Alcohol is a major hazard to consumers. Alcohol is made from grapes, grains, and other berries, that have been fermented and distilled into a liquid. Used in small doses, alcohol is enjoyed by many. But if a person drinks too much, it becomes a major hazard to the body. A standard drink has approximately 1.2 tablespoons of pure alcohol. Some examples of standard drinks are a twelve ounce can of beer, five ounces of table wine, or a 1.2 ounce shot of hard liquor. Once the ratio of blood to alcohol reaches a certain amount, the brain becomes intoxicated. Once the brain is intoxicated, usual control of actions is lost. At first the only side effect of alcohol is the person feeling more relaxed and carefree.
This happens because alcohol triggers receptors in the brain to release chemicals called dopamine that produce feelings of relaxation, and endorphins that are the body's natural painkillers. The brain becomes trained to receive these endorphins, and craves them regularly, producing an addiction. Alcohol is a depressant that slows the nervous system. The relaxed feeling soon turns into depressed, angry, or even aggressive feelings. People who are intoxicated with alcohol, or "drunk," can become uncoordinated, dangerous, and act completely out of character. The next stage after intoxication is alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning may result in dizziness, extreme sleepiness, low blood sugar, seizures, and possibly death.
External Links
Sources:
Alcoholic Drinks: The Hazard
Test Your Knowledge!
Once the ___ is intoxicated, usual contol of actions is lost.
A. Legs
B. Heart
C. Brain
