We all know that we feel differently after consuming an alcoholic beverage, even a little bit of an alcoholic beverage can have a big effect on our bodies and how we function afterwards. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and the amount that it takes to impair our abilities differs from person to person.
What effects does alcohol have on our bodies? Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that it slows down our bodies and functions. These range from mental abilities and functions, to physical abilities and functions. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, which acts as a control box for our bodies. When alcohol hits our nervous system, it has a slowing down effect on our neurons.
When our nervous system is slowed down, our reaction time is therefore also slowed down. This creates more difficulty in routine tasks such as coordination, vision, speech and our ability to perform everyday functions like driving. The amount of impairment depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, but even a little bit of alcohol can have major impacts on our functioning.
Often, people think that they are not nearly impaired as they really are. They often perceive themselves as being fully functional and not impaired, but in reality are exhibiting the signs of alcohol. Alcohol also affects our senses, such as the ability to speak clearly, which explains why people tend to slur after they have had a few drinks. It also affects our ability to hear and we often tend to talk a lot louder than we would otherwise.
Alcohol use over time leaves the body impaired, and constant abuse of alcohol can lead to major health problems if untreated. In moderation and small amounts, alcohol can be filtered through the system without causing long-term problems, but if abused, can slow down the entire body and functioning of the kidneys.