Alcohol Intoxication

Understanding the Physiological Effects of Alcohol Intoxication





By Anne Ahira

There are many physiological effects associated with alcohol intoxication. Each individual has a certain amount of tolerance when it comes to the amount of alcohol that their body can handle. When an individual drinks more than their body is able to tolerate, it results in abnormalities that are both psychological and physiological.

These abnormalities are also referred to as "Impairments". When these changes start to occur in the body, the individual is unable to function as they would if their body was not being affected by the alcohol. In this guide, you will learn about the most prevalent physiological effects of alcohol intoxication.

The body has a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced. It is identified as "Gamma Amino Butyric Acid". Many medical professionals refer to this substance as "GABA" for short. It is important to understand that neurotransmitters are responsible for connecting the various signals that naturally occur in the body from one nerve to other nerves throughout the body.

The signals are distributed along what is referred to as the "Neural Pathway" between the nerves. When alcohol is consumed, it acts as a natural inhibitor that disrupts the signals as they cross the pathways that connects the nerves to each other. The signals are slowed as alcohol is considered to be a depressant.

When alcohol is consumed, alcohol intoxication is experienced on a physiological level due to the fact that the body immediately starts the process of absorption. According to medical professionals, approximately 80% of the ethanol contained in alcoholic beverages is absorbed through the means of the small intestines and the remaining 20% that is emitted into the stomach area is actually distributed within the circulatory system of the body.

Due to the level of solubility of alcohol, it distributes more effectively in areas of the body that consists mainly of water. An example of the area of the body that is affected most is the muscles. The substance does not distribute well among fat cells.

When an individual experiences alcohol intoxication, it is important to understand that many organs and other areas of the body are directly responsible for metabolizing the ethanol. Many believe that alcohol is eliminated through the body through the urinary tract. However, this only accounts for a small portion of the elimination of ethanol.

It is also dispelled through the lungs, and the liver is actually responsible for processing over 90% of the substance. Prior to taking your next drink, it is important to consider the negative physiological impact that alcohol has - especially when you reach the point of alcohol intoxication.  


 

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