Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Does It Really Work? Trials For Chemical Castration In UK Jails Raise Questions On It's Effectiveness

Trials for <span>chemical castration</span> for sex offenders in 20 UK prison has raised the question of whether it really makes a difference?

Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain Shabana Mahmood said she would expand a small pilot in south-west England to two region. As of now, the voluntary chemical castration of sex offenders has been extended to 20 prisons in England. 

Mahmood though is also exploring whether it could be made mandatory.

This approach has also been used in other European countries, including Germany and Denmark, where the use of chemical suppression has only be administered through voluntary basis. In Poland, it is mandatory. Italy too has jumped on the bandwagon and moved towards legalizing chemical castration. 

For the trials in UK, Mahmood said, "For some, offending relates to power, but for another subset of offenders, the combination of chemical suppressants and psychological interventions, can, we believe, have a big and positive impact."

The BBC reports that the suggestion to continue the pilot in England and Wales was one of 48 recommendations set out by former Lord Chancellor David Gauke's Independent Sentencing Review. The report noted that sexual offences accounted for 21% of adults serving "immediate custodial sentences at the end of March 2025."

The review also asked to "build a comprehensive evidence base around the use of chemical suppression for sex offenders and explore options for continued funding of services in this area".

<h4><span rel="noindex">How Does Chemical Castration Work</span>?</h4>

Sky News, which has exclusively had the access to a clinical trial in Stockholm, Sweden, noted that the drug degarelix was in use. 

The expectations from this is that offender once put on the drug will have fewer sexual fantasies and lower sex drive. Sky News also reports that many of these drugs are used to treat prostate cancer, where they reduce the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. 

Sky News, as per its observation on the clinical trials, note that in "just two weeks after the first injection, men - who were living in the community - had a significantly reduced risk of committing child sexual abuse".

However, it is important to note that the trial was relatively small, and had been done only on 52 men. Among other effects of the drugs, include, growth of breast tissue in men, depression and hot flushes, as the result of low testosterone. 

<h4>Which Chemical Makes It Possible?</h4>

It was in 2011, when for the first time in Asia, Korea used it on sex offenders. Under its current law, perpetrators of sexual crimes against minors aged less than 16 years are also subjected to chemical castration. 

The first attempt was done in 1944, when diethylstilbestrol was prescribed to lower testosterone levels. 

In US, Canada, and some European countries medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate have been in use. A 2013 study published in Journal of Korean Medical Science, notes, "In 1996, California became the first state in the United States to authorize the use of either chemical or surgical castration for certain sexual offenders who were being released from prison into the community."

As per a 2012 study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, the main androgens are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to the research review, about 90 to 95% of androgens are made in your testicles. The rest come from your adrenal glands. The process of chemical castration thus lowers the levels of male hormones or the androgens. 

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Trials for chemical castration for sex offenders in 20 UK prison has raised the question of whether it really makes a difference?Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain Shabana Mahmood said she would expand a small pilot in south-west England to two region. As of now, the voluntary chemical castration of sex offenders has been extended to 20 prisons in England. Mahmood though is also exploring whether it could be made mandatory.This approach has also been used in other European countries, including Germany and Denmark, where the use of chemical suppression has only be administered through voluntary basis. In Poland, it is mandatory. Italy too has jumped on the bandwagon and moved towards legalizing chemical castration. For the trials in UK, Mahmood said, "For some, offending relates to power, but for another subset of offenders, the combination of chemical suppressants and psychological interventions, can, we believe, have a big and positive impact."The BBC reports that the suggestion to continue the pilot in England and Wales was one of 48 recommendations set out by former Lord Chancellor David Gauke's Independent Sentencing Review. The report noted that sexual offences accounted for 21% of adults serving "immediate custodial sentences at the end of March 2025."The review also asked to "build a comprehensive evidence base around the use of chemical suppression for sex offenders and explore options for continued funding of services in this area".How Does Chemical Castration Work?Sky News, which has exclusively had the access to a clinical trial in Stockholm, Sweden, noted that the drug degarelix was in use. The expectations from this is that offender once put on the drug will have fewer sexual fantasies and lower sex drive. Sky News also reports that many of these drugs are used to treat prostate cancer, where they reduce the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. Sky News, as per its observation on the clinical trials, note that in "just two weeks after the first injection, men - who were living in the community - had a significantly reduced risk of committing child sexual abuse".However, it is important to note that the trial was relatively small, and had been done only on 52 men. Among other effects of the drugs, include, growth of breast tissue in men, depression and hot flushes, as the result of low testosterone. Which Chemical Makes It Possible?It was in 2011, when for the first time in Asia, Korea used it on sex offenders. Under its current law, perpetrators of sexual crimes against minors aged less than 16 years are also subjected to chemical castration. The first attempt was done in 1944, when diethylstilbestrol was prescribed to lower testosterone levels. In US, Canada, and some European countries medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate have been in use. A 2013 study published in Journal of Korean Medical Science, notes, "In 1996, California became the first state in the United States to authorize the use of either chemical or surgical castration for certain sexual offenders who were being released from prison into the community."As per a 2012 study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, the main androgens are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to the research review, about 90 to 95% of androgens are made in your testicles. The rest come from your adrenal glands. The process of chemical castration thus lowers the levels of male hormones or the androgens. 

does it really work? trials for chemical castration in uk jails raise questions on it's effectiveness

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

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It usually begins subtly; your fingertips gradually thicken, your nails start to curve more than usual, and the angle between the nail and the cuticle becomes more pronounced. This is known as <span>nail clubbing</span>, a physical sign that can point to underlying health issues. Often painless and subtle at first, clubbing is not a condition by itself, but rather a potential indicator that something more serious may be going on inside the body.

If you press your nail and the skin just beneath it feels a bit spongy or springy, that’s another telltale sign.

<strong>But why should you care about this?</strong>

Nail clubbing is not a standalone condition. It is more like your body is throwing a sign for you to look deeper for something that might be wrong. Often, it is the lungs or heart sending the signal. In fact, clubbing is most commonly linked to low levels of oxygen in the blood over a long period. And that can point to some pretty serious stuff.

<strong>Here is a breakdown of the usual causes:</strong>

Lung conditions: Clubbing is seen in chronic lung diseases like lung cancer, <span>pulmonary fibrosis</span>, or bronchiectasis. Even long-term infections like tuberculosis or lung abscesses can trigger it. Basically, anything that messes with how oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood can potentially lead to clubbing.

Heart problems: Certain congenital <span>heart defects</span> (especially ones that cause low blood oxygen) can also show up through your fingertips. <span>Endocarditis</span>, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, is another silent cause.

Gastrointestinal diseases: Yes, your gut might have a say too. Clubbing is sometimes associated with conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or severe <span>liver disease</span>. Not exactly the first thing you would expect from nail changes, but there it is.

Other rarer causes: Graves’ disease (a thyroid condition) and some inherited genetic disorders can also lead to clubbing. But again, these are outliers.

<strong>But why does it affect nails?</strong> 

Chronic low <span>oxygen levels</span> may lead to dilation of blood vessels in the fingertips, increasing blood flow and tissue build-up. But no one fully understands the exact mechanism yet. It is still a bit of a medical mystery.

<strong>What should you do if your nails look suspiciously clubbed?</strong>

Do not panic, but do not ignore it either. It is not something to diagnose with a selfie and a Google search. A doctor will likely check your oxygen levels, get a chest X-ray or scan, and run other tests depending on your symptoms. The earlier you find the underlying issue, the better.

And while nail clubbing is not always bad, it can be idiopathic, meaning no known cause and harmless. It is still worth getting checked. 

nail clubbing

lung disease

heart defects

oxygen levels

pulmonary fibrosis

crohns disease

endocarditis

liver disease

medical symptoms

chronic illness

It usually begins subtly; your fingertips gradually thicken, your nails start to curve more than usual, and the angle between the nail and the cuticle becomes more pronounced. This is known as nail clubbing, a physical sign that can point to underlying health issues. Often painless and subtle at first, clubbing is not a condition by itself, but rather a potential indicator that something more serious may be going on inside the body.If you press your nail and the skin just beneath it feels a bit spongy or springy, that’s another telltale sign.But why should you care about this?Nail clubbing is not a standalone condition. It is more like your body is throwing a sign for you to look deeper for something that might be wrong. Often, it is the lungs or heart sending the signal. In fact, clubbing is most commonly linked to low levels of oxygen in the blood over a long period. And that can point to some pretty serious stuff.Here is a breakdown of the usual causes:Lung conditions: Clubbing is seen in chronic lung diseases like lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or bronchiectasis. Even long-term infections like tuberculosis or lung abscesses can trigger it. Basically, anything that messes with how oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood can potentially lead to clubbing.Heart problems: Certain congenital heart defects (especially ones that cause low blood oxygen) can also show up through your fingertips. Endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, is another silent cause.Gastrointestinal diseases: Yes, your gut might have a say too. Clubbing is sometimes associated with conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or severe liver disease. Not exactly the first thing you would expect from nail changes, but there it is.Other rarer causes: Graves’ disease (a thyroid condition) and some inherited genetic disorders can also lead to clubbing. But again, these are outliers.But why does it affect nails? Chronic low oxygen levels may lead to dilation of blood vessels in the fingertips, increasing blood flow and tissue build-up. But no one fully understands the exact mechanism yet. It is still a bit of a medical mystery.What should you do if your nails look suspiciously clubbed?Do not panic, but do not ignore it either. It is not something to diagnose with a selfie and a Google search. A doctor will likely check your oxygen levels, get a chest X-ray or scan, and run other tests depending on your symptoms. The earlier you find the underlying issue, the better.And while nail clubbing is not always bad, it can be idiopathic, meaning no known cause and harmless. It is still worth getting checked. 

what is nail clubbing, and could it be a sign of a serious disease?

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There are many genetic disorders, or diseases that only occur in people of a certain ethnicity. MedlinePlus explains that these diseases occur among people whose ancestry lies in a specific geographical location. This is because people in the same ethnic group often share versions of genes which were passed down by a common ancestor. Another such diseases have been found in a new study, according to a news release by the American Academy of Neurology. 

A new study has found something puzzling: Hispanic people are more likely to develop <span>nerve damage</span> called <span>peripheral neuropathy</span> than white people, and we don't know exactly why. 

Even after looking at well-known health issues, lifestyle choices, and social situations, Hispanic individuals were still 32% more likely to have this condition. Experts believe there might be some unknown <span>social factors</span> at play that we need to discover. Finding these missing pieces is crucial for future research.

Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord get damaged. This often leads to weakness, numbness, and pain, most commonly in the hands and feet. 

It's been observed that in the United States, Hispanic and Black individuals tend to have higher rates of peripheral neuropathy than white people, but the exact reasons for these differences aren't yet clear. 

Researchers examined health information from over 8,000 people. About 13% of them had peripheral neuropathy. The study participants' average age was 61. The research team considered many factors that can increase the risk of neuropathy, including: 

<ul><li>Age and gender</li><li>Health conditions like waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels</li><li>Daily habits such as how much they exercise and what they eat</li><li>Social aspects like whether they had enough food, their household income, and if they had health insurance</li></ul>

The study generally found that people with neuropathy were more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, a larger waist, and lower income. They also tended to be less physically active. 

Generally, the study found that individuals with neuropathy tended to have diabetes, high blood pressure, larger waist circumference, and lower incomes. They also reported being less physically active. 

When researchers initially adjusted only for age and sex, both Hispanic and Black individuals showed higher odds of peripheral neuropathy compared to white individuals. However, after accounting for all other risk factors, the odds for Black individuals became similar to those of white people. This was not the case for Hispanic individuals, who continued to show an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy even after all other known factors were considered. 

The study highlighted the significant influence of known social factors on peripheral neuropathy risk among Hispanic individuals. For instance, being uninsured increased their risk by 56%, and experiencing food insecurity raised it by 48%. 

Given the growing percentage of Hispanic individuals in the United States, the researchers concluded that future observational studies should prioritize identifying the unmeasured risk factors contributing to peripheral neuropathy in this population 

ethnicity and diseases

social factors

nerve damage

peripheral neuropathy

geographically based diseases

diseases that affect based on ethnicity

There are many genetic disorders, or diseases that only occur in people of a certain ethnicity. MedlinePlus explains that these diseases occur among people whose ancestry lies in a specific geographical location. This is because people in the same ethnic group often share versions of genes which were passed down by a common ancestor. Another such diseases have been found in a new study, according to a news release by the American Academy of Neurology. A new study has found something puzzling: Hispanic people are more likely to develop nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy than white people, and we don't know exactly why. Even after looking at well-known health issues, lifestyle choices, and social situations, Hispanic individuals were still 32% more likely to have this condition. Experts believe there might be some unknown social factors at play that we need to discover. Finding these missing pieces is crucial for future research. What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord get damaged. This often leads to weakness, numbness, and pain, most commonly in the hands and feet. It's been observed that in the United States, Hispanic and Black individuals tend to have higher rates of peripheral neuropathy than white people, but the exact reasons for these differences aren't yet clear. What the Study Looked At Researchers examined health information from over 8,000 people. About 13% of them had peripheral neuropathy. The study participants' average age was 61. The research team considered many factors that can increase the risk of neuropathy, including: Age and genderHealth conditions like waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levelsDaily habits such as how much they exercise and what they eatSocial aspects like whether they had enough food, their household income, and if they had health insuranceThe study generally found that people with neuropathy were more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, a larger waist, and lower income. They also tended to be less physically active. Unexplained Differences Remain Generally, the study found that individuals with neuropathy tended to have diabetes, high blood pressure, larger waist circumference, and lower incomes. They also reported being less physically active. When researchers initially adjusted only for age and sex, both Hispanic and Black individuals showed higher odds of peripheral neuropathy compared to white individuals. However, after accounting for all other risk factors, the odds for Black individuals became similar to those of white people. This was not the case for Hispanic individuals, who continued to show an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy even after all other known factors were considered. Role of Social Factors The study highlighted the significant influence of known social factors on peripheral neuropathy risk among Hispanic individuals. For instance, being uninsured increased their risk by 56%, and experiencing food insecurity raised it by 48%. Given the growing percentage of Hispanic individuals in the United States, the researchers concluded that future observational studies should prioritize identifying the unmeasured risk factors contributing to peripheral neuropathy in this population 

your ethnicity may be putting you at higher risk for this major nerve disorder

Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of - Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well

UK Issues Slushie Warning: Why This Summer Favourite Could Be Risky for Kids

uk issues slushie warning: why this summer favourite could be risky for kids

Drinking is a social activity that people enjoy, although it is understood that everyone should drink in moderation, we all tend to go a little overboard sometimes. These tend to happen, especially during vacations and holidays however, even during vacations one must not forget to prioritize one's health and well-being. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that excessive alcohol consumption in the summer heat can be deadly with 1 in 6 Americans being a binge drinker, it's crucial to prioritize safety. 

The NIAAA urges everyone to "think before you drink", in order to ensure your safety and the well-being of your loved ones, avoid consuming alcohol when piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring the wilderness, or engaging in swimming or surfing. The NIAAA also notes that drinking more than usual can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations, especially if you're consuming more alcohol than you're accustomed to at home. The dangers of drinking alcohol while engaging in summer activities are significant: 

A shocking 31% of U.S. drowning fatalities involve individuals with blood alcohol levels of 0.10% or higher.

A boater with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% – the legal limit for intoxication in all 50 states – is 14 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a sober individual. 

Drunken driving contributes to one-third of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways. Summer vacations, with their unfamiliar routes, potential for towing, and excited passengers, amplify these risks. 

<h2>Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well? </h2>

A 2005 study published in the Alcohol journal, researchers looked at how  alcohol changes your body's ability to control its temperature and how hot or cold you feel when it's a bit warm outside.

They found that just 10 minutes after drinking alcohol, participants started sweating more from their chests and had increased blood flow to their skin compared to when they drank water.

About 20 minutes after they started sweating more, their internal body temperature began to drop. Eventually, it became 0.3 degrees Celsius (about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than when they drank water.

The researchers found that how your body handles heat in a couple of ways. It makes your body cool down automatically through sweating and increasing blood flow to your skin. But it also makes you feel hotter, which would make you want to cool down yourself.

These results suggest that when your body temperature drops after drinking alcohol, it's not just because blood rushes to your skin (which alcohol is known to do). Instead, it seems like alcohol actually resets your body's internal thermostat to a lower temperature. This causes all your body's cooling systems, including sweating and feeling hot, to work together to bring your temperature down.

<h2>Safety Issues You May Face With Alcohol In Summer</h2>

When you're away on vacation, it's easy to let loose, and for some, that might mean drinking more than usual. This can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially if you're consuming stronger drinks than you're used to. Alcohol can also worsen travel-related health issues like motion sickness and heat-related illness, and it can even negatively interact with medications you might take for travel. 

Whether you're exploring the wilderness or just on a road trip, the combination of heat and alcohol can spell trouble. Hot summer days cause your body to lose fluids through perspiration, while alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss through urination. Together, these effects can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration or even heat stroke. 

Sunburns can quickly ruin a summer vacation. Interestingly, studies suggest that people who drink alcohol while out in the sun are less likely to apply sunscreen. Furthermore, research indicates that alcohol might even reduce the amount of sun exposure needed to get a burn. Since repeated sunburns significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, it's vital to slather on that sunscreen generously, regardless of whether you're drinking, to ensure maximum summer fun and safety. 

<h2>Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer </h2>

Being smart about your choices this summer starts with thinking before you drink. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, avoid alcohol when you're piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring nature, or swimming and surfing. 

<strong>Provide Food:</strong> Offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Eating can slow down alcohol absorption, reducing the peak BAC by about one-third, and can also help prevent stomach irritation the next day.

<strong>Offer Alcohol-Free Options: </strong>Have plenty of water, juices, and sparkling sodas available. These not only combat dehydration but can also slow down alcohol absorption and reduce peak alcohol concentration in the blood, giving your guests excellent alternatives. 

<strong>Ensure Safe Rides Home:</strong> Always help your guests get home safely. Encourage the use of designated drivers, ride-hailing services, or taxis. No one who has consumed alcohol should ever get behind the wheel.

Summer Drinking and health issues

heat related illnesses

how heat and alcohol affect health

should you drink in summers

what drinks should you avoid in summers

alcohol summer safety tips

Drinking is a social activity that people enjoy, although it is understood that everyone should drink in moderation, we all tend to go a little overboard sometimes. These tend to happen, especially during vacations and holidays however, even during vacations one must not forget to prioritize one's health and well-being. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that excessive alcohol consumption in the summer heat can be deadly with 1 in 6 Americans being a binge drinker, it's crucial to prioritize safety. The NIAAA urges everyone to "think before you drink", in order to ensure your safety and the well-being of your loved ones, avoid consuming alcohol when piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring the wilderness, or engaging in swimming or surfing. The NIAAA also notes that drinking more than usual can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations, especially if you're consuming more alcohol than you're accustomed to at home. The dangers of drinking alcohol while engaging in summer activities are significant: Drowning Deaths A shocking 31% of U.S. drowning fatalities involve individuals with blood alcohol levels of 0.10% or higher.Boating Accidents A boater with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% – the legal limit for intoxication in all 50 states – is 14 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a sober individual. Traffic Fatalities Drunken driving contributes to one-third of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways. Summer vacations, with their unfamiliar routes, potential for towing, and excited passengers, amplify these risks. Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well? A 2005 study published in the Alcohol journal, researchers looked at how  alcohol changes your body's ability to control its temperature and how hot or cold you feel when it's a bit warm outside.They found that just 10 minutes after drinking alcohol, participants started sweating more from their chests and had increased blood flow to their skin compared to when they drank water.About 20 minutes after they started sweating more, their internal body temperature began to drop. Eventually, it became 0.3 degrees Celsius (about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than when they drank water.The researchers found that how your body handles heat in a couple of ways. It makes your body cool down automatically through sweating and increasing blood flow to your skin. But it also makes you feel hotter, which would make you want to cool down yourself.These results suggest that when your body temperature drops after drinking alcohol, it's not just because blood rushes to your skin (which alcohol is known to do). Instead, it seems like alcohol actually resets your body's internal thermostat to a lower temperature. This causes all your body's cooling systems, including sweating and feeling hot, to work together to bring your temperature down.Safety Issues You May Face With Alcohol In SummerTravel and Alcohol When you're away on vacation, it's easy to let loose, and for some, that might mean drinking more than usual. This can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially if you're consuming stronger drinks than you're used to. Alcohol can also worsen travel-related health issues like motion sickness and heat-related illness, and it can even negatively interact with medications you might take for travel. Dehydration Whether you're exploring the wilderness or just on a road trip, the combination of heat and alcohol can spell trouble. Hot summer days cause your body to lose fluids through perspiration, while alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss through urination. Together, these effects can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration or even heat stroke. Skin Protection Sunburns can quickly ruin a summer vacation. Interestingly, studies suggest that people who drink alcohol while out in the sun are less likely to apply sunscreen. Furthermore, research indicates that alcohol might even reduce the amount of sun exposure needed to get a burn. Since repeated sunburns significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, it's vital to slather on that sunscreen generously, regardless of whether you're drinking, to ensure maximum summer fun and safety. Stay Safe and Healthy This Summer Being smart about your choices this summer starts with thinking before you drink. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, avoid alcohol when you're piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring nature, or swimming and surfing. Provide Food: Offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Eating can slow down alcohol absorption, reducing the peak BAC by about one-third, and can also help prevent stomach irritation the next day.Offer Alcohol-Free Options: Have plenty of water, juices, and sparkling sodas available. These not only combat dehydration but can also slow down alcohol absorption and reduce peak alcohol concentration in the blood, giving your guests excellent alternatives. Ensure Safe Rides Home: Always help your guests get home safely. Encourage the use of designated drivers, ride-hailing services, or taxis. No one who has consumed alcohol should ever get behind the wheel.

summer drinking poses a health risk you may not be aware of - why heat and alcohol don't mix well

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Does It Really Work? Trials For Chemical Castration In UK Jails Raise Questions On It's Effectiveness

Quick Stories

What Is Nail Clubbing, and Could It Be a Sign of a Serious Disease?

Your Ethnicity May Be Putting You At Higher Risk For This Major Nerve Disorder

Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of: Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well?

Health Conditions A-Z

What Is Nail Clubbing, and Could It Be a Sign of a Serious Disease?

Your Ethnicity May Be Putting You At Higher Risk For This Major Nerve Disorder

Summer Drinking Poses A Health Risk You May Not Be Aware Of: Why Heat And Alcohol Don't Mix Well?