| Alcohol is the oldest drug that is used in Western countries. |
| For thousands of years, people have made alcoholic beverages. |
| These beverages are made by allowing a process called fermentation to occur. |
| Alcoholic fermentation happens when yeasts or bacteria break down the sugars that occur in some liquids, |
| and convert some sugars into alcohol. |
| Many liquids, such as fruit juices, can ferment. |
| Thousands of years ago, alcoholic drinks were common in the Middle East. |
| However, the Islamic religion forbids alcohol, |
| so very little alcohol is consumed in this part of the world. |
| In European countries, and in other parts of the world, |
| many different kinds of alcoholic beverages are produced and consumed. |
| In warmer areas of Europe, people make wine by allowing grape juice to ferment. |
| In cooler areas of Europe, people make beer by fermenting liquids |
| made from water and various grains. |
| The process of fermentation is also used to make stronger drinks known as “spirits”. |
| These drinks include vodka, whiskey, and rum. |
| The techniques for making good wine, beer, and spirits |
| have been developed over hundreds of years, and require scientific precision. |
| Some people have developed a great appreciation for well-made wine, beer, or spirits, |
| and have become experts about the many different varieties of these beverages. |
| Many people appreciate the taste of alcoholic beverages, |
| but many also enjoy the feelings that alcohol causes. |
| Alcohol belongs to a category of drugs called “depressants” |
| because it “depresses” the central nervous system, |
| causing a person to feel less inhibited or restrained. |
| Many people enjoy this feeling, but when a person drinks a lot of alcohol, |
| he or she loses co-ordination, balance, and judgment. |
| Speech may become unclear, and the person may speak too much. |
| Some people become aggressive or depressed. |
| When a person is under the influence of alcohol, the person is said to be drunk. |
| One of the problems that can result from alcohol consumption is known as “drunk driving”. |
| Some people try to drive a car after having consumed alcohol, but this is extremely dangerous. |
| Each year, thousands of people are killed by drunk drivers who lose control of their cars. |
| In recent years, attempts have been made to reduce this problem, |
| by public education campaigns and by strict laws and punishments. |
| If you drink, don’t drive! |
| Another problem associated with alcohol is addiction, and it’s known as alcoholism. |
| Some people drink so frequently that they develop a psychological addiction to alcohol. |
| This problem can have terrible consequences for a person’s health, personal relationships, and career. |
| Alcoholic beverages are firmly a part of Western culture, and of many other cultures also. |
| On one hand, drinks provide many people with much enjoyment and appreciation. |
| On the other hand, alcohol is a drug that can be abused, leading to accidents and addiction. |
More English listening lessons for intermediate level:
Lesson 50: Kings and Queens of England
