Alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) is a substance found in beer, wine and alcoholic beverages that causes intoxication. Alcohol is created when yeast ferments (breaks down without oxygen) the sugars in various foods. Alcohol is classified as a hypnotic, meaning that in high doses it works to depress the central nervous system. In lower doses, alcohol can act as a stimulant, making you feel euphoric and talkative, but drinking too much alcohol can lead to coma or even death. Ethyl alcohol dissolves with water in any ratio and burns with oxygen and produces water and carbon dioxide. This is white alcohol and because it is derived from ethane, it is also known as ethanol. When glucose is fermented, “wine” is obtained, and when starch evaporates, “beer” is produced. This alcohol occurs in both wine and beer.