By David Robson Last updated: Aug 15, 2011 This article is not intended to dissuade people from using alcohol moderately, for recreational purposes, but will point out, from an athlete and a researcher's point of view, its significant shortcomings. A lcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol), one of the world's oldest, most widely-used drugs, has many effects on the body. Some are positive, but most negative. Historically, alcohol has been blamed for many of the world's tragedies and problems, from the fall of the Roman Empire (What's Your Poison; 1997) (1) to the disbanding of many families. Ironically, it is made from relatively innocuous substances. Fermented grain, fruit juice and honey have been used to make alcohol for thousands of years. Alcohol's use spans nationalities and demographics. It serves to relax and provide a source of enjoyment. It has even been shown to have some salutary effects, such as a blood thinning action beneficia...