Once in the bloodstream, alcohol affects every organ in the body, including your brain.
This article discusses everything you’re gonna wanna know about the short-term effects of alcohol.
The short-termeffects of alcoholappear quickly, typically within minutes after consuming your first drink.
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As you drink an alcoholic beverage, alcohol moves into your bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine.
This slows the communication between brain cells and has a calming effect on the mind and body.
It’s also why alcohol can make you feelsleepyor drowsy, especially as your blood alcohol concentration rises.
Euphoria or Giddiness
Alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to feelings of euphoria or giddiness.
By promoting the release of these feel-good neurotransmitters, alcohol temporarily amplifies feelings of joy and lightheartedness.
Lowered Inhibitions
One of the best-known effects of drinking alcohol is lowered inhibitions.
Lowered inhibitions can also lead to poor decision-making and increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviors.
Headache
Getting a headache is a common experience after drinking too much alcohol.
Excessive drinkingalso commonly causes vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty focusing.
The cerebellum is the brain’s control center for movement, balance, and coordination.
The frontal cortex is the brain’s center for higher-order functions like planning, decision-making, and impulse control.
Alcohol disrupts frontal cortex functioning, leading to poor judgment, difficulty weighing options logically, and increased impulsivity.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
Alcohol poisoning can quickly become life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.
Call911for help if you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning.
A Word From Verywell
Alcohol poisoning can be dangerous and life-threatening.
It is important to always consume in moderation and to seek care if you exceed your limits.
Luckily, alcohol poisoning is very treatable with prompt care.
While many people who drink alcohol initially experience relaxation or euphoria, these feelings are temporary.
Drinking too much or too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning.
This is a potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.
If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly.
This means pacing yourself, eating before drinking, knowing your limits, and avoiding excessive consumption.
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