It produces slurring of speech and errors in the thinking process. It also affects the coordination and balance, causing the drinker to stagger, to fall or be unable to hold a lit match steadily. Although alcohol depresses bodily functions, it often stimulates inhibitions. Emotions are more easily expressed because that part of the brain which enables us to control our behavior is depressed or relaxed, so the emotions become exhilarated. If enough alcohol is consumed, the drinker will fall asleep or, in extreme cases, he or she may lapse into a coma.
Alcohol increases the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Alcohol abusers are more likely than others to suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and depression. In the short run, the body is able to adjust to alcohol's depressant effects. After a while, however, the body is unable to maintain its equilibrium and the more sinister negative effects of alcohol will become apparent. There is only so much the liver can do to metabolize toxic substances in the body. At first the conditions will reverse themselves if alcohol intake is stopped.