Immediate and social effects of alcohol
Immediate Effects
Alcohol is a sedative hypnotic drug and affects people in diverse ways. When alcohol is drunk it is absorbed directly into to the blood stream via the stomach and small intestine. The absorbed alcohol then passes through the liver, and from there to all the organs of the body. Alcohol is eventually converted into water and carbon dioxide, which is then removed via the lungs. Alcohol at low doses relaxes the user and makes them more talkative and animated. Higher doses lead to slurred speech, loss of co-ordination, unsteadiness when standing or walking, impaired attention and judgement and sleepiness. Higher doses still lead to alcohol poisoning which can cause brain damage and death.The results of short-term over-consumption of alcohol are known as a "hangover". A hangover is caused by a number of factors. Alcohol is a diuretic, i.e. it encourages urination, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration produces the characteristic hangover headache. Alcohol also stimulates the production of insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels produce feelings of drowsiness, trembling, faintness and hunger. All alcoholic drinks contain 'congeners'. These are particularly common in red wine, port etc. Congeners are impurities that they also contribute special characteristics of taste, aroma, and colour to the beverages. Some have nutrient and medicinal effects. Some, in spite of their small quantity, slow the rate at which the body disposes of ethyl alcohol and may have toxic effects if very large amounts of alcoholic beverages are consumed. In addition, alcohol is very acidic, which can cause stomach upsets.
Excess drinking has more harmful consequences for children and adolescents than adults because they have generally smaller bodies. The same is also true for older people.
