What Are the Behavioral Effects of Alcohol?

Alcohol has been consumed throughout history for various reasons. Many people who drink alcohol do so for the purpose of altering their normal consciousness so they can loosen up in social situations, fit in with the crowd or escape their problems. Alcohol use affects the behavior of people emotionally, psychologically, physically and socially.

Psychological

• Perception changes when a person drinks alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant of the nervous system, although many people initially feel a sense of euphoria or relaxation when they drink. A person who is normally tense may relax and let go while a person who is normally very shy may become more animated. People perceive their circumstances differently, may be more open to dangerous situations than if they were not drinking alcohol and often cannot think through difficult decisions.

Emotional

• People who drink alcohol may notice a drastic change in emotions. Some people may display sadness or anger more readily, be prone to violence, experience mood swings or feel depressed. Although each person's response to alcohol varies, the larger the amount of alcohol consumed the more likely emotional highs and lows will be experienced.

Social

• The effects of alcohol on social behavior may be the biggest reason many people drink in the first place. People who are not generally comfortable in social situations will feel relaxed and conversational when drinking alcohol. Using alcohol also allows people to fit in and feel like they are part of the crowd. People who are drinking may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as betting, unprotected sex and heated arguments. The relaxing effects of alcohol may seem to help social anxieties, but people can easily become dependent on the substance, leading to increased health risks.

Physical

• Alcohol affects the entire nervous system and can alter a person's vision, motor skills and perception. People who are drinking may think they can drive a car safely, but physically their skills are limited and they may not be able to judge depth or stop in time for an emergency. Since alcohol affects physical abilities such as movement, people who are drinking may not be able to walk, run, make it to the toilet or avoid danger safely.