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Alcohol (Drug)

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Alcohol is a legal drug sold as a drink.

About Alcohol

Alcohol has intoxicating effects on humans, causing them to behave in ways they wouldn't normally when sober.
Alcohol is toxic in large quantities and over long periods of time.
Alcohol poisoning can cause a person to die if too much alcohol is consumed in a short period of time. However, usually people do not die directly from the alcohol but because they drown in their own vomit or become involved in an accident.
Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to liver and kidney damage and even failure. This may require a liver transplant or a kidney transplant.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Alcohol, referring to ethanol, is a legal drug.

NB: There are many other types of alcohol molecule (see alcohol). However, they are all acutely toxic.

About Alcohol

Alcohol has intoxicating effects on humans, causing them to behave in ways they wouldn't normally when sober.
Alcohol is toxic in large quantities and over long periods of time.
Alcohol poisoning can cause a person to die if too much alcohol is consumed in a short period of time. However, usually people do not die directly from the alcohol but because they drown in their own vomit or become involved in an accident.

Alcohol (Ethanol) and Disease

Alcohol is a risk factor in liver disease, pancreatic disease, diabetes and cancer.

References

AQA

Alcohol, pages 120-121, 139, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Alcohol, pages 128, 132, 211, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Edexcel

Alcohol and disease, page 71, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
Alcohol and disease, page 99, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel
Alcohol, page 188, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel
Alcohol, page 65, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel

Beyond the Curriculum