Alcohol and the Brain
Alcohol reaches an adult's brain in approximately 5 minutes. In
a young person, it starts to affect the brain in approximately 2-3
minutes. Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down our thoughts,
reactions and coordination.
Harder to Concentrate
Alcohol can make it harder to concentrate on tasks that people
would normally find easy. For example crossing roads, cooking,
driving, playing computer games or sports. These can become
difficult or even dangerous while under the influence.
Safe Choices
When using alcohol, it makes it harder to make safe, sensible
choices and to learn, concentrate and remember new things. Alcohol
can permenatly change a person's personality.
Fizzy Alcohol Drinks
Champagne & other fizzy alcoholic drinks speed
up the time it takes alcohol to get to the brain because
the bubbles blast the alcohol into the blood
stream faster.
Memory
Our memory can be affected by alcohol, especially when too much
is used or if the person who is drinking is too young. If people
misuse unsafe amounts of alcohol over a long period of time, memory
loss can be permanent.
Behaviour Changes & Risky Decisions
Alcohol affects different people in different ways. People may
lose their temper faster, get involved in fights or arguments and
they may even accept risky dares or challenges. Others may become
giggly, generous or affectionate.