- "Tipsy" redirects here. For the song of the same name, see Tipsy (song).
Drunkenness, in its most common usage, is the state of being intoxicated with ethyl alcohol to a sufficient degree to impair mental and motor functioning. Common symptoms may include impaired speech, loss of balance, and other effects. Without being inebriated, a drinking person may be described as "buzzed" or "tipsy" while experiencing these symptoms to a lesser degree.
A person who is habitually intoxicated in this manner is labeled an alcoholic, often referred to as a "drunk" (a shortened form of the more traditional term "drunkard") or colloquially by any number of slang terms, such as alkie, waster, wino, lush, soak, etc. The popularity of particular terms (like all slang) varies from region to region.
Cultural attitudes
Many cultures have social standards associated with drunkenness. Some cultures consider the ability to drink vast quantities of alcohol worthy of respect. Such an attitude could be regarded as pathological, as it may lead to alcoholism. In other cultures the act of refusing offers of alcoholic drinks may appear to be "spoiling the atmosphere" and a sign of disrespect.[citation needed]
The symptoms of drunkenness are generally reported to be enjoyable initially. Typically, as the effects begin to diminish a hangover ensues, mostly as a result of dehydration and exhaustion.
Religious views
Many religions discourage or prohibit alcohol consumption. The Qur'an of Islam, declares that God prohibits the consumption of alcohol by humankind because of harmful effects for the body, harmful effects for the consumer's life and family, social problems, and distraction from mindfulness of God.
The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church states in paragraph 2290: "The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air." The Church does not prohibit the use of alcohol if it is done in moderation; and indeed, the ritual use of alcoholic altar wine during the Mass is central to the Roman Catholic liturgy.
Nearly every Protestant denomination has a prohibition on drunkenness due to the Biblical passages condemning it (Proverbs 23:21, Isaiah 28:1,Habakkuk 2:15, et al). Some (Southern Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Pentecostal, some Methodist groups, etc.) condemn any consumption of alcohol.
Mormons also condemn any use of alcohol based upon their Word of Wisdom.
Buddhists abstain from alcohol to avoid unintentionally harming others. The intoxication of the mind also is at odds with the teaching of mindfulness.
Hinduisim encourages the use of Alcohol to encourage a feeling of closeness to God. Som Rhas (an alcoholic beverage) was, and still in served in many Hindu temples (mandirs). Although, some Hindus, particualy those from South India do not drink alcohol, due to different interpretations of the religion.
Law
Laws on drunkenness vary between countries. There are often many legal restrictions relating to sale and supply of alcohol, and particularly relating to those persons under eighteen years of age (twenty-one in some jurisdictions) or to somebody who is already intoxicated. Operating an automobile after consuming alcoholic beverages is often prohibited.
See also
Further reading