The Short-Term Effects of Alcohol

Understanding the Effects of Binge-Drinking

With the holiday season upon us, there will be plenty of social gatherings, festivities, and drinking. In light of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, learn more about how alcohol affects your body and mind to help you to drink more responsibly.

What is Binge-Drinking?

According to the CDC, binge-drinking is the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption. The following criteria constitutes binge-drinking:

• For men: Drinking 5 or more alcoholic beverages in 2-3 hours.
• For women: Drinking 4 or more alcoholic beverages in 2-3 hours.

It is important to note that most people who participate in occasional binge-drinking are not alcoholics or chemically dependent on alcohol.

How Binge Drinking Affects Your Body

Although you may not be abusing alcohol regularly, binge-drinking still has very apparent short-term effects on your mind and body. Because your liver is only able to metabolize about 1 standard drink per hour, drinking 4 or more alcoholic beverages in a given sitting is bound to leave you intoxicated.

Physical Effects

When you binge-drink, you are likely to experience the following short-term physical effects:

• Coordination issues
• Dulled perception
• Blurred vision
• Reduce body temperature
• Raised blood pressure
• Passing out
• Vomiting

Mental Effects

When you binge-drink, you are likely to experience the following short-term mental effects:

• Alcohol-induced amnesia
• Impaired decision making
• Mood swings
• Loss of critical judgment
• Trouble concentrating

Primary Care in Ridgecrest, California

At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our team of highly trained and experienced family physicians and internists is dedicated to providing healthcare services to patients of all ages in Ridgecrest and the surrounding areas.

To learn more about our primary care services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (760) 446-3551 (Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM).