🍺 Alcohol
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Alcohol (ethanol) is the most widely used psychoactive drug in Australia — a CNS depressant that slows breathing and heart rate.
Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive drug in Australia. The intoxicating ingredient, ethanol, is found in beer, wine and spirits, produced by fermenting sugars, yeasts and starches. Alcohol is a depressant that acts on the central nervous system (CNS), slowing down breathing and heart rate.
Beer typically contains 3–5% ethanol, wine 11–15%, and spirits up to 40–50%. Alcohol is quickly absorbed through the stomach and small intestine. In Australia the legal drinking age is 18.
Poorly fermented alcohol (moonshine) can contain harmful contaminants. Alcohol does not have a true half-life like other drugs — it is metabolised at a constant rate and passes rapidly through your system.
Safer Using
Use in comfortable environments with people you trust HYDRATE: alternate alcohol with water; drink water before and after Avoid leaving your drink unattended Eat well before drinking to slow alcohol absorption Pour your own drinks to track how much you have had Check labels — many drinks contain more than one standard drink Be aware of tolerance factors: other drugs, menstrual cycle, stress Remember alcohol is a drug — risky to mix with other substances
⚠ Avoid Combining With
DANGEROUS: Ketamine (nausea, vomiting, blackouts); GHB (high risk of overdose and loss of consciousness); Opioids (potentiated sedation, unexpected loss of consciousness); Tramadol (heavy CNS depression, seizure risk); Benzos (intensifies effects, blackouts). CAUTION: Cocaine (forms harmful coca-ethylene in the body); MAOIs (fermented alcohol triggers dangerous blood pressure increase); Stimulants (masks intoxication, raises alcohol poisoning risk); MDMA (dehydration); SSRIs (may intensify effects). Not recommended if: pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, heart issues, liver disease, or mental health conditions.
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Roadside breath testing detects alcohol — wait at least 24 hours before driving after heavy use. Place an unconscious person in the recovery position (on their side). Call 000 in an emergency — you will not get in trouble for seeking help.
Alcohol withdrawal in dependent users can be life-threatening — seek medical help urgently.
Effects
Elevated mood, happiness and relaxation Increased sociability and reduced social inhibitions Impaired decision-making, confusion and memory loss Emotional instability (aggression, sadness, affection) Giddiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting Decreased coordination, slurred speech and flushed skin Frequent urination, dehydration and drowsiness Blackouts at high doses; coma and death at extreme doses Long-term: liver cirrhosis, cancer, heart disease, alcohol-related brain injury, dependence (withdrawal can be deadly)
Dose & Duration
Most commonly swallowed. Total Duration: 1.5–3 hours. Onset: 15–30 minutes.
Peak: 15–90 minutes. Coming Down: 45–60 minutes. Hangover/After Effects: 1–36 hours.
Alcohol is metabolised at roughly one standard drink per hour. Drug testing: Urine 1 hr–3+ days; Hair up to 90 days; Blood 15 min–2 days.