Alcohol Information:
Alcohol Effect on the body:
- Alcohol predominantly effects the nerve cells within the brain. It obstructs the communication between nerve cells and all others. Restraining the motion of excitatory nerve pathways and amplifying the motion of inhibitory nerve pathways, which causes sluggishness.
- Increasing BAC, will cause more and more centers of the brain to be affected.
- Cerebral cortex
- Limbic system
- Cerebellum
- Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
- Medulla
Alcohol Effects other parts of the body also:
- Aggravates the linings of the stomach and intestine
- Boosts blood flow to the stomach and intestines
- Boosts blood flow to the skin
- Decreases blood flow to muscles
Another way in which alcohol affects the brain is by depriving it of food substances such as vitamins. This is typically due to the fact that heavy drinkers often neglect their diet, which leads to vitamin deficiencies. Thiamine, a 'B' vitamin is most commonly missing from the diet, and in the long run this can lead to serious mental disturbance.
Other central nervous system effects:
- Loss of pain perception
- Visual ability Impaired
- Altered sense of time and space
- Unclear hearing
- Impaired fine motor skills and judgment
- Impaired sexual performance
- Slows reaction time
- Dulled smell and taste
Sobering Facts and Myths about Alcohol Consumption:
- Drinking coffee will help a drunk person sober up.
- Only time can sober you up!
- Drinking alcohol causes weight gain.
- Extensive research around the world has found alcohol consumption be does not cause weight gain in men and is often associated with a small weight loss in women.
- People who abstain from alcohol are "alcohol-free."
- Every person produces alcohol normally in the body 24 hours each and every day from birth until death. Therefore, we always have alcohol in our bodies.
If you feel you are at risk for DUI, due to the way alcohol effects your body, then speak to a medical professional or physician! If you have already experienced arrest for a DUI then speak to a reputable DUI attorney.