The Immediate Effect of Alcohol
Alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream very quickly. The absorption rate depends on the amount and type of food in your stomach. For example, high carbohydrate and high fat foods lessen the absorption rates. A carbonated alcoholic drink, like champagne, will be absorbed faster.
The effects of alcohol may appear within 10 minutes and peak at approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol remains in the bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver. If a person consumes alcohol at a faster rate than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises.
Each state has its own legal definition for alcohol intoxication, which is defined by blood alcohol concentration. The legal limit usually falls between 0.08 and 0.10 in most states. Different levels lead to different effects:
* 0.05 — reduced inhibitions
* 0.10 — slurred speech
* 0.20 — euphoria and motor impairment
* 0.30 — confusion
* 0.40 — stupor
* 0.50 — coma
* 0.60 — respiratory paralysis and death
Alcohol depresses your breathing rate, heart rate, and the control mechanisms in your brain. The effects include:
* Less ability to drive and perform complex tasks
* Reduced inhibitions, which may lead to embarrassing behavior
* Reduced attention span
* Impaired short-term memory
* Impaired motor coordination
* Prolonged reaction time
* Less rapid thought processes
If a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol can adversely affect the developing fetus causing birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome (a devastating disorder marked by mental retardation and behavioral problems).
HEALTH RISKS
Alcohol increases the risks of:
* Motor vehicle accidents
* Falls, drownings, and other accidents
* Suicide and homicide
* increased risk for homicide
* Risky sex behaviors, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
* Fetal alcohol syndrome if a pregnant woman drinks
* Alcoholism or alcohol dependence
* Chronic liver disease
* Head, neck, stomach, and breast cancers