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Help & advice
Alcohol & its effects
In your community
Management & laws
Resources & research

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Alcohol & its effects
About alcohol

About alcohol

This section looks at what alcohol is, what happens when you drink alcohol, blood alcohol levels, and interactions with other drugs.

What is alcohol?
Alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) is the ingredient found in beer, wine and spirits that causes intoxication. It also contributes energy (kilojoules or Calories) in to our diets. Find out more.
What happens when you drink alcohol?
After a drink is swallowed, the alcohol is rapidly absorbed into your blood. Find out what happens next and what affects how fast alcohol is broken down in your body.
Blood alcohol levels
Have a look at the table of the symptoms of effects of alcohol at different levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Interactions with other drugs
Find out how alcohol interacts with many drugs, including prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines and illegal drugs.

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Need help with your drinking?

Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, visit their website, or free txt 8681.

Health Promotion Agency