Alcohol intoxication is a combination of neurological, autonomic and mental disorders that occur as a result of drinking alcohol.
Alcohol in certain doses can create a feeling of fun and freedom, relieve mental stress, improve mood. This effect is temporary and, with an increase in the amount of drunk, is replaced by excitation of the central nervous system with a loss of self-control, with an aggressive or, possibly, suppressed and depressed mood.
Alcohol intoxication occurs in different people at different speeds. It depends on the state of the body (hereditary predisposition, the degree of filling the stomach with food) and directly on the percentage of alcohol in the drink.
The state of intoxication determines the amount of alcohol consumed per kilogram of weight, the status of the body at the time of drinking, as well as individual tolerance. Severe intoxication can cause even small doses of spirits if the person is very tired, exhausted. But, for example, signs of intoxication with strong mental stress will appear only with the use of large doses.
The following stages of this state are distinguished:
• Light alcohol intoxication (with a blood content of 0.5–1.5 ‰). This state is characterized by a mood lift, complacency, a sense of comfort, a desire for communication. However, there is a decrease in the ability to concentrate and an overestimation of one's own abilities. All the troubles and problems that arise in this state are most often perceived much more calmly and simply. People in this state often in stressful situations look much calmer sober. At the same time, there is a decrease in the volume and quality of work performed, and the number of errors increases. It is also possible violation of the perception of time and space, which causes particular danger when managing various modes of transport and working with moving mechanisms. All memories of the period of intoxication are fully preserved.
• Medium intoxication (develops at a concentration of 1.5–2.5 ‰ in the blood). This stage is characterized by signs such as irritability, discontent, dissatisfaction, anger. The appearance of aggressive behavior is possible . Reappraisal of opportunities is easy enough. A person is practically not able to control his emotions - reproaches and resentments towards others are flying. Imbalance in coordination of actions gradually increases, lethargy, drowsiness and apathy develop . This stage of intoxication often goes into deep sleep. After awakening, the result of alcohol intoxication is felt : lethargy, weakness, depressed mood, weakness, loss of appetite, thirst, discomfort in the chest. Some of the events that occurred during the intoxication, a person can remember vaguely.
• Severe alcoholic intoxication (at a concentration of 2.5–3 ‰ in the blood). This condition is characterized by a violation of orientation in the surrounding reality. A person's facial expressions are lost, speech slows down. Often vestibular disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness develop . The more intoxication develops, the more pronounced the depression of consciousness becomes, even before a coma occurs, breathing slows down, the cardiovascular system decreases, and muscle relaxation also develops, leading to immobilization. Convulsive seizures are sometimes possible. Perhaps the development of paralysis of the vasomotor or respiratory center, which entails death. This degree of intoxication is characterized by complete amnesia.