Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Explore Channel4
Food
Homes
Film
4Car
News
See All
Addiction: Alcohol

How does it affect body parts?

Drunk
Back    Next 

Consumption of even a small quantity of alcohol can result in a feeling of warmth and cause flushing of the skin. Physiological effects become more extreme as more alcohol is consumed. Blurred vision, slurred speech and staggering are followed progressively by clammy skin and dilated pupils. Consuming 30 units or more in one go can result in coma or death. It takes approximately one hour for the body to remove one unit of alcohol (the amount of alcohol in one glass of wine or half a pint of beer). Consequently, blood alcohol concentrations can rise to very high levels after prolonged alcohol consumption.

EthanolHopsOld ale houseWedding scene
Monkey eating fruitHappy drinkersPacked barDrunk
Scans of the brainBlurred image of road aheadOffice worker at their deskPerson under anaesthetic
Help available for anyone affected by alcohol and drug abuse
Are you an alcohol addict?
Vote now on a series of drug-related issues
Your opinions and experiences
Who to go to for help and advice
The facts, on everything from physical and mental health to the law, through features and personal stories

Channel 4 © 2009. Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of external websites.