Los efectos del alcohol

The effects of alcohol

Everybody responds differently to drinking alcohol so it is not possible to say what effects havng a certain number of drinks has on a person. Instead blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can be used as a guide to what affects alcohol may have on behaviour.

• SHORT EFFECTS

Alcohol starts to affect the brain within five minutes of being consumed. The BAC peaks about 30-45 minutes after one standard drink is consumed. Rapid consumption of multiple drinks results in higher BAC because the average body can only break down one standard drink per hour.

Depending of the number of alcohol we have in our body, we will feel these emotions.

• Feeling of well-being:

1. Talkative
2. Relaxed
3. More confident

• Some raised risk:

1. Talkative
2. Acts and feels self-confident
3. Judgment and movement impaired
4. Inhibitions reduced

• Moderately raised risk

1. Speech slurred
2. Balance and coordination impaired
3. Reflexes slowed
4. Visual attention impaired
5. Unstable emotions
6. Nausea, vomiting

• Very Elevated Risk:

1. Unable to walk without help
2. Apathetic, sleepy
3. Laboured breathing
4. Unable to remember events
5. Loss of bladder control
6. Possible loss of consciousness

• Death:

1. Coma
2. Death

Effects of alcohol in long-time

Long-term effects

Each year approximately 3000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 100,000 people are hospitalised. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is associated with:

• heart damage
• high blood pressure and stroke
• liver disease
• cancers of the digestive system
• other digestive system disorders (eg stomach ulcers)
• sexual impotence and reduced fertility
• increasing risk of breast cancer
• sleeping difficulties
• brain damage with mood and personality changes
• concentration and memory problems
• nutrition-related conditions
• risks to unborn babies.

In addition to health problems, alcohol also impacts on relationships, finances, work, and may result in legal problems.