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Impairment begins with the first sip of alcohol. More than with many other drugs, alcohol users often begin to behave differently even before the drug reaches their brain.

Before long, alcohol begins to alter how both the body and the mind function. Moreover, under the influence of alcohol, you're less likely to realize that you're impaired. This makes driving unsafe after any amount of alcohol, not just when you're obviously intoxicated.

User Recursive
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Final answer:

Alcohol affects the body and mind, resulting in changes to consciousness and behaviors. It can lead to various effects such as sedation, impaired judgment, and loss of coordination. Excessive alcohol use has negative consequences and can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, alcohol can impact the excretory system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate effect of alcohol on the body depends on the person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). At low doses, alcohol can cause feelings of euphoria, while higher doses result in sedation. Alcohol affects reaction time, visual acuity, alertness, and behavioral control. Excessive alcohol use can lead to loss of consciousness and difficulty remembering events. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Alcohol intoxication typically begins after consuming two or more alcoholic drinks. Factors that increase the risk include being in a social situation where heavy drinking is common and having an impulsive personality. Diagnosis is usually based on a person's history and physical examination. Alcohol intoxication is legally defined as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 0.025-0.080%. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to coordination problems, blurred vision, impaired judgment, aggression, and various physiological disorders.

Alcohol not only affects the brain but also the excretory system. It can cause visual disturbances, slurred speech, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and loss of coordination. In terms of the positive effects, moderate alcohol consumption can create a pleasant state of mind, facilitate social interaction, and even potentially contribute to a longer lifespan compared to abstaining from alcohol.

User Stan Barrows
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