There is probably not a single person over 5 on our planet - at least in Western society - that doesn't know what Alcohol - or Alcohol based products: wine, beer, etc - is.
yet I'll still provide a brief introduction.
Alcoholic beverages are drinks that are based on alcohol.
There are three types of alcoholic beverages: wines, beers and spirits.
Drinking alcoholic beverages is very important in many cultures, particularly with regards to social interaction.
One reason it is popular is because Alcohol leads to loosening of inhibitions.
Consequently, alcohol is very widely used all over the world.
In fact, beer is the third most popular drink in the world (after water and tea) Unfortunately, drinking alcohol involves some risks, both in the short term and in the long term.
That is why it is the third item on this list after all! Dangers of drinking alcohol Alcoholic beverages have a depressant effect.
Short term symptoms include:

1. Intoxication: which causes clumsiness and slurred speech.
   
2. Dehydration
3. Reduction of reaction time.
   
4. Loss of attention.
   
5. Alcohol poisoning can occur if too much alcohol is consumed.
   
6. Alcohol can cause low blood sugar - this can be very dangerous, even lethal, for diabetics.
   

Longer term symptoms include:

1. Addiction: alcohol is addictive and drinking too frequently can lead to alcoholism.
   Though it seems there is a genetic component to this as well: some people may be more susceptible than others.
   Like any addiction, breaking free of alcoholism is hard and withdrawal symptoms are tough.
   
2. Liver damage: cirrhosis of the liver.
   
3. Brain damage, such as dementia.
   
4. Cancer: multiple types, specifically, liver cancer (as a result of liver damage), bowel cancer, mouth cancer, pharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer and breast cancer.
   Even people who drink relatively moderate amounts of alcohol (a large glass of wine per day) face this risk! A study suggests that 3.
   5% of all global cancer is a result of alcohol drinking.
   

How do I stop drinking? In moderation, drinking alcohol is really not dangerous.
However, if you feel this habit is getting out of control, or worse, it's starting to affect your health, it's time to quit.

1. Join a support group (such as AA and AVERT) which will help you both emotionally and physically.
   This can be extremely effective.
   
2. Discuss this with your doctor - if you're heavily addicted, you may need to be medically supervised during this process.
   
3. Some medications can ease the withdrawal from alcohol.
   

Limitations on Alcohol Because of the side effects of alcoholic beverages, there are numerous limitations and drinking on Alcohol: drinking in various countries, particularly with regards to minimum age required for buying and drinking, but also with regards to drinking alcohol in public places.
In addition, there are restrictions on sale, possession and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages.
Positive Effects of Alcohol Interestingly, Alcohol seems to have several positive side effective.
It is fair to mention them (reduced risks of heart disease, reduced risks of strokes), though I don't want to over elaborate as the goal is not to get you to start drinking!