Alcohol's Effects

Alcohol can have significant effects on feelings, perceptions, and physiology. These pages are designed to provide an overview of factors that effect intoxication, the effects of alcohol on the brain and body, and a variety of methods you can use to estimate your BAC.Although alcohol may give you a feeling of elation and aroused senses due to a lessening of inhibitions during the early stages of alcohol intoxication, alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the central nervous system—leading to slowed reactions, slurred speech, and ultimately, to unconsciousness. Alcohol progressively affects different brain areas. Alcohol first affects the part of the brain that controls inhibitions. When people lose their inhibitions, they may talk more, get rowdy, and do foolish things. After several drinks, they may feel “high,” but really, their nervous system is slowing down.

Alcohol acts fast because it is not digested like food. Instead, it moves directly into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine. It takes a long time for alcohol’s effects to wear off—as it takes approximately one hour for the liver to process the alcohol in one drink.

The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure: A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery