All too often, alcohol is consumed without awareness of the biological hazards associated with intoxication. Although many engage in such activities without fully understanding the repercussions, this is especially true of underage drinkers.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down and can potentially disable, all functions dependent on the central nervous system, including thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Central Nervous System is a major component of the human body in that it links every organ through an neurological network. Biologically, the organ responsible for alcohol is the liver; the liver breaks down the alcohol at such a slow rate that much is left to circulate freely in the bloodstream.

Side effects can be determined by taking a look at the left over alcohol in the bloodstream, blood-alcohol content levels, (a percentage measurement of blood to alcohol ratio to gauge intoxication) in any given person. A body’s reaction is also dependent on age, weight, and gender of the drinker.

The age at which one is legally permitted to drink is 21 years old; despite that restriction, according to the CDC’s research in the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 39 percent
of high school students had consumed some amount of alcohol in the past 30 days.

This statistic directly correlates to the minor’s physical reaction to alcohol intoxication.

The CDC also stated, “Youth who start drinking before age 15 years are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21 years.”

Along with youth alcohol consumption, alcohol dependency can be enhanced by binge drinking, which is common among minors and novice drinkers.

Alcohol consumption can be handled responsibly and legally at the age of 21, however, when one binge drinks or becomes frequently intoxicated, both short and long-term risks are present.

Short-term symptoms include impaired judgment, weakened brain function, and loss of motor and verbal controls; excessive drinking could even result in alcohol poisoning, which usually occurs when blood-alcohol content reaches 0.250-0.399%, which is about 0.245% higher than the legal limit of 0.08%.

Anyone under the influence of alcohol must be cautious of how quickly they are consuming it. Alcohol – especially in large amounts – is a substance that the body is not equipped to endure.