Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects every organ in the body. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver. Since the liver can only metabolize a small amount at a time, the rest stays in the bloodstream. Effects vary from person to person and depend on many factors, including weight, physical condition and use of prescription medications such as antidepressants or sedatives.
Benefits of Moderate Drinking
Moderate drinking, defined as one drink a day for women of all ages or men older than 65 and two for men age 65 and younger, may be beneficial to your health, explains MayoClinic.com. Possible benefits include lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, gallstones and diabetes. The American Heart Association, however, points out that eating a proper diet, losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce these risks, and cautions not to start drinking if you do not already drink. Consult a physician to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Intoxication
Intoxication is the medical word for feeling drunk. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, alcohol can take effect within just 10 minutes of consuming the first drink, but usually peaks at about 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol decreases your heart rate, respiratory rate and brain function. Intoxication can impair coordination and short-term memory, make it difficult to drive or perform other complicated tasks, prolong your reaction time, reduce your attention span and lower your inhibitions.
Short-term Effects
Even moderate social drinking carries risks, including an increase in risky sexual behaviors that can lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases as well as falls and other accidents. Driving while under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of an accident or a DUI violation, which can lead to steep fines, cancellation of your car insurance and jail time. Alcohol poisoning is a potentially fatal consequence of binge drinking, which is characterized by quickly drinking five alcoholic beverages in a row, explains MayoClinic.com. Signs of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, decreased respiratory rate, low body temperature and loss of consciousness.
Complications
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis increases your risk of developing a dependence on alcohol. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that alcohol abuse is the leading cause of cirrhosis, a non-curable, often fatal disease of the liver. In the digestive system, long-term alcohol use can damage the esophagus and lead to pancreatitis. It can cause brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that causes loss of balance, memory loss and confusion.
Treating Alcohol Dependence
There are many ways to treat alcohol dependence, including in-patient treatment, group therapy, counseling, prescription medications and religious-based programs. What works for one person may not work for another and finding the right fit is essential to successful recovery. Alcohol withdrawal can cause serious complications, especially in long-term users, and should be monitored by a medical professional. Possible complications include altered mental status, delirium, hallucinations, seizures and coma, according to Medline Plus.
