Get the facts
Ever wondered what actually goes on when you have a drink? We’ve seen what happen’s on the outside, now here’s a look at what happens on the inside……..
When you have a drink, the alcohol is absorbed into your body through your stomach and small intestine. Food slows this down which is why alcohol affects you more quickly on an empty stomach.
The alcohol is then carried around your body in your blood - to your heart, brain and muscles - all within just a few minutes.
Your body can’t store alcohol so it has to get rid of it – mainly through your liver. It’s broken down and turned into acetaldehyde - really toxic stuff, and acetate - harmless stuff, which leaves your body when you wee. Some alcohol is also released through your breath and sweat.
How long does it take for alcohol to leave your system?
Again, this depends on a number of factors like your body size, the amount of food you’ve had and how healthy your liver is, but on average it will take one hour to get rid of one unit of alcohol. Only time can take away the alcohol, drinking black coffee or getting some fresh air won’t sober you up.
What makes you feel drunk?
Drinking alcohol affects your nervous system which controls lots of body functions including your speech, muscles and your senses. Nerves pass messages around your body. Alcohol slows them down which is why you get delayed reactions when you drink. The more you drink the worse it becomes. Alcohol also affects the part of your brain which is your self control/conscious thought which is why people lose their inhibitions and become more lively after a drink.
You my have heard of the term legless – this is because when you drink alcohol, your reactions slow down, and you may become uncoordinated or unsteady on your feet. Your speech may get slurred and you may start seeing double. Alcohol usually exaggerates whatever mood you are in, making you more emotional – aggressive or tearful. And because your judgement is impaired, you may do things that you wouldn’t normally do.