Alcohol, whether you drink or not, is a commonly used drug you may interact with as a health professional in your community. The Alcohol and Health Series provides an opportunity to learn about alcohol from many different angles. This resources focuses on alcohol and the human body. Alcohol is a legally available drug in Alberta for those over 18 years old. Alcohol’s chemical name is ethanol (CH3CH2OH) or ethyl alcohol. Pure ethyl alcohol is a clear, colourless liquid. As a drug, alcohol is a substance that changes the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves. Alcohol is a depressant and it affects every organ in the body. In alcoholic beverages, pure ethyl alcohol is diluted with different ingredients that affect the colour and consistency. Beverage alcohol is produced by fermenting or distilling various grains, fruits, or vegetables. Beer, wine and cider are made through fermentation (lower alcohol concentration), and spirits including vodka, gin, rum and whiskey go through an industrial distillation process (higher alcohol concentration).