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IntroductionAlcohol is an intoxicating substance made from fermented starches, although it gives you an initial burst of energy it is actually a depressant drug. It slows down responses and tends to make people clumsy and dopey. It is one of the most popular drugs used in New Zealand due to its legal status. Form Alcohol is generally produced as a drinkable liquid based upon various plant fruits and grains. Desired Effects Makes users feel self-confident and relaxed Increases sociability and reduces inhibitions It is disassociative and makes users forget their worries and become more happy for a while. It can produce feelings of invincibility in some. Administration Alcohol is almost always swallowed. Addictive Potential Alcohol is physically addictive, tolerance develops relatively rapidly. Withdrawal can be characterised by sweats and shakes in heavy users. Alcohol is psychologically addictive. Dangers  Apart from the addictive potential, one of the major dangers of using alcohol is accidents. Intoxication particularly when driving motor vehicles or operating machinery are unfortunately common since the drug slows down reflexes and users suffer from a loss of co-ordination. Over consumption can lead to vomiting, fits and blackoutsAlcohol has a high sugar content and is therefore dangerous for diabetics. Drinking during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol syndrome in your baby. This can cause growth retardation, facial malformations, mental retardation, hyperactivity and long term learning and behavioural problems. Long term alcohol use leads to serious damage to the heart, liver, stomach and brain.
Since alcohol is a depressant drug it is dangerous mixed with other depressant drugs such as opiates, methadone, tranquillizers, sedatives etc as you may go into a coma.
Undesired Side Effects Alcohol has been strongly linked to violent behaviours amongst users, and can magnify ones perception of emotions. Alcohol is a sexual disinhibiter; you are more likely to have sex, so you should be aware of this and ensure that you have condoms and other safer sex supplies to hand. Some male users report difficulty gaining and maintaining an erection when using alcohol. Harm Reduction Not using alcohol is the safest option. However, if you choose to use alcohol; Eat before you drink. Food slows and reduces the rate of absorption into your body. Avoid fizzy mixers and alcoholic sodas the carbonation increases the rate of absorption. Do not attempt to drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery this can be very dangerous. Don't mix alcohol with other drugs, the results can be unpredictable. To avoid becoming dependant on alcohol do not use it daily. Allow several days between use to ensure that tolerance does not develop. If you are using alcohol in social settings away from your home make safe transport arrangements before you go out.
WARNING! Alcohol is a particularly dangerous drug for people who inject other substances. The combined effects of alcohol and other drugs, particularly depressant drugs like morphine, opium, heroin, methadone, tranquillizers, sedatives may be greater than the sum of the individual effects. Most overdose situations in New Zealand result from people mixing alcohol with other depressants. DON'T DRINK AND INJECT! 
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