have a small head (*microcephaly), low-set ears, eye, nose, lip, and nail abnormalities, and disturbances of behaviour and intellect. The greater the alcohol abuse, the more severe the fetal manifestations.... fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Paddington Alcohol Test

a three-question tool designed to uncover any connection between an individual’s attendance at an A & E department and alcohol-related problems, thereby creating the potential for intervention and referral.... paddington alcohol test



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