Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, inhibiting the function of parts of the brain that control motor behavior and judgment control. Alcohol literally slows down brain function, so slurred speech, hazy hearing and blurred vision, just to name a few, are common. Since the brain is the "control center" of the body, it follows that other body systems would also suffer from alcoholism. Alcoholism affects the entire body, in different ways.
Alcohol Metabolism
Alcohol is considered a food because it contains calories. However, it is metabolized quite unlike food. Alcohol is often absorbed directly into the stomach lining without being digested. Therefore, alcohol enters the bloodstream very quickly in comparison with other foods.
Alcohol in the Body
As alcohol travels through the body, it is processed by the liver at the rate of about .5 ounces per hour. If there is more alcohol in the body than the amount the liver can process, it recirculates until the liver can get to it.
The Liver
The liver is a very important organ. It is responsible for producing bile for digestions and fat emulsification, stores glycogen and produces antibodies. When there is alcohol in the body for long periods of time, the liver becomes overstimulated, trying to process large amounts of alcohol as well as continue its other functions. Often, this leads to cirrhosis, which is caused by the inability of fats, carbohydrates and proteins to be processed by the liver, as well as hypoglycemia or hypolipemia, as the liver is unable to process sugars and fats.
Women vs. Men
Men can metabolize alcohol more quickly, as they have less body fat and more alcohol digesting enzymes. Therefore, women develop more alcohol-related health effects more quickly while drinking less than men.
Alcohol Syndromes
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome are common alcoholic syndromes. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when a mother drinks high amounts of alcohol while pregnant; the fetus can be born with severe birth defects. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome occurs due to the inability of the body to absorb thiamin with large amounts of alcohol in the bloodsteam. Wernicke-Korsakoff is an alcoholic version of beri-beri.
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