| Over consumption of alcohol invariably results in a | | | | influenced by congeners, by-products of the |
| hangover; just how much alcohol is necessary to | | | | fermentation process that contribute to the taste |
| produce one depends on the biochemical individuality | | | | and aroma of an alcoholic beverage. The more |
| of the consumer, and the type of drink consumed. | | | | congeners in a drink, the more severe a hangover |
| Distilled liquors, such as whiskey and gin, have a more | | | | may be. Brandy has the greatest number of |
| immediate impact than wines or beers, and all alcohol | | | | congeners, followed by red wine, rum, whiskey, |
| is absorbed more quickly when mixed with a | | | | white wine, gin, and vodka. |
| carbonated beverage. Once in the bloodstream, | | | | Alcohol also interferes with the body's metabolism of |
| alcohol reaches the brain in minutes. At first it acts as | | | | various vitamins and minerals. Women at risk for |
| a stimulant, producing euphoria. This soon gives way | | | | breast cancer should moderate their consumption. It |
| to central nervous system depression and feelings of | | | | has been shown that those who consume alcohol |
| numbness, and finally to sleep or unconsciousness. | | | | daily have a higher risk of breast cancer than those |
| Rapid ingestion of a large amount of alcohol can be | | | | who do not, The risk increases with amount of |
| fatal. The severity of a hangover is partially | | | | alcohol consumed. |