Alcohol and Society

Alcohol is a substance that humans have learned to take advantage of. The invention of the car, however, produced some unforeseen consequences, such as drunk driving. This could lead to an arrest for DUI in South Carolina or any other state in America.

The Properties of Alcohol

Alcohol is a molecule with a hydroxyl group bonded to the saturated carbon atom. There are several types. The predominate alcohol in alcoholic beverages is ethanol (ethyl alcohol). Most alcoholic beverages contain 3-40% ethanol by volume. Beer contains another molecule called 2-methyl-2-butanol. y-hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB, is an alcohol with psychoactive properties.

Alcohol is also an antiseptic. It is used to treat wounds, as it kills bacteria and prevents infections. It can be used to preserve specimens in laboratories.

Alcohol can be used as a fuel as well. Ethanol and methanol can increase the performance of forced induction internal combustion engines.

Alcohol can be detected on the breath, either by smell, or by a chemical sensor, such as a breathalyzer. Police officers use a breathalyzer to measure a person’s blood alcohol level. If it’s above the limit, the driver can get arrested for DUI in South Carolina or any other state in America.

Laws Restricting Alcohol

You must be 21 years old to drink alcohol. It’s illegal to drive after drinking alcohol. If you drive while intoxicated, you can get arrested for DUI in South Carolina and any other state in America. Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933. However, some townships prohibit the sale of alcohol. These places are considered ‘dry’ areas. If you drive while drunk a ‘dry’ town, it’s the same as driving while drunk in any other town. You will get arrested for DUI in South Carolina or any other region of the country.

The Prohibition Era lasted from January 16, 1920 to December 5, 1933. During this time, people sought ways to consume alcohol, even though it was illegal. One way was to purchase it from Al Capone. He was a Chicago gangster that took over the alcohol market. He made about $60 million per year. He sold alcohol to 10,000 speakeasies and controlled the supply from Canada to Florida.

Social Acceptance of Alcohol

Alcohol is served at the dinner table, usually in the form of wine. Beer is often consumed in cans or bottles, either at a bar or at home. At restaurants, wine is available. It is usually served in wine glasses.

Drunk people aren’t accepted. Alcoholics are shunned and cast out of the home. They usually end up in a bar or on the street. They may become homeless due to their addiction. Most will lose their license after getting arrested for DUI in South Carolina or any other state in America.