What is alcohol?

• Alcohol is a Central Nervous System Depressant
• An intoxicating substance made from fermented starches
• The most widely used psychoactive, or moodchanging, recreational drug in Australia

Law

• A person must be 18 years of age to be able to buy and consume alcohol.
• It's illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and there are limits to blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers across Australia.

Effects

Short-term effects may include:

• Relaxation
• Reduced concentration
• Lack of co-ordination and slower reflexes
• Loss of inhibitions and more confidence
• Flushed appearance
• Blurred vision and slurred speech
• Intense moods, e.g. aggression, elation, depression
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, sleep
• Coma and death (only at high doses)

Find out more

More info

Contact: ACON Alcohol and Other Drugs Program

Tel: (02) 9206 2081
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: aod@acon.org.au