The Effects of Alcohol on Physiological Processes & Biological Development

Alcohol consumption effects many physiological processes and can interfere with normal biological development. Alcohol, otherwise known as ethanol, is a barbiturate, and its effects are almost instantaneous after consumption. Since alcohol is passed through the blood stream, it affects most organs and parts of the body. Its effects can be short lived or long term, depending on the amount consumed.

Central Nervous System

• The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain, spinal cord and the nerves found in both. Alcohol intoxication slows down the central nervous system and affects sensory function, learning, memory and motor skills. Alcohol causes emotional disturbances and mood swings. Lack of oxygen in the brain causes thousands of brain cells to die, and those brain cells may never be reestablished, resulting in impaired cognitive functioning. In extreme cases, a person may experience a blackout while drinking alcohol, during which he may have no memory of the experience.

Hormone & Endocrine System

• Alcohol consumption before the onset of puberty can alter the endocrine system and cause people to enter puberty early. Alcohol negatively affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are responsible for regulating hormones in the body, especially during puberty. Alcohol can lower estrogen levels in women and can lower both the luteinizing hormone and testosterone in boys. People who begin consuming alcohol at young ages will show more developmental effects than those who do not.

Intestinal

• Alcohol avoids the normal digestive process and is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and produces a sticky type of mucous, which delays absorption. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed, the liver stops functioning properly, which can result in hypoglycemia, fatty liver, arthritis, gout and a buildup of fat in the blood stream. Alcohol increases stomach acid, which can result in ulcers or gastritis. Long-term stress on the pancreas can cause diabetes.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• Women who drink during pregnancy put their unborn children at risk of developing fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects the cognitive and physical development of the fetus, which can be seen during and after birth. The effects can include bone and organ abnormalities, cleft palate, retarded intellect, poor coordination and poor motor skills. People born with fetal alcohol syndrome may have abnormal facial features, stunted growth and heart defects. Women should avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy.