Alcohol can enter your bloodstream very quickly. Unlike food, it doesn't require digestion and once consumed it can reach your brain within minutes.
People react differently to alcohol. This can be due to a number of reasons including:
- The type of alcohol being consumed (amount, strength)
- The person drinking (sex, age, body weight, state of mind)
- The environment where drinking is taking place (time of day, being alone, being active)
After a few drinks, while you may feel more relaxed, your ability to concentrate is reduced and you have slower reflexes. After a few more drinks, while you may have fewer inhibitions or more confidence, you may also experience negative effects such as:
- Reduced coordination
- Slurred speech
- Intense mood swings (e.g. sad, happy, angry, violent)
After a few more drinks, you may experience confusion, blurred vision and poor muscle control. Keep drinking and you'll feel nauseous, possibly causing you to vomit. The worst-case scenario is falling into a coma or dying.
The violent side of alcohol
Alcohol can have a nasty side-effect on the people around you if your drunken behaviour turns abusive or violent.
No one has to put up with any kind of abuse. If you need help and support because someone close to you is drinking and becoming abusive, phone Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or see the listings at the Victorian Drug Services (new window) website.
If you want information, advice or help for yourself or for a friend or family member who is abusing alcohol, you can find out what's available through the Victorian Drug Services (new window) website or Alcoholics Anonymous (new window).
Links
Victorian Drug Services
Find out the facts on standard drinks, interaction of alcohol with other drugs and tips to reduce risky drinking.
Federal Department of Health and Ageing - Alcohol
Straightforward tips and ideas on subjects such as having a party, drinking to regret, body check, legal issues and fun night or nightmare?
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to help alcoholics to reduce or quit their drinking.
Drink Spiking
Things you should know about drink spiking and where to turn for help.
