It occurs when we ingest more alcohol than the body can metabolize. The liver takes, on average, one hour to process a drink, but this time can vary according to weight, height, physique and gender. In women, the estimated time is almost two hours.
“The organ is responsible for transforming alcohol into glucose, which gives us energy. But, in the case of a large amount of alcohol, it does not work properly and the person ends up intoxicated”, explains Paulo Olzon, a general practitioner at Unifesp.
With this, some organs, such as the brain, heart, stomach and kidneys, are affected. And various symptoms arise, from slurred speech to unconsciousness. In the most serious cases, excess alcohol can lead to death.
– (Hypno Studio/)
IN THE BODY
The body takes, on average, an hour to absorb alcohol. But the time (and the effects) may vary according to some factors, such as, for example, the speed with which the person consumed the drink. Eating before drinking reduces the rate of absorption by up to three times compared to consumption on an empty stomach. The type of food eaten also influences.
After alcohol enters the bloodstream, it is transported to all tissues that contain water. That’s why the highest concentrations of the substance are in the liver, heart, kidneys, stomach and muscles. And, since women have less water in their bodies, in them alcohol is distributed and metabolized more quickly and its effects are more intense.
The liver, with its enzymes, is capable of metabolizing between 90 and 95% of ingested alcohol. A 70 kg man, for example, manages to eliminate about 20 ml of ethanol every hour (the equivalent of 340 ml of beer or 170 ml of wine).
Alcohol is eliminated through urine, but 5% is expelled through breathing, saliva and sweat. The substance can even increase diuresis and the urge to pee, as it inhibits the hormone that controls water reabsorption.
THE EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT ORGANS
– (Hypno Studio/)
HOW TO HELP
If the person enters with the alcoholic, lay her on her side so she doesn’t choke. Then call the ambulance so that the victim is taken to the hospital as soon as possible. When she is still conscious, the best option is hydration. Drinking water helps the body recover from being drunk.
– (Playback/Pixabay)
THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRINKING
A driver can be caught in the breathalyzer test with 0.5g of alcohol in his blood – less than a can of beer on an empty stomach
Up to 5 cans of beer**
(dand 0.1 to 1 g*)
Dizziness and drowsiness. The brain is the first to feel the effects, because it needs a lot of glucose to function. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, making it work more slowly.
From 6 to 13 cans of beer**
(between 1.5 and 2.9 g*)
The person may lose the ability to make rational decisions, begin to have problems with reflexes, lack of balance and speech.
From 14 to 17 cans of beer**
(between 3 and 3.9 g*)
Loss of consciousness occurs and the individual may enter a state of sedation.
Over 18 cans of beer**
(above 4g*)
There is a high chance of a respiratory arrest, which can be fatal.
* per liter of blood in a 70 kg male
** Pilsen beer with 35 ml and 3.5% content alcoholic
SOURCES World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health, Health and Alcohol Information Center (CISA) and Brazilian Association for the Study of Alcohol and Other Drugs (Abead)