How alcohol is absorbed into the body

Alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the stomach and the small intestine. Food in the stomach slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed, but does not prevent intoxication or drunkenness. All alcohol consumed will reach the bloodstream, regardless of how much food is in the stomach. Alcohol is distributed throughout the water in the body, but not into fatty tissue.

How alcohol leaves the body

The liver breaks down about 91 per cent of alcohol, and a small amount leaves the body in urine, sweat and the breath. The liver can only work at a fixed rate, getting rid of about three-quarters of a standard drink an hour. Sobering up takes time, and cold showers, exercise, black coffee, fresh air or vomiting will not speed up the process. Someone who drinks a lot at night may still have a high concentration of alcohol in their bloodstream the following day.

Possible health benefits of alcohol

Research shows that moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce the risk of developing some types of cardiovascular disease in people aged 40–45 years and over. However, it is important to remember that the risk of cirrhosis, some cancers and other diseases becomes greater with increased alcohol consumption.

Immediate effects

• After a few drinks the person may feel more relaxed, have reduced concentration and slower reflexes.
• After a few more drinks, they may have fewer inhibitions, more confidence, reduced coordination, slurred speech and intense moods (for example, sad, happy, angry).
• If the person continues to drink they may experience confusion, blurred vision and poor muscle control.
• Continuing to drink may result in nausea, vomiting and sleep.
• Consuming more alcohol could possibly result in coma or death.

Binge drinking

Binge drinking can be described as drinking heavily over a short period of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks.

Binge drinking is harmful because it results in immediate and severe intoxication. As well as health risks, this can lead people to take risks and put themselves in dangerous situations.

Common effects of binge-drinking episodes are hangovers, headaches, nausea, shakiness and vomiting.

Long-term effects

Heavy consumption of alcohol over a long period of time can cause damage to many parts of the body. Impairment of brain and liver functions can be permanent. If the person’s diet is also poor, this can further affect their health. Emotional difficulties, such as depression and relationship problems, are also likely.

Other possible long-term effects include:

• cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lips, liver
• brain injury, loss of memory, confusion, hallucinations
• high blood pressure, irregular pulse, enlarged heart and changes in red blood cells
• weakness and loss of muscle tissue
• sweating, flushing and bruising of the skin
• inflamed stomach lining, bleeding and stomach ulcers
• increased risk of lung infections
• severe swelling of the liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis
• inflamed pancreas
• tingling and loss of sensation in hands and feet
• for men, impotence, shrinking of testicles and damaged and reduced sperm
• for women, greater risk of gynaecological problems

Social problems

Excessive alcohol use can effect all areas of a person's life, including family, work and personal relationships.

• Family problems: Arguments over someone's drinking can cause family and relationship problems that may lead to break up.
• Work problems: Drinking alcohol at work and hangovers can lead to poor performance and accidents at work, while illness can result in absenteeism.
• Legal problems: Drink-driving may lead to fines, loss of license and even imprisonment.

Tolerance and dependence

People who drink heavily usually develop a tolerance to alcohol. This means that they need to drink more to experience the same effect. As a result, some people can drink large amounts of alcohol without appearing to be intoxicated. However, the amount of alcohol consumed can still damage their health.

People who regularly drink heavily may become dependent on alcohol. Dependence can be psychological or physical, or both. People who are psychologically dependent on alcohol find that drinking becomes far more important than other activities in their life. People who are physically dependent upon alcohol find that their body is used to functioning with alcohol present.

Withdrawal

If a person who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking they will experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• anxiety
• insomnia
• irritability
• confusion
• tremors
• sweating

In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal may cause convulsions, cramps, vomiting, delusions, hallucinations and even death. A person considering withdrawing from alcohol should first consult a doctor or other health professional.

Treatment

There are a number of drug treatment options available in Australia . While abstinence may be a suitable treatment aim for some people, many programs recognise that for others this may not be possible or realistic. Most programs adopt strategies that have an overall aim of reducing the harms and risks related to the person’s alcohol use.

Some treatment options include counselling, withdrawal (detoxification) and medication (pharmacotherapy). Residential and "out-patient" programs are available.

Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances, and usually involves a combination of methods.

For referral to a treatment service, contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.