Drug Index

Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol

Also known as: Alcohol, Booze, Liquer

Medical Uses

Can be synthesized or produced naturally by fermentation of fruits, vegetables or grains. Although some physicians may occasionally recommend alcohol in moderation, this is not common medical practice.

Short Term Effects

Affects parts of brain and spinal cord. Small doses cause euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering, double vision, and stupor. Very large doses can cause death by blocking the brain's control over respiration.

Long Term Effects

Liver damage, brain damage, heart disease, certain types of cancer, blackouts, impotence and ulcers.

Tolerance and Dependance

Regular use induces tolerance, and heavy use can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms range from jumpiness, sweating and poor appetite, to tremors, convulsions, hallucinations and even death.

Legal Status

Offences relating to underage drinking include possessing, consuming, purchasing, attempting to purchase or otherwise obtaining liquor outside of the home. In some jurisdictions, parent or guardian may legally supply liquor at home to an underage person, but in others supplying or selling liquor to a minor is an offence. The age at which young people are allowed to drink in Canada is regulated by legislation and enforcement policy in each province and territory. In the majority of provinces and territories, the drinking age was 21 until the early seventies.

Currently, in all provinces and territories with the exception of Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta, the drinking age is 19 years. In Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta, the drinking age is 18 years. Though the trend has been to lower the drinking age, Ontario, PEI, and Saskatchewan all lowered and then increased their drinking age from 18 years to 19 years.

It’s an offence to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 80mg% (.08) Many provinces/territories have introduced 90-day administrative licence suspensions to take effect almost immediately after a driver registers a BAC over the statutory limit or fails to provide a breath sample. In most provinces/territories, this limit is a BAC of 50mg% (.05).

Hot Topics - Quick Links