What are the effects of alcohol on the body and brain?

In recent years, its intake has increased considerably in young people, while the most significant increase has been in women. By case, in female people it rose from 6 to 9%, equal to that of men.

At this time of year, consumption is usually higher than usual, whether due to farewells, the heat or toasts for Christmas and New Year, among others.

Alcohol is absorbed in the stomach (20% 10 minutes after being ingested) and in the intestine (the remaining 80%). Its highest concentration in the blood is usually reached 30-90 minutes after consumption, but it can remain in the body for up to 18 hours. It has a wide distribution, reaching almost all organs (brain, liver, kidney, heart), it also crosses the placenta and is excreted through breast milk, which is why it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

It is metabolized in the liver, which is why chronic alcoholics usually see that organ affected, leading to cirrhosis and total loss of function.

It inhibits or alters the functioning of an enzyme called ADH or antidiuretic hormone, and causes an increased desire to urinate. Its main and best-known effect is at the level of the Central Nervous System (CNS) or the brain. For this reason, it is considered psychotropic (it reaches the brain) and psychoactive (it produces changes in it).

Although, initially, it causes disinhibition and euphoria, it is a depressant of cognitive faculties and the mind. It has been shown that driving reduces reflexes, alters the perception of distances, increases sensitivity to light and reduces the visual field.

On the other hand, there are factors that facilitate or delay its absorption or even modify its action:

1. The absorption of alcohol is usually decreased and delayed with a stomach full of food, (especially if they are fatty foods) as well as increased and accelerated with an empty stomach.
2. The higher the alcohol content, the faster high blood levels will be reached.
3. If large concentrations are ingested hastily, quickly, there will be high doses in the bloodstream. It is always advisable to take a break of 30 to 40 minutes with each drink to control the effect. It must be remembered that the plasma peak, or the highest concentration in the blood, occurs 30-40 minutes after entering the body.
4. Good physical health and state of mind will help reduce its toxic effect on the body. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, or euphoria and mania, usually lead to higher consumption.
5. The higher your weight or body mass, the higher the concentration of alcohol is needed to cause the same effect. The lower the weight, it is inversely proportional.
6. Given its wide distribution, abundant adipose tissue will lead to a greater probability of poisoning.
7. The use of drugs or medications can increase or modify the psychoactive effect of alcohol. Severe coma, seizures and depression can occur. This is common in associations with benzodiazepines (known as sleeping medications) and some anticonvulsants. Or even in the dangerous cases of the crazy jar, where all types of psychoactive drugs are mixed with alcohol. Any type of alcohol is not recommended if you are taking medications. As for drugs, cocaine enhances its harmful effect when ingested together.
8. Sex. Women have a greater chance of suffering from intoxication, compared to men with equal amounts of alcohol, due to lower muscle mass and higher fatty tissue content.
9. Carbonated and sugary drinks. They facilitate its absorption.

What is known as “alcohol tolerance or endurance”?

There are people who, due to biological reasons (more or less amount of enzymes that degrade it or differences in the function of brain neurotransmitters) have greater tolerance to its harmful effects or, at least, need higher concentrations to cause the same effect as in others. The reality is that these cases are a minority. Most of those who develop tolerance do so because they consume it frequently and repeatedly. It is important to clarify that tolerance does not prevent its harmful effects, but rather they are usually seen later and associated with problematic consumption.

Toxicologist, Durand Hospital and Las Lomas Sanatorium, director of Toxicology Today, App with medical information about more than 400 toxic substances and/or medications.