Hi student!

Depending on how much is taken and the physical condition of the individual, alcohol can cause:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties
• Distorted vision and hearing
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased perception and coordination
• Unconsciousness
• Anemia (loss of red blood cells)
• Coma
• Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Binge drinking and continued alcohol use in large amounts are associated with many health problems, including:

• Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning
• Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
• Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity
• Increased family problems, broken relationships
• Alcohol poisoning
• High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases
• Liver disease
• Nerve damage
• Sexual problems
• Permanent damage to the brain
• Vitamin B ₁ deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation
• Ulcers
• Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls)
• Malnutrition
• Cancer of the mouth and throat

A person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) determines the effect of alcohol on the central nervous system. Those who have built up a tolerance to alcohol can drink more than those with a lower tolerance level.

Depending on your BAC, you can experience an array of side effects that range from minor complications to more severe ones. For example, lower BAC percentages tend to come with temporary side effects that subside within a few hours. However, as BAC percentages increase, the symptoms become much more serious and can be life-threatening.

Here’s a breakdown of different BAC percentages along with their symptoms:

BAC: 0.033-0.12 Percent

• Improvement in mood
• Higher self-confidence
• Less anxiety
• Flushing of the face
• Shorter attention span
• Lack of fine motor coordination
• Impairment of judgment

BAC: 0.09-0.25 Percent

• Sedation
• Loss of memory and lack of comprehension
• Delayed motor reactions
• Balance problems and ataxia
• Blurred vision and sensation impairment

BAC 0.25-0.40 Percent

• In and out of consciousness or complete unconsciousness
• Amnesia during the events while intoxicated
• Staggering gait
• Vomiting with aspiration
• Respiratory depression
• Incontinence of urine
• Slowed heart rate

BAC 0.35-0.80 Percent

• Comatose
• Lack of pupillary response to light
• Life-threatening respiratory depression
• Severe decrease in heart rate
• Death

Hope this helps!

Thank you.