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The short-term effects of alcohol (ethanol) consumption range from a decrease in anxiety and motor skills at lower doses to unconsciousness, anterograde amnesia, and central nervous system depression at higher doses. Cell membranes are highly permeable to alcohol, so once alcohol is in the bloodstream it can diffuse into nearly every cell in the body. The concentration of alcohol in blood is measured via blood alcohol content (BAC). The amount and circumstances of consumption play a large part in determining the extent of intoxication; for example, eating a heavy meal before alcohol consumption causes alcohol to absorb more slowly. Hydration also plays a role, especially in determining the extent of hangovers. After excessive drinking, unconsciousness can occur and extreme levels of consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning and death (a concentration in the blood stream of 0.40% will kill half of those affected〔(Alcohol Awareness Page )〕〔(Carleton College: Wellness Center: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) )〕). Alcohol may also cause death indirectly, by asphyxiation from vomit. Alcohol can greatly exacerbate sleep problems. During abstinence, residual disruptions in sleep regularity and sleep patterns are the greatest predictors of relapse. ==Effects by dosage== Different concentrations of alcohol in the human body have different effects on the subject. The following lists the common effects of alcohol on the body, depending on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, tolerance varies considerably between individuals, as does individual response to a given dosage; the effects of alcohol differ widely between people. Hence, BAC percentages are just estimates used for illustrative purposes. ;Euphoria (BAC = 0.03% to 0.12%): * Overall improvement in mood and possible euphoria * Increased self-confidence * Increased sociability * Decreased anxiety * Shortened attention span * Flushed appearance * Impaired judgment * Impaired fine muscle coordination ;Lethargy (BAC = 0.09% to 0.25%) * Sedation * Impaired memory and comprehension * Delayed reactions * Ataxia; balance difficulty; unbalanced walk * Blurred vision; other senses may be impaired ;Confusion (BAC = 0.18% to 0.30%) * Profound confusion * Impaired senses * Analgesia * Increased ataxia; impaired speech; staggering * Dizziness often associated with nausea ("the spins") * Vomiting (emesis) ;Stupor (BAC = 0.25% to 0.40%) * Severe ataxia * Lapses in and out of consciousness * Unconsciousness * Anterograde amnesia * Vomiting (death may occur due to inhalation of vomit (pulmonary aspiration) while unconscious) * Respiratory depression (potentially life-threatening) * Decreased heart rate (usually results in coldness and/or numbness of the limbs) * Urinary incontinence ;Coma (BAC = 0.35% to 0.80%) * Unconsciousness (coma) * Depressed reflexes (i.e., pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light) * Marked and life-threatening respiratory depression * Markedly decreased heart rate * Most deaths from alcohol poisoning are caused by dosage levels in this range. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Short-term effects of alcohol」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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