Alcohol and Other Drugs 1 of 5 Alcohol's Effects on the Body Alcohol is a depressant drug. It has wide-ranging effects on the body. Although a depressant, alcohol has a unique action that initially creates a feeling of mild and pleasant stimulation.
Alcohol affects the thinking, judgment and reasoning abilities first.
More alcohol intake means that breathing and reflexes will also be impaired. Heavy social drinking may also cause brain atrophy. Over time, the brain and nervous system become less sensitive to alcohol's effects. Stomach Some of the alcohol consumed is absorbed quickly from the stomach into the bloodstream. The amount of food in the stomach helps determine the effect alcohol has on a person.