WHAT IT IS

Alcohol is sometimes and other times not considered a drug. It’s an addictive beverage that makes you feel uncoordinated and lose control.

• Alcohol cuts off the pathways to the brain after being consumed, which alters your mood and behavior for the time being.
• It affects your body and organs. Your heart is  affected, it causes irregular heart beats, strokes, high blood pressures, and drooping of the heart muscles.
• Cancer may be the outcome of drinking, it could affect your mouth, esophagus, throat, liver and breasts if you ingest too much alcohol.

HOW IT’S PASSED THROUGH THE BODY

• When one drinks a beverage that contains alcohol, it is quickly passed throughout your bloodstream and and passes through your body.
• Alcohol affects your brain and other tissues, until it is completely metabolized.
• Your small intestine and your stomach will absorb most of the alcohol. A small amount leaves the body through breath and urine. When you drink more alcohol than your body  can handle, you then become drunk.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• vomiting
• upset stomach
• coma
• blackouts
• headaches (hangovers)

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• sexual problems
• nerve damage
• liver disease
• alcohol poisoning
• unintentional injuries  

Information gathered from:

www.niaaa.nih.gov, www.nihseniorhealth.gov, www.drugfreeworld.org