Drinking alcohol is one of the most universal, integrated and celebrated aspects of society. Alcohol is a part of practically every culture in the world, no matter how different they may seem at first glance. Be it to celebrate a good harvest, to mourn the death of a loved one, to seal a business deal or even to forget about the troubles of day-to-day life, alcohol has played an integral part in human culture for many centuries.
Biomechanical effects
Liquor and Spirits are a depressant drug and as such they cause several changes in the user’s body as opposed to, say, a stimulant like caffeine.
First and foremost, it slows down the activity of the brain; hence why alcohol is often recommended after a long day’s work or when dealing with mental tasks. Interestingly, alcohol does not affect our perception of time; hence why most people who drink in moderation find themselves unable to keep track of time. It also seems to reduce the amount of needed sleep, which means that people often feel more alert and energetic after a few drinks.
Pharmacological effects
The main function of alcohol is to act as a depressant by reducing all the brain’s functions in order to slow down the body’s movement and create an overall sense of relaxation and calmness after consuming it. Alcohol also acts as a mild anesthetic, causing some minor pain relief during consumption. It induces euphoria, which is commonly experienced as an increase in sociability and happiness.
Both of these aspects make alcohol a popular drink among many people and especially amongst those in the business community.
Economic effects
Although one may debate that alcohol is more than just a drug, there is no denying the fact that it is a huge source of revenue for many different countries and businesses, with alcohol often being used as currency or even being used as a means of payment. Such legalities have led to the impression that most governments in the world heavily tax alcohol and therefore encourage its use.
