Alcohol may also increase the risk of caloric labyrinthitis, a condition which may cause a person suddenly thrown into the water to swim down, rather than up. At this level of intoxication, people also experience divided attention performance, visual acuity and adaptation to brightness and glare, all of which contribute to falls. Intoxication can heighten disorientation and impede escape. However, impairment to driving ability occurs long before this limit is reached. The tendency to take risks is increased.
Reactions are slower and concentration span is shorter.
It can interfere with the normal, vasoconstriction response to shock and with the cough reflex, increasing the likelihood of suffocation from respiratory obstruction. Alcohol may also provoke arrhythmias. Young adults, aged between 15 and 24, are identified as being especially at risk. The Key Area Handbook on accidents recommends that a local strategy for young people includes ensuring full awareness of the effects of alcohol and drugs, their relation to risk changing and the scope for behavioural change. Police and probation officers are also urged to develop specialised rehabilitation for drink-drive offenders of young adults.