Alcohol and alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance with dependence-producing properties. Alcohol has been widely used in many cultures for centuries, but it is associated with significant health risks and harms. An alcohol is an organic compound with one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom of an alkyl group. Alcohols may be considered as organic derivatives of water, in which a hydrogen atom has been replaced by an alkyl group. Examples include ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol. Consuming alcohol can affect every organ and system in the body. The more alcohol is consumed, the higher the risk to your health. Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties. In many of today’s societies, alcoholic beverages are a routine part of the social landscape for many in the population. Ethanol is also known chemically as alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or drinking alcohol. It is a simple alcohol with a molecular formula of C 2 H 6 O and a molecular weight of 46.0684 g/mol. Excessive use of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, or alcohol dependence. There are four cardinal symptoms in alcoholism: craving, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance. Using alcohol excessively on occasion or over time can have immediate and long-term health risks. By drinking less alcohol, you can improve your health and well-being. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that, when misused, can lead to impaired judgment, health risks, and alcohol use disorders. What Is Alcohol? Alcohol contains the organic compound ethanol and is created by fermenting grains, sugar, and fruits. Alcohol is a depressant, a class of psychoactive drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system. In low doses it causes euphoria, reduces anxiety, and increases sociability. In higher doses, it causes drunkenness, stupor, unconsciousness, or death (an overdose). Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of stroke.