ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE popular in our society, a so-called social lubricant at home or family gatherings as well as social settings such as parties or bars. When asked why they drink, people often respond that they enjoy the pleasant effects of alcohol. A shy person might say that drinking a few beers helps him to loosen up in large groups. Another person who works long hours might say that drinking a glass of wine with dinner helps her relax in the evening. Whatever their reasons for drinking alcoholic beverages, most people are aware that alcohol is a powerful substance that can affect both the mind and the body. It is alcohol's ability to alter body function, as well as its potential to cause addiction, that has led to its classification as a drug. The toxic chemical responsible for affecting the...