It depresses the central nervous system leading to slowed reactions, slurred speech, and ultimately, to unconsciousness. Alcohol acts fast because it is not digested like food. Instead, it moves directly into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine. It takes a long time for alcohol s effects to wear off as it takes approximately one hour for the liver to process the alcohol in one drink. Alcohol progressively affects different brain areas.
Alcohol first affects the part of the brain that controls inhibitions.
When people lose their inhibitions, they may talk more, get rowdy, and do foolish things. After several drinks, they may feel high, but really, their nervous system is slowing down. Alcohol also affects those areas of the brain that control motor coordination and judgment. A BAL between .06 and .10 affects areas of the brain that coordinate gross motor control, hearing and sight. There are large decreases in reaction time and motor control, and decreased depth perception, distance acuity, peripheral vision, and glare recovery.