Modes of awareness associated with alcohol consumption

In small doses, alcohol is consumed (usually in social circumstances) to produce good cheer and fellowship. Inhibitions are reduced and the individual is more vivacious and gregarious. Heavy drinkers may also desire to reduce anxiety and tension, although anxiety in fact increases measurably with alcohol consumption. Of all psychoactive substances, alcohol produces the most aggression. After-effects of excessive consumption, popularly referred to as [hangover]

, include headaches, nausea, loss of memory and general debility. Alcohol is addictive and high intake leads to physical dependence, as well as to irreversible brain and liver damage. Cessation may lead to hallucination, usually unpleasant, whether visual or auditory. The latter may be hissing, buzzing or (more usually) voices, often discussing the individual in the third person. Hallucinations may last for weeks or even months.