Acetaldehyde Toxic metabolite of alcohol obtained by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)

Al-Anon Self-help group providing support to the relatives of problem drinkers.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Enzyme found in liver and other body tissue. Blood levels raised in presence of liver disease.

Alcohol dehydrogenase Liver enzyme involved in the meatabolism of alcohol.

Alcohol Treatment Unit Specialist centre for the treatment of alcohol dependency.

Alcoholic beverage Any potable liquid containing alcohol. There are four basic types: beer, wine, fortified wine, and distilled spirits. Each contains alcohol and water and each differs from the other in terms of percentage of alcohol ("proof") and type and quantity of congeners.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy Heart disorder resulting from chronic and excessive alcohol use.

Alcoholic dementia Mental disorder resulting from chronic and excessive alcohol use.

Alcoholic fatty liver Abnormal fat increase in the liver caused by chronic and excessive alcohol use.

Alcoholic hepatitis Inflammation of liver by excessive drinking. Also associated with fatty deposits in liver.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Self-help organization of alcoholics founded in 1935, aimed at helping people who want to stop drinking.

Alcoholism Compulsive, frequent drinking of alcohol to the point where it adversely affects the drinker's health, economic, or social situation. Medically considered as a disease characterized by inability to control drinking, leading to physical, or emotional distress.

Alcoholometer Device for measuring alcohol content in a solution by determining the solution's specific gravity.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase Enzyme which breaks down acetaldehyde to acetate/acetic acid.

Aldehydes Congeners present in alcohol, formed during the last part of the distillation process when temperature is highest. Also called feints or tails.

Ale 1. Alcoholic beverage similar to beer. Originally fermented barley made without hops. Now distinguished from beer by the specific kind of yeast used to make it which rises to the top of the ferment. Usually has higher alcoholic content than beer and a bittersweet taste. 2. Festival in England during the Middle Ages wherein ale was the main beverage consumed.

Alpha Alcoholism Initial stage of alcoholism in which drinking has become habitual and is relied upon for relief of personal problems but has not yet impaired health.

Amaretto A liqueur made from apricots.

Amblyopia Visiual defect (e.g. squinting) sometimes associated with heavy alcohol intake.

Amontillado Dry sherry wine from Spain.

Amoroso Sweet sherry wine.

Angostura Bitter flavouring sometimes added to gin.

Anis, Anisone 1. Liqueur flavoured with anis. 2. Syrupy liqueur.

Anisette Sweet anis-flavoured liqueur.

Antabuse (Disulfiram) Drug used to treat alcohol dependency. Antabuse interferes with breakdown of acetaldehyde, the metabolite of alcohol. The increased levels of acetaldehyde produce a range of unpleasant symptoms, including flushing of the face, abdominal pains, nausea and headaches. The drug thus acts as a deterrent to drink alcohol.

Aperitif Drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Appetizer Alcohol drink taken before meals.

Applejack, Apple-jack Liquor made from apple cider.

Apple Palsy Extreme drunkenness from drinking too much Applejack.

Aquavit Spirits distilled from potatoes and then flavoured with carraway seed and cummin.

Ardent Containing alcohol.

Ardent Spirits Alcohol.

Armagnac Type of brandy.

Aromatic Wine Fortified wine flavoured with herbs.

Arrack General term for liquor in Asia, Middle East, and Greece.

Ascites Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen - often a symptom of severe liver damage.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Enzyme found in liver and other body tissue. Blood levels raised in presence of liver disease.

Astringency Oral sensation in the mouth similar to a drying sensation associated with drinking some kinds of wine.

Awakener Eye-opener; an early morning bracer.