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The First Five Immediate Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that impairs judgment and slows reaction time. It's quickly absorbed by the bloodstream and remains there until broken down by the liver. Immediate effects, also known as short-term effects, of alcohol greatly depend on how much and how quickly alcohol is consumed, body composition, age and general health.

  1. Loss of Inhibitions

    • According to West Virginia University the most immediate effect of alcohol is a sense of sociability and elation. Furthermore, initial effects give the user feelings of "mild euphoria, relaxation, and increased self-confidence." These feelings arise because alcohol suppresses the area of the brain responsible for inhibiting and restraining action and behavior. Even at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 judgment, thinking and behavior noticeably change. As a result, the more you drink the more likely you are to do something you'll regret.

    Poor Reaction Time and Vision

    • BAC levels of 0.1 to 0.15 indicate that alcohol has reached the mid-section of your brain which is responsible for reaction time. As a result, reflexes and reaction time are significantly diminished. Moreover, the user will experience a loss of peripheral vision and experience impaired hearing, confusion and dizziness. At these BAC levels distance becomes difficult to judge, thereby further reducing reaction time.

    Poor Coordination

    • At a BAC of 0.15 to 0.4 motor skills begin to diminish. Severe motor impairment includes difficulty walking and standing. As more alcohol is consumed behavior becomes exaggerated and the user's speech begins to slur. Moreover, emotions can become erratic and sensations, such as pain, are significantly decreased. Consequently, this lack of physical and emotional coordination could easily result in a vehicle accident or a serious fall.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Alcohol is a poison that can only be tolerated by the human body in small amounts. When too much has been consumed the body will naturally attempt to purge in an attempt to protect itself. Feelings of nausea and dizziness that lead to vomiting are to be expected when large quantities are consumed.

    Hangover and Headaches

    • A hangover is not often thought of as an immediate effect of alcohol consumption, but in reality the common effects of a hangover can be felt after only a few hours of drinking. Alcohol causes the kidneys to increase urinary output which leads to dehydration. Losing too much fluid will cause a severe headache, nausea and dry or sticky mouth -- all common symptoms of a hangover. Hangover symptoms will persist until the lost fluids are replenished.

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