What are the harmful consequences of drinking?
Unlike most over the counter drugs that we buy such as painkillers or cold remedies, alcohol does not come with instructions on how to use it, how much to take or what side effects it can have. Alcohol can effect people differently in terms of how it makes them feel and behave as well as how much they can tolerate, this can be due to factors such as size, age or sex as well as biological factors which determine how the body reacts to alcohol and how well it removes it. The way someone reacts when they have been drinking may also depend on their emotional state at the time and the environment that they are drinking in. Alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and its effects generally start to be felt around 5-10mins after consumption. The extent of its effects in an individual depends on how much is consumed and also their tolerance to alcohol, which may be higher if they drink alcohol regularly. The time taken for these effects to wear off also depends on the individual. The liver is r
The effects of alcohol on the human body can take several forms. Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a potent central nervous system depressant, with a range of side effects. The amount and circumstances of consumption play a large part in determining the extent of intoxication; e.g., consuming alcohol after a heavy meal is less likely to produce visible signs of intoxication than consumption on an empty stomach. Hydration also plays a role, especially in determining the extent of hangovers. The concentration of alcohol in blood is usually given by BAC. Alcohol has a biphasic effect on the body, which is to say that its effects change over time. Initially, alcohol generally produces feelings of relaxation and cheerfulness, but further consumption can lead to blurred vision and coordination problems. Cell membranes are highly permeable to alcohol, so once alcohol is in the bloodstream it can diffuse into nearly every tissue of the body. After excessive drinking, unconsciousness can occur
