Alcoholic drinks have been a part of dinners, celebrations, and every other human event for centuries, often due to their intoxicating effect. Specifically, alcohol affects the brain. Drinking too much alcohol in one sitting can result in slower reaction times, the inability to do two or more things at once, and difficulty making good decisions.
Alcohol affects each part of the brain differently. It begins by affecting the cerebral cortex, which is the area of the brain responsible for higher functions. Even a small amount of alcohol may affect how quickly one’s senses process information, how well the person can make decisions, and which emotions the person decides to express. Next, the limbic system of the brain is affected, which can cause memory loss and dramatic changes in behavior.
The more alcohol a person drinks, the more parts of the brain are affected. Once the brain’s higher functions are impaired, additional alcohol intake will begin to affect the lower brain functions, governed by the cerebellum and the hypothalamus. Heavy drinking can even affect the brain stem, which is responsible for basic functions like keeping breathing and heartbeat going. As a result, drinking too much alcohol can be life-threatening.
Many medical conditions or medications can mimic the outward signs of intoxication, which can result in the arrest of drivers who are not in fact too intoxicated to drive. If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI in New Hampshire, the experienced New Hampshire drunk driving lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. will examine your case carefully and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. For a free phone consultation, call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at (603) 614-5055.