California DUI - How Alcohol Effects You

Although alcohol is metabolized differently in each individual, depending on one's gender, weight, metabolic rate, and other factors, the outcomes of consumption are generally the same for everyone.  Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and it has a wide array of effects on the human body.  The amount of consumption and what you have had to eat play a big part in determining how quickly you will get intoxicated.  (e.g., drinking alcohol after a heavy meal will have less of an effect compared to drinking on an empty stomach.)


Generally, the less a person weighs, the more he or she will be affected by alcohol.  A smaller person's body contains less water compared to a larger person.  Additionally, a well-muscled person will be less affected compared to someone who has a higher percentage of body fat.  This is because fatty tissue does not contain much water and does not absorb alcohol well.  Typically, women are more affected by alcohol than men because they tend to have more fat and less water in their bodies.  Approximately 68% of a man's body weight is made up of water and only 55% of a woman's body weight is made up of water.  Initially, alcohol will produce feelings of cheerfulness and relaxation.  After further consumption of alcohol, however, one may start to experience blurred vision, slurred speech, have trouble walking and other coordination problems.  


California DUI/DWI attorneys who concentrate in drunk driving defenses should be well versed in how alcohol affects the body and how it metabolizes in the body so that they can analyze all factors of a specific case and are fully equipped to challenge chemical testing results.