GOING FROM SOBER TO INEBRIATED

Follow alcohol’s journey after it enters the body

1 FIRST ENTRY

As soon as alcohol enters the mouth, some of it enters the bloodstream via blood vessels in the mouth and tongue.

2 INTO THE STOMACH

About 20 per cent of alcohol enters the bloodstream in the stomach. This is a slower process if the stomach is full of food.

3 FINAL ABSORPTION

Any remaining alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine.

4 BLOODSTREAM

Alcohol travels through your body quickly once it reaches the bloodstream. It can also widen blood vessels, causing body temperature changes.

5 BREAKING DOWN

When the alcohol in the blood reaches the liver, the organ works to break down alcohol into carbon dioxide and water. The liver breaks down one unit of alcohol per hour.

6 EFFECT ON THE BRAIN

Alcohol typically reaches the brain within five minutes and begins to make you feel drunk within ten minutes.

7 FEELING GOOD

The hormones dopamine and serotonin are released in the brain, often making drunk people feel happy.

8 SLOWING DOWN

When a high volume of alcohol is consumed, the central nervous system’s function is slowed, causing loss of coordination and dizziness.

9 BOOZY BREATH

About eight per cent of alcohol evaporates from the blood to the lungs. As it’s transferred into the breath, alcohol can be detected by a breathalyser.