Behaviour Changes and Hangover

Even small quantities of alcohol have effects on the body which are noticeable (particularly in someone who doesn't drink often or hasn't done so for some time). It's surprising how after a single drink - 20-30 minutes later - people can become more relaxed. Problems occur when people don't take into account the effects of alcohol on behaviour when socialising or tasks requiring co-ordination such as talking, walking , or driving. When you are drunk, you are also more susceptible to assault, rape, theft and abuse. Prolonged heavy drinking that stops short of dependence may still cause liver and health problems. Dependence (alcoholism) can cause early death and is a major factor in absenteeism from work, accidents and relationship breakdowns. Changes in behaviour depend on the amount of alcohol reaching the brain, which are determined by several factors apart from the quantity of alcohol drunk.

The rate at which the alcohol is drunk.

The size of the person, eg the larger the person the greater the diluting effect of the blood on the alcohol consumed and the more it takes to produce the same effect.

Whether alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach or not. The effect will be much more immediate (as little as five minutes) if the stomach is empty. Food in the stomach slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

The size and condition of the liver. Taking into account the above factors, your behaviour from your first to last ever drink will look something like this: a sense of warmth - friendliness - flushed face - talkativeness - increased social confidence - reaction time slows - further sense of mental relaxation and general wellbeing - trip over words - tendency to be loud and talkative - inhibitions about to jump out the window - confused and disturbed thinking and co-ordination - irritability - reduced self-control - irresponsible talk and behaviour - unsteady on feet - slurred speech - unpredictable, exaggerated emotions or (aggressive) behaviour - extreme confusion and disorientation - difficulty remaining upright - drowsiness - nausea - shitting yourself - delayed or incoherent reaction to questions - coma (a state of deep unconsciousness from which you cannot be aroused) - followed by death. The hangover The body reacts to large quantities of alcohol in several ways although this usually takes several hours. The lining of the stomach and lower parts of the digestive system are irritated; the body is dehydrated while the level of alcohol in the blood stream exceeds the livers ability to process it; and the nervous system is shocked and needs time to recover. Symptoms include headache, nausea, stomach-ache and cramps, vomiting, dizziness, and irritability. This is the twilight world of the hangover. We've all been there: stumbled into a cab... staggered on to a bus... rolled into bed... and fallen into a nauseous sweaty sleep. The next day you wake up with a throbbing headache, a furry tongue, a mouth which tastes... interesting and breath you could bottle and sell as paint stripper. The best cure is not to have got in to this sorry state in the first place. When you get a hangover you have in effect poisoned the body - albeit temporarily - and it needs time to recover. However, there are practical steps you can take to ease symptoms and aid recovery:

Drink as much water as you reasonably can throughout the day. This rehydrates the body and helps you to piss out the toxins.

Drinking other liquids can help the body re-hydrate, tea and coffee which contains caffeine will stimulate the nervous system but are also dehydrating. Sugar can be taken to provide energy. Fruit juices, honey and a vitamin C are also known to help and fizzy drinks may have a soothing effect upon the stomach.

Drag your sorry arse out of bed, take a shower or bath. Take a walk to get the blood circulation going. This will help provide fresh supplies of oxygen and sugar to the brain and stimulate endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Settle down in front of the TV or a video and relax.

The stomach can be relieved by something to eat but anything fatty or rich may make you feel nauseous.

Aspirin or other pain relievers should only be taken after you have eaten something. Your body will be further irritated if they are taken on an empty stomach.

Another alcoholic drink - a 'hair of the dog' - will kick start the nervous system and can make you feel better... for a while. However, this only postpones the original hangover with a second one on the heels of the first. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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