The Effects of Alcohol on the Body & How it Affects Your Ability to Drive

For centuries, alcohol has been a staple in celebrations from weddings to birthdays to holidays. People all over the world consume also alcoholic beverages on a multitude of occasions to relieve stress and have a good time. Consumption requires a level of responsibility, though, as alcohol has many adverse side effects. These side effects, if not monitored and controlled, can create health and safety issues for both you and those around you.

Your Liver on Alcohol

• Alcohol has many side effects of which many people may not be aware. Of the more common side effects, liver damage is among the most widely known. When you consume alcohol, your body treats it as a form of poison and uses the liver to filter out the intoxicating chemicals. Excessive drinking can cause a buildup of scar tissue in the liver, hardening it. This buildup is known as cirrhosis, and it can restrict blood flow and eventually cause internal bleeding.

Your Brain on Alcohol

• Though alcohol use is found in many celebrations, it is chemically considered a depressant. Consumption typically causes a release of chemicals in your brain that can cause memory loss, mood swings and intensified feelings of depression. Extremely high levels can even cause your central nervous system to shut down, usually resulting in death. When the alcohol reaches your brain, it also slows motor functions by interfering with cell receptors that would normally be used to send and receive messages throughout the body.

Your Digestive System on Alcohol

• Alcohol also can have a major effect on your digestive system. It can cause irritation in the lining of the esophagus and stomach, possibly causing ulcers and internal bleeding. Excessive drinking can also cause vomiting, which can erode the lining of the stomach and esophagus, leading to acid reflux and increasing the chance of gastric or esophageal ulcers. In the kidneys, alcohol can create hormonal imbalances, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Driving on Alcohol

• Driving is a responsibility that requires extensive and fully alert use of your senses. When alcohol enters your brain, it delays the messages relayed by your senses, causing a delay in reaction times. It interferes with signals relayed by your cerebellum, causing poor balance and reaction time, making it difficult for your body to react to its environment, such as the car in front of you applying its brakes. It can also slow blood flow throughout the body and decrease heart rate, causing your reaction time to slow further, and may even cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel.