How it Affects You: Your Body

Short-term Effects Long-term Effects

Short Term Effects

BAC # Drinks Approx. Effects .02 - .06 1 to 2.5 Loss of Inhibitions - The most obvious effects of alcohol result from depression of the nervous system. Even the initial stimulant effect actually results from depression of centres in the brain that inhibit our actions and restrain our behaviour. After one drink, most people will feel more relaxed and possibly "loosened up" a little. Drinking more can make a person feel gregarious and possibly more self-confident, but some people will become hostile, depressed, anxious and withdrawn. .07 to 0.1 3-4 Loss of Judgment - Even below the legal limit for driving (.08), coordination and perception are affected, whereby, thinking, judgment, and the ability to estimate distances can be impaired and reaction times increased. Studies have shown that drivers with a BAC of 0.10 are seven times more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident. 0.1 to 0.15 5-7 Impaired Reactions - As alcohol reaches the midsection of your brain, reflexes further diminish and significantly more impairment occurs. Loss of peripheral vision, impaired hearing, problems breathing, dizziness, and confusion, may be experienced. 0.15 to 0.4 8-10 Impaired Coordination - The non-tolerant person is very intoxicated with pronounced motor impairment. Difficulty standing, walking, talking, decreased pain and sensation, erratic emotions, stupor, memory blackouts, semi/total loss of consciousness and coma may be experienced. 0.4 and up 10 + Loss of vital functions - BAC's above 0.4 to 0.6 are usually fatal, typically from respiratory depression. Deaths from overdose usually result from excessive alcohol consumption. This kind of consumption has been associated with college parties and drinking games. See Alcohol Poisoning. Other Short-Term Effects - Alcohol increases stomach secretions which could cause heartburn. Kidneys increase urinary output, contributing to dehydration and a hangover. Blood vessels dilate in the skin causing loss of body heat despite a feeling of warmth, which could be dangerous in situations of extreme cold. In a study involving non-alcoholic volunteers, acute intake of even small amounts of alcohol (1-2 oz.) led to accumulations of fat in liver cells. Alcohol may increase sexual desire but decreases sexual performance by inhibiting the physical responses of the sexual organs.