What it is

Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive (or mood-changing) recreational drug in New Zealand. It is almost always drunk in liquid form and comes in many varieties. Common types of alcohol include beer, wine and spirits. However, there are sub-sets of alcoholic beverages, such as liqueurs, fortified wines (brandy, sherry and port), different types of spirits (rum, vodka and gin, for example) and pre-mixed alcohol drinks, where an alcoholic spirit is premixed with a carbonated drink or juice and bottled into individual servings.

Alcohol is produced by the processes of fermentation and distillation. Fermentation is the action of yeast on liquids containing sugars and starches, creating lower-alcohol beverages like beers and wines. Distillation of fermented products produces higher-alcohol beverages, including spirits. For example, fermentation of barley creates beer. Distillation of beer leads to scotch whiskey.

Pure alcohol has no colour or taste.

Despite the initial feelings of stimulation, alcohol is a depressant. Alcohol slows down the messages that flow between the brain and the body, affecting concentration and coordination, slowing people’s reaction times and affecting responses to situations.

Alcohol is absorbed into the body through the stomach and small intestine. All alcohol that is drunk will eventually enter the bloodstream, although food in the stomach will slow down the absorption rate. If you drink a lot of alcohol at night, a high level could still be in your bloodstream the next day.

Slang
Booze, Piss, Grog, Liquor