Alcohol consumption has both short-term and long-termeffects on the body. Short-term effects include feelings of relaxation or drowsiness, changes in mood and behavior, slurred speech, loss of coordination, trouble focusing, and blackouts. Long-term effects include persistent changes in mood, decreased immune system function, sexual dysfunction, memory problems, and relationship tension.
Drinking too much alcohol over time can lead to pancreatitis, liver disease, and impaired blood sugar regulation. Alcohol affects the central nervous system by reducing communication between the brain and body, leading to slurred speech and impaired coordination. Chronic alcohol use can cause damage to the central nervous system and the liver, leading to more serious health consequences.
Alcohol safety tips include drinking with food, drinkingwater, drinking slowly, avoiding mixing with other substances, and never drinking and driving. Alcohol stays in the body for 24 hours and its effects on the body depend on factors such as sex, age, food intake, and more. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes, but its metabolic rate can be affected by factors like sex, age, food intake, and more.
On average, it takes one hour to metabolize one drink. To reduce the effects of alcohol, eat food, drink water, and avoid caffeine. Tests for alcohol in the body include urine and breath tests, which can detect alcohol up to 12 hours and 24 hours after drinking respectively. Alcohol can also be detected in hair for 90 days. Alcohol poisoning is a condition caused by drinking large amounts of alcohol and can have symptoms ranging from impaired judgment to unconsciousness, coma, and death.
Drinking water can help prevent dehydration and slow downalcohol consumption, but it won't sober you up. Drinking caffeine should be avoided as it can make you more alert, but not decrease the effects of alcohol.
To stay safe, limit alcohol consumption to a few drinks per week and avoid excessive drinking. Always have a designated driver if you are drinking away from home, even if you are under the legal limit. Your peer group might also consider that someone be designated to not drink that night (even if they are not driving), so that at least one person in the group is sober.