How did We gEt so dRunk?

What Happens to alcohol in your body?

The alcohol in your drink is absorbed into your body through the stomach and small intestine. Food slows down the rate of absorption - that's why alcohol affects you more quickly on an empty stomach. From here, it's distributed via the bloodstream throughout the body, reaching your heart, brain, muscles and other tissues. This happens very quickly - within a few minutes. Usually, though not always, this has a pleasant effect. Your body can't store alcohol, so it has to get rid of it - mostly via your liver. First, the liver changes alcohol into acetaldehyde - a highly toxic substance. This turns into acetate, a harmless substance, which is passed out in the urine. Some alcohol is also excreted through the breath and sweat. Your body's ability to process alcohol depends on various things, like your age, weight and sex. Your body breaks down alcohol at a rate of about one unit per hour - and no, there's no way you can speed this up!


what make you hic - drunk?

Alcohol is quite simply a type of drug. It affects the nerves that pass messages around the body by slowing them down. And the more you drink the greater the effect. The reason people often get more lively when they've had a drink is that alcohol affects parts of the brain responsible for self-control. Your reactions also slow down, and you may become uncoordinated or unsteady on your feet. Your speech may get slurred and you may start seeing double. If you've had a lot to drink you may also experience strong emotional responses - for instance you may become aggressive or tearful. And because your judgement is impaired, you may do things that you might not normally do - from dancing on tables to going home with strangers. They may seem a good idea at the time, but can be extremely dangerous.

Be the Host with the Most

When you're having a party, you want your guests to have a great time, naturally.
If you want to be a responsible host too, remember that: The Government advises that most men can drink up to three to four units and most women up to two to three units per day without harm to their health. Pregnant women should drink no more than one or two units, if at all. And drivers should stay off the booze altogether. Here are some simple ways to help guests enjoy the party - without putting themselves or others at risk of harm or feeling like death warmed up the day after.


The Key Points

• Offer juice and other alcohol free alternatives
• Serve food - it really helps mop up the booze
• Making home made cocktails or punch? Don't make it too strong and make sure you offer alcohol-free alternatives too
• If people have had a bit too much, encourage them (very nicely) to have a soft drink
• Keep a special eye out for young people and make sure they're OK
• Make sure everyone can get home safely, with a sober driver, reliable public transport, or a licensed cab
• Last but not least - don't get plastered yourself!