Pancreatitis Medical disoder involving inflamation of the pancreas. Often, though not always, associated with heavy alcohol consumption.

Panhandle To beg for money to be spent on liquor.

Paraldy Slang term for paraldehyde, a drug sometimes used to treat withdrawal from alcohol.

Paralytic Incapable due to heavy intoxication.

Paranoia Condition characterised by extreme suspiciousness of being watched and fear of being arrested.

Paroxetine Anti-depressant drug sometimes used in the treatment of alcohol dependency complicated by depression.

Passover Wine Alcohol produced for Jewish religious ceremonies.

Pasteurisation The process of heating beer or wine to stop further fermentation and destroy potentially harmful bacteria.

Pastis French aniseed-flavoured apéritif.

Pathological Intoxication Unusual reaction to alcohol in which individual may become intoxicated after drinking very little.

Paton, Alex Editor of the book "The ABC of Alcohol"

Peppermint Schnapps Mint liqueur similar to crème de menthe.

Periodic Alcoholism Uncontrollable craving for alcohol during specific periods with periods of abstinence or moderate drinking in between.

Pernod Aniseed-flavoured un-sweetened aperitif produced as a substitute for absinthe.

Perry Alcoholic beverage made from fermented pear juice.

Pharmacokineties Study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of substances such as alcohol from the body.

Phenytoin Sodium Drug prescribed to treat epilepsy and sometimes used during alcohol detoxification if there is a history of withdrawal seizures.

Pick Me Up Drink taken to remedy gastric upsets.

Pigeon New member of Alcoholics Anonymous assigned to another member with more experience.

Pilsener Term used to describe beers similar to the original lager produced in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.

Piment Wine made with honey and spices.

Pimento West Indian liqueur made from berries.

Plonk Slang term for inexpensive wine.

Port Fortified sweet, red wine produced in the Douro region of Portugal.

Portal Hypertension Raised blood pressure in the portal vein resulting in increased pressure in the veins of the oesophagus and upper stomach. This can lead to the development of varices - dilated, tortuous veins that can rupture and cause bleeding into the oesophagus. Often a complication of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis.

Porter Dark-brown bitter ale similar to, but more carbonated than, stout.

Posset Drink made with hot wine or beer and hot milk to which various spices and sugar were added.

Poteen Irish spirit made from grain or potatoes.

Potency Strength of action. The quantity of alcoholic beverage producing a particular response. The smaller the amount of substance, the greater the potency.

Potentiation Combined effect of two or more drugs that produces a greater effect than either alone.

Prairie Schooner Large mug of beer.

Problem drinker 1. One whose drinking results in family difficulty, job-related problems, or health-related problems. 2. An alcoholic.

Prohibition 1. The U.S. government ban on alcohol (1919 - 1933). 2. Attitude favouring legal coercionon moral grounds.

Prohibition Amendment Eighteenth amendment to U.S. constitution outlawing manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol.

Proof Measure of the amount of alcohol in a solution, twice the alcohol concentration.

Prunelle French plum-flavoured liqueur.

Psychedelic Drugs Drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (L.S.D.) that were used in the treatment of alcohol dependency in the 1960's.

Psychoactive Any chemical agent that can change perception and feelings.

Psychotherapy Psychological or "talking" treatment occasionally used in the treatment of alcohol problems. Usually involves analysis of repressed memories, feelings, etc.

Psychopharmacology Branch of pharmacology concerned with substances that affect behaviour or subjective experience.

Psychosis Severe mental disturbance in which individual loses touch with reality and may experience hallucinations or delusions.

Psychotherapy Psychological therapy sometimes used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. Often involves analysis of unresolved emotional issues from childhood.

Pub Commonly used term in England for a local tavern or bar.

Pub Crawl Heavy drinking bout involving visiting several bars in a district.

Public House Building designed for the retail of alcoholic beverages.

Punch Mixture of wine and various other ingredients.

Purl Mixed drink made with hot ale, sugar, and infusion of wormwood. Popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Often taken in the morning to produce an appetite.

Pyridoxine Also known as vitamin B6. Deficiency can occur due to long-term heavy drinking. Dietary sources include liver, yeast, cereals and fish.