Final answer:
The cerebellum is the first area of the brain affected by alcohol, as it plays a critical role in motor control and coordination, which are quickly impaired with alcohol consumption.A) brain stem
Step-by-step explanation:
The area of the brain affected first by alcohol is the cerebellum.Alcohol initially affects the cerebellum, which is involved in motor control and coordination. When alcohol enters the system, it compromises the cerebellum's ability to coordinate movements effectively, evident in tasks like walking in a straight line. This sensitivity is why the Field Sobriety Test (FST) focuses on balance and coordination, as it can quickly reveal impairment due to alcohol consumption.
Chronic exposure to alcohol also results in adaptations in the reward system of the brain, and when consumption ceases, a range of withdrawal symptoms may occur due to an imbalance in neurotransmitter activity. However, the immediate effects of alcohol, which include societal disinhibition to coordination issues, primarily stem from the cerebellum's reaction to ethanol.Explanation: Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, affecting various areas of the brain. The brain stem is responsible for controlling basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. When alcohol is consumed, it impairs the functioning of the brain stem, leading to effects such as drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and reduced coordination.