Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Karsten on 09/02/2009 00:32:03
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I am trying to get an answer for this as a result of a discussion in another thread. I could not get an answer to this particular question there.
At what levels does the alcohol do what to your brain and decision making abilities (if at all)? Which age group in particular (if at all)? Is a drunk person as capable of making rational decisions as when sober?
Here in the US alcohol consumption is regarded as quite terrible for young people and I have so far believed (and been told by professionals trained to prevent drug consumption of young people) that it messes with your decision making skills. I would like to know if that is not so or is exaggerated.
Thanks!
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From personal experience I would say alcohol seriously affects many cognitive skills, including the judgement needed in decision making. On the other hand a small amount of alcohol can reduce inhibitions and can ease the flow of ideas and, to some extent, improve some skills. This can be (say) between a half and one glass of wine (or equivalent). I notice my verbal skills and ability to play well at Snooker or Pool are improved at this level but then rapidly deteriate as I (inevitably) drink more.
This probably varies from person to person. There are a number of prominent (and great) writers and politicians who were permanently under the influence of alcohol but who clearly functioned well.
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Definately not, errrm, I mean yeshhh, tch! phew, well perhapsh. Ah who givesh a damn anywayshh. "HIC"
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Some people get drunk with one beer, others might with 11, it's up to the individual.
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Some people get drunk with one beer, others might with 11, it's up to the individual.
What constitutes "drunk"? I mean, legally speaking it is related to the content of alcohol in your blood and only dependent on your amount of blood, aka more or less your body weight.
At what point/percentage are decision making skills compromised? How could you measure this?
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As alcohol passes through your system, about 20 percent is absorbed by the stomach with the remaining 80 percent moving into the small intestine to be absorbed there. An excessive alcohol consumption can result in temporary amnesia. The liver has a number of other functions, and excessive drinking can damage this organ, impairing its ability to breakdown fat, leading to fatty liver disease. It is known by many people these days but still drink alcohol.
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Interestingly the depressant effect of a small amount of alcohol can indeed lead to a "steadying of the nerves". Hand-eye coordination can improve measurably as evidenced by professional darts and snooker players, but the calibration is very critical and definitely not for amateurs. If you must try it, take a taxi home.
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I once saw a study where young drivers were taken on a driving course marked out with "witches hats" (orange road cones).
- Their performance was objectively scored by how many witches hats they knocked over.
- They were given alcoholic drinks over a period of a few hours, as they ran the same driving course multiple times.
- They were asked to subjectively assess their driving performance after each trip around the course
- Despite the objective evidence that their driving got worse with more drinks, their subjective assessment was that their driving was improving.
So the most important rational decision which is impacted by alcohol is your ability to assess your own performance.