Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Open Access

Alcohol Effects

Every person is different; therefore, the effects of alcohol vary from person to person. While some people may be able to limit their drinking, others have a difficult time controlling their alcohol consumption.

The effects of alcohol can be influenced by a number of risk factors such as the amount consumed, individual’s medical history, tolerance to alcohol, as well as other drugs – legal or illegal – mixed with alcohol.

A person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) determines the effect of alcohol on the central nervous system. Those who have built up a tolerance to alcohol can drink more than those with a lower tolerance level.

Depending on your BAC, you can experience an array of side effects that range from minor complications to more severe ones. For example, lower BAC percentages tend to come with temporary side effects that subside within a few hours. However, as BAC percentages increase, the symptoms become much more serious and can be life-threatening.