Term for an emotional state of exaggerated ecstasy or an intense feeling of happiness that lifts someone above their normal emotional state. Such a state is caused by psychotropic substances, among other things. These are active substances that influence the human psyche. Depending on the substance, this is associated with disturbances of consciousness, cognitive abilities, perception, affect and behaviour. As a consequence, intoxication is treated by drinking alcohol. When consumed in excess, alcohol causes disinhibition, increased emotionality, inhibition of thinking, stupefaction and overestimation of oneself. In early advanced civilisations, excessive consumption of alcohol to the point of drunkenness was a ritualised custom on certain occasions. Until the Middle Ages, excessive intoxication was considered normal. From the 16th century onwards it was outlawed and from the 19th century onwards it was increasingly regarded as a disease (alcoholism).
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena