Short-term Effects of Alcohol - 860 Words

Short-term Effects of Alcohol While expectations can help shape ones reaction to drinking it is clear that alcohol has its own direct effects. It is a powerful drug, capable of affecting body and behavior. The determining factor is how much ethanol is in the blood stream, because it is via the blood that alcohol is carried to the brain, nervous system, and bodily organs and systems where its direct actions take place. Alcoholic beverages differ in the concentration of ethanol they contain: beers average 4.5%, wines about 12%, and straight distilled spirits (hard liquor) approximately 40%. The effects mainly reflect the action of the alcohol as a general depressant of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal†¦show more content†¦The liver may develop Fatty Liver Disease. This disease is 100% reversible with abstinence from alcohol. If this disease continues it will eventually develop into Alcoholic Hepatitis and then Cirrhosis. Alcohol causes disturbances in the heart rate. I f you already have heart problems, this could kill you. Alcohol is the major cause of acute inflammation of the pancreas that results in increasing death of the pancreas and increasing dysfunction and poor health. Urinary function increases due to changes in the hormone aldosterone, which regulates water in the body. Alcohol causes an increase in the fluid accumulation in the lungs and can lead to chronic lung infections (â€Å"Effects of Alcohol on Your Body†). Alcohol requires no digestion. Once in the body, it enters the bloodstream immediate through the stomach lining. Food in the stomach slows this process down, but does not impede intoxication. Metabolism of alcohol occurs in the liver. It requires a specific enzyme known as â€Å"alcohol dehydrogenate†, as well as the B-complex vitamins, niacin and thiamin. The liver can process about  ½ ounce of alcohol every hour or hour-and-a-half. Unprocessed alcohol circulates through the bloodstream until the liv er can process it. Alcohol passes through the three main areas of the brain via the bloodstream. These are the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain controls judgement and reasoning, the midbrain controls muscular control, andShow MoreRelatedThe Alteration of Human Abilities by Alcohol882 Words   |  4 Pagesproven alcohol can play an immense role in altering human abilities. Consumption of alcohol can result in deficiency in motor skills such as walking. Not to mention slurred speech, slowed reaction times, blurred vision, and impaired memory. Some of these symptoms quickly diminish when drinking stops. Alternatively, a person who drinks heavily over a long period of time may have brain insufficiencies that carry on well after he or she reaches sobriety. Heavy drinking may have extensive effects on theRead MoreAlcohol and Its Effects on the Body Essay932 Words   |  4 PagesAlcohol and Its Effects on the Body As tempting as it might be to consume alcohol in college, I have found through recent experiences that the idea might not be as glamorous and fun as it seems. I have experienced the trouble that drinking can cause and the negative impacts that alcohol does to your body. Unfortunately, I have experienced many of the troubles that alcohol can acquire for someone. There are so many impacts that alcohol has on your body-acute effectsRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcohol Abuse On The Body1644 Words   |  7 PagesAlcohol abuse can also cause short-term effects to the body. Although there are many different short-term effects, the most common happens to be a hangover which is a â€Å"group of symptoms experienced by a person after a heavy consumption of alcohol† (Alcoholic 1). 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There are various ways however to treat substance abuse. SignsRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcohol Poisoning On Australia1635 Words   |  7 Pagesoutlining the effects of alcohol poisoning. Describing what it is, why the report is required and a specific high risk group – young Australians ages 18-24. The benefit of this report will outline the main dangers of alcohol poisoning and why it’s a big problem in Australia. Alcohol poisoning in Western Australia alcohol caused 2.85% of total health problems for Australia, Costing the medical industry in Western Australia $379,689,476.83. This includes all the problems associated with alcohol and alcoholRead MoreLong Term Effects of Alchool818 Words   |  4 PagesKeith McGrenaghan 12th Grade Alcohol essay The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use Alcohol is primarily absorbed through the stomach and the small intestines. 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