What the alcohol in your glass is actually doing to your body

Science What the alcohol in your glass is actually doing to your body The fascinating chemistry behind alcohol consumption and its implications for human health. Graphic by Mallory Parent It is no secret that partying and drinking are very prevalent in our society, especially on college campuses. In 2024, 46.6% of full-time college students aged 18 to 25 reported that they consumed alcohol in the month prior. People drink for numerous reasons — be it social or cultural — and although it might not always seem like a big deal, a look into the science behind alcohol metabolism reveals the various ways in which it impacts the body. Alcohol is present in many everyday items, from beverages to hand sanitizers to mouthwashes. What specific compound is included in alcoholic beverages, though, and what does it actually do to the human body? In alcoholic drinks, the chemical compound of alcohol is ethanol, a clear and flammable compound with the chemical formula C2H6O.

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