As a recreational drug it has been found that generally poorer people consume more alcohol than more affluent persons. In the UK, studies have shown that on average men drink twice as much alcohol as women, the young drink more than the old and single persons drink more than married persons.

While not a nutrient, alcohol does provide energy to the body. However, these calories are often referred to as "empty" calories as they are not accompanied by any other nutrients. One gram of alcohol contains approximately seven kilocalories (kcal).

The amount of alcohol a specific beverage contains depends on the type of drink. Proof is the alcohol content of distilled liquors/ spirits such as whiskey, gin, rum or vodka. Proof is the percentage of alcohol (by volume) multiplied by two. For example, 100-proof alcohol is equal to 50 per cent alcohol. The alcohol content of wine is given as a percentage. White wines average 12 per cent, and red wines are around 14 per cent. The alcohol content of beer is between three to eight per cent. "Light" beers have fewer calories and have approximately per cent alcohol content.

The effects of alcohol

The acute consumption of alcohol has many immediate effects. Alcohol works on the brain and puts it to sleep.

Alcohol functions as a depressant to the central nervous system and slows down body functions. In large amounts, alcohol can cause sedation, intoxication, unconsciousness, and possible death. The affect of alcohol on a person depends on the person's gender, body size and genetics. Having large amounts of this enzyme reduces the immediate physical effects this substance has on the body.

Immediate effects of alcohol on the body includes:
. Chest distress
. Muscle weakness
. Shakes/trembling
. Stomach discomfort
. Facial flushing
. Nausea
. Dizziness/hangover
. Numbness in hands/feet

Chronic use of alcoholic beverages is associated with many harmful effects on the body. It can cause under-nutrition because of a reduced intake of food. This reduced intake may result from several factors, including decreased appetite so the person is eating less. The toxic effects of alcohol on the intestine could cause less nutrients to be absorbed or hamper the metabolism or break-down of foods in the body.

Alcohol impairs nutrient absorption by damaging the cells lining the stomach and intestines. Even if nutrients are digested and absorbed, alcohol can prevent them from being fully utilised by altering their transport, storage, and excretion. In the early stages of alcohol abuse these empty calories provided by alcohol can lead to obesity, but as time progresses the person who abuses alcohol may replace regular food intake with alcohol, this leads to weight loss as alcohol does not provide as much energy and the variety of nutrients as foods.