Alcohol is a kind of drink that has a chemical called ethanol in it. Ethanol is harmful and people can get addicted to it. When people drink alcohol, it can change how they feel. Some people might feel more relaxed or happy, but it can also make it harder to make good choices or stay in control. 

Alcohol slows down how the brain works. This can affect things like breathing, heart rate, and how your body functions. Whether it's beer, wine, or liquor, alcohol affects the body in similar ways. How alcohol affects you depends on things like how much you drink, your age, your size, how healthy you are, and even your mood. 

People have been drinking alcohol for a very long time, but it's important to remember that alcohol is dangerous for your health. 

Drinking too much alcohol in a short period can cause serious short-term effects. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Poor judgment 
• Slower reactions 
• Drowsiness 
• Aggressive behaviour 
• Slurred speech 
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Memory problems 

Alcohol poisoning can happen when someone drinks too much alcohol too fast. Alcohol poisoning can be deadly. Signs of alcohol poisoning: 

• Cool, clammy, or pale skin   
• Vomiting while sleeping   
• Seizures   
• Loss of consciousness 
• Trouble breathing 

If you think someone has alcohol poisoning: 

1. Call 911.  
2. Put the person in the recovery position. The recovery position is laying the person on their left side, with their right arm and their left leg in front of their body to prevent them from rolling onto their stomach. 
3. Do not leave them alone until help arrives.  

Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to serious long-term health problems. These can include: 

• Damage to organs like the liver, brain, heart, and stomach 
• Increased risk of cancer, such as liver, breast, throat, and stomach 
• High blood pressure 
• A weakened immune system, making it harder to fight infections 
• Poor nutrition 
• Sleep problems 
• Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression 
• Infertility 
• Substance use disorder, which may involve: 
• Difficulty completing duties at work, school, or home 
• Giving up hobbies and other activities 
• Drinking more and more over time, even when you didn’t plan to 
• Being unable to cut down or control drinking 
• Spending too much money on alcohol 

Drinking alcohol while pregnant is never safe. Alcohol can reach the baby and harm how the baby grows and develops. It can lead to serious problems, like: 

• Losing the baby during pregnancy (miscarriage) 
• Baby being born too early 
• Baby being born not alive (stillbirth) 
• Sudden death of the baby after birth (SIDS) 
• Lifelong problems with how the baby learns, behaves, and grows (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) 

It’s never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy. Quitting will help the baby grow stronger and have a healthier future. 

It’s important to understand the risks and make healthy choices about drinking.  

Research shows that no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your health. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol is damaging to your health, no matter your age, sex, gender, ethnicity, tolerance for alcohol, or lifestyle. That’s why if you drink, it’s better to drink less. It is recommended that adults limit their alcohol consumption to 2 standard drinks per week or less. Any reduction in your alcohol use is helpful. 

Your risk of health damage from drinking is: 

• Low if you drink 2 or less standard drinks per week  
• Moderate if you drink between 3-6 standard drinks per week  
• Very high if you drink 7 or more standard drinks per week  

If you choose to drink alcohol, here are some ways to help lower your chance of short-term and long-term health risks.  

• Avoid drinking to get drunk. 
• Plan for a safe ride home. Do not drive after drinking or get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. 
• Plan for non-drinking days each week. 
• Before you drink, decide on a maximum number of drinks. Stick to the limits you have given yourself. 
• Drink slowly. For every alcoholic drink you have, drink one non-alcoholic drink. 
• Eat before and while you drink. 
• Avoid mixing alcohol with other substances (like cannabis, caffeinated drinks, and others). 
• Choose alcoholic drinks with a lower alcohol content (such as 5% or less). 

Cutting back on drinking is always better for your health.  

Starting to drink alcohol at a young age can lead to health problems and make it easier to get addicted later on. 

Do not drink if you are: 

• Pregnant or might be pregnant 
• Under the legal drinking age of 19 years old 
• Taking medicine that doesn’t mix well with alcohol  
• Taking care of other people’s safety  
• Driving or using tools or machines   
• Doing any kind of risky activity (e.g. swimming or sports)