How much time it takes to sober up depends on a range of factors including gender, genetics and age. Here’s what you need to know Enjoying a tipple is one of life’s pleasures, but is not without its perils. Alcohol is a toxin and while moderate, occasional drinking is unlikely to lead to significant health problems, long-term regular drinking can increase the risk of a range of life-limiting conditions including several types of cancers and coronary heart disease .
But that’s rarely a consideration when the sun is out and there’s a cold bottle of chablis in the fridge. What makes alcohol so pleasant also makes it easy to overindulge , and when we do, the body works hard to deal with the effects. How alcohol is processed in the body Alcohol is a depressant , meaning it slows the brain’s control of the body.
Even a small amount can affect important functions like speech and movement. Drinking very large amounts all at once can slow your heart rate and breathing down to a dangerously low level..
