Alcohol and your health: Risks, benefits, and controversies

We all know that the brain is the main source of the body’s functions. Imagine putting your brain in a jar filled with alcohol and shaking it up— it’s not a pretty picture. Yet that’s what slowly happens, to a certain extent, when you drink and don’t stop drinking alcohol.

This is the period where many people continue drinking in excess to get rid of drowsiness since alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. At this point, you are considered drunk with a BAC of 0.09% to 0.25%. Being drunk can initially feel euphoric and social, but as intoxication increases, it can lead to confusion, loss of coordination, and emotional instability. However, the social context can also contribute to risky behaviors, such as binge drinking or drinking and driving.

To the Brain and Beyond

Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the unit used to assess the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. While some find it fun to get a buzz from drinking alcohol from time to time, consuming too much of it can be downright dangerous. The experience of being drunk can feel different for everyone, but it commonly results in a decrease in inhibitions and a heightening of emotions. Upon consuming alcohol, the body undergoes immediate changes as the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

It’s important to understand how alcohol affects you personally and to recognize when you’ve had enough. The effects of alcohol can vary from person to person based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tolerance. By being aware of your own limits, you can avoid reaching a level of intoxication that may impair your judgment and put you at risk. These emotional changes are influenced by individual factors such as personality, mental health, and the social context in which drinking occurs. Enjoying drinks with friends can be a fun way to socialize and unwind, but it’s important to be aware of how long it takes to sober up after a night of drinking. Typically, it takes two hours for your body to metabolize one standard drink.

When you drink a lot, your body and brain functions slow down considerably. When an individual is unconscious due to alcohol intoxication, it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. It is important to seek immediate medical assistance if someone is unresponsive and cannot be awakened. As intoxication reaches its peak, some individuals may experience a complete loss of consciousness. This state is characterized by the inability to remain awake or respond to external stimuli. Loss of consciousness can range from a temporary state to a complete loss of awareness for an extended period.

Building Healthier Drinking Habits

By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers. We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process. The Summit Wellness Group is located how does it feel like to be drunk in Georgia and all of your calls will be directed to one of our local staff members.

Loss of Consciousness and Potential Dangers

At this level, individuals may feel more relaxed, talkative, and experience a sense of well-being. However, it’s important to note that even mild intoxication can impair judgment and coordination, making it unsafe to engage in activities such as driving. Another common sign of drunkenness is impaired judgment and decision-making. This can manifest itself in risky behaviors, like trying to drive while drunk or getting into fights. Drunkenness can also cause people to behave impulsively or say things they wouldn’t normally say.

Confusion (BAC: 0.18–0.30%)

Delaying emergency care increases the risk of serious health issues, including death. Alcohol tolerance can affect the extent to which a person feels intoxicated. People who frequently drink may feel less drunk than those who do not. People with alcohol use disorder may not feel drunk at all, even when their BAC is very high. Your body functions will slow so much that you will fall into a coma, putting you at risk of death. As you drink, alcohol goes into your bloodstream and affects your brain and body functions.

Having a drink while getting together with family or friends is often part of many special occasions. At a BAC level of 0.45 or greater, severe damage is sustained to the internal organ systems. No matter your size, your liver will only digest one standard drink per hour. Peeing a lot and not getting enough nonalcoholic fluids can lead to dehydration and make you even more drunk.

• Being drunk can bring about a range of emotions and physical sensations that vary depending on the level of intoxication.
• From that first sip, it takes only five minutes to reach your brain where feel-good endorphins are released.
• Experiencing the effects of alcohol can take us on a unique and sometimes unpredictable journey.
• It is crucial to understand these factors to promote responsible drinking and make informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption.
• If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at
• Alcohol affects the brain by slowing down cognitive processes, inhibiting rational thinking, and distorting perception.
• The effects of alcohol can last from a few hours to longer, depending on various factors, including the amount consumed and individual metabolism.

Emotional and Physical Effects

• This post takes a look at the science of alcohol and how it affects our senses and emotions.
• It is crucial to understand that the inability to remember events during a blackout does not mean those events did not occur.
• No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
• Individuals may have difficulty walking, experience slurred speech, and struggle with fine motor skills.
• Chronic drinking can even cause dementia by causing a dangerous vitamin B-1 (thiamine) deficiency.

They may feel slightly more relaxed but are still in control of their actions. The stages range from sobriety to potential death, with each stage characterized by specific emotional and physical symptoms. In a positive social context, drinking can lead to enjoyable experiences and stronger social bonds. Alcohol can help reduce social anxiety, making it easier for individuals to connect with others and participate in group activities. The experience of alcohol intoxication is different for each person. Those who have not experienced alcohol intoxication may wonder what it feels like to be “drunk.” It can affect mood, speech, judgment, and more.

When it comes to the levels of intoxication, several factors play a role in determining how alcohol affects an individual. Understanding these factors can help shed light on the different intensities of being drunk. One of the most significant dangers of excessive intoxication is the increased risk of accidents and injuries. Alcohol impairs motor skills, coordination, and reaction time, making it more difficult to perform tasks safely.

However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of negative consequences, both short- and long-term. Alcohol significantly impairs judgment and decision-making abilities. This impairment is due to its effect on the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking and impulse control. As a result, individuals may engage in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or making poor financial decisions. As the level of intoxication deepens, individuals may experience increased confusion and disorientation. These effects are often attributed to the impact of alcohol on the central nervous system, which can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities.