Origins of alcohol drinks Alcohol beverages date back to the very early part of man's history.

Many archaeologists believe that wines made from grapes have existed for more than 10,000 years and that drinks such as mead and beer have existed for even longer. The Celts, ancient Greeks, Norse, Egyptians, and Babylonians all kept records of production and consumption of alcohol beverages. With agriculture came regular and larger supplies of the raw materials required for fermentation and distilling. The Sumerian was the first civilization (around 4000 B.C.) to form around a fixed agricultural lifestyle, and we know that the Sumerians produced alcohol because of many archaeological findings and cuneiform tablets that show images of people drinking alcohol. About 800 B.C. distilled spirits originated in China and India, but the distillation process did not make its way to Europe until the eleventh century.

Effects;

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Slurred speech Drowsiness Vomiting Diarrhea Upset stomach Headaches Breathing difficulties Distorted vision and hearing Impaired judgment Decreased perception and coordination Unconsciousness Anemia (loss of red blood cells) Coma Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Binge drinking and continued alcohol use in large amounts are associated with many health problems, including: Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity Increased family problems, broken relationships Alcohol poisoning High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases Liver disease

Nerve damage Sexual problems Permanent damage to the brain Ulcers Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls) Malnutrition Cancer of the mouth and throat

Restrictions

Alcohol restrictions on public property control the availability and use of alcohol at parks, beaches and other public spaces. Restrictions can range from total bans on alcohol consumption to restrictions on the times or places at which alcohol can be consumed. A range of policies may be implemented, such as those that: o Prohibit possession of an open container of alcohol in public parks, playgrounds, beaches, etc. o Establish standard procedures for dealing with intoxicated persons in public areas. o Require regular monitoring of public areas such as parks, beaches and parking lots. o Require responsible serving practices at special events in park shelters/buildings where alcohol can be served (e.g. private weddings, parties). o Establish standard enforcement procedures for all existing policies. Policies should be specific to your community and should be based on the community's own needs and issues. These policies can be part of a local ordinance or state law, or be implemented by local organization or agency overseeing the public space.