Alcohol is a colorless liquid that is processed in a variety of forms for drinking. Alcohol risk states are circumstances that may lead to abuse of and/or dependence on alcohol.

Alcohol has the following effects on the body:

• acts as a depressant on the brain
• gives a relaxed feeling
• reduces anxiety
• gives a feeling of "tuning in"
• dilates the blood vessels
• increases the flow of stomach juices
• increases urine output.

When people drink alcohol regularly, the liver metabolizes the alcohol at a faster rate, and people need to drink more to keep the same amount of alcohol in the blood.

When the brain is exposed to alcohol regularly, the cells respond less to a given amount and require more to produce the desired behavior or emotional effects.

Many circumstances influence people's use of alcohol, not only when they begin to drink, but also when drinking becomes habitual and finally when they become dependent on alcohol. These circumstances or risk factors include:

• peer pressure from friends, business associates, dates
• adolescents' need to "get away with" some behavior
• children seeing their parents and siblings drink regularly, in small or large amounts
• tendency of family members to overdrink at social gatherings
• tendency of family members or friends to drink regularly at a social hour or at meals
• use of alcohol to reduce stress
• perception that it is all right to drink because alcohol is legal and available, and because "a little bit doesn't hurt"
• feeling that alcohol reduces pain caused by other diseases.