Facts About Alcohol & the Nervous System

Beer.

Over 100,000 deaths occur every year in the United States linked to alcohol consumption. Males are four times more likely to be heavy drinkers than females. Alcohol results from yeast or bacteria added to starchy/sugary liquids, which changes the sugars to alcohols.

Identification

Two ways to identify alcohol's influence is an increase in talkativeness and slurred speech.

Size

Men who are heavier can drink more alcohol before feeling the effects, where women weighing 100 pounds or less can feel the effects of alcohol after 1.25 oz of 80 proof liquor, one 12oz beer or one 5oz glass of wine.

Geography

Alcohol blocks some of the chemical messages sent to the brain altering their emotions, vision, hearing, movement and perception. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, causing it to function less efficiently.

Considerations

Alcohol impairs balance and reaction times, causing people to stagger while walking and decreasing their ability to drive effectively.

Warning

Alcoholism is the physical addition that takes place due to long-term alcohol consumption. Alcoholics are at risk for causing permanent organ damage, having malnutrition, high blood pressure and sexual dysfunctions.

References

• Alcohol -- What is Alcohol?
• Alcohol -- How Does it Affect the Body?
• Greater Dallas Council On Alcohol & Drug Abuse -- Alcohol

Resources

• Drugfree.org -- Alcohol