What it is

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in New Zealand. Alcoholic drinks come in many varieties including beer, wine and spirits. The amount of alcohol in different drinks varies, with beer generally having the lowest alcohol content and spirits the highest.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the messages that flow between the brain and the body, affecting concentration and coordination, and slowing reaction times.

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 its absorption. 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