The psychological effects of alcohol depend upon several factors: the amount consumed, how long it takes to consume it, what other substances the drinker has imbibed, the drinker's history with alcohol, his physical condition and genetics, and the mood and mental state of the drinker. The surroundings in which a person drinks alcohol also affect his behavior: Scientists believe that alcohol creates "reward pathways" in the brain, linking the environment to the drinking experience.

Alcohol prevents nerve cells from communicating effectively with the rest of the cells in the body. Alcohol also slows the brain's ability to process input and to inhibit inappropriate behavior. The psychological effects of alcohol are the result of its actions on the cerebral cortex. This is the area of the brain that controls its most sophisticated functions---the ability to reason, form complex thoughts and behave normally in a social setting. Because all of these processes become slowed with the consumption of alcohol, the drinker is affected psychologically to a severity that depends upon the amount consumed.

You can identify the psychological effects of alcohol consumption on a person by observing her behavior and mood. A person under the influence of alcohol may be excessively friendly or, conversely, aggressive and easily angered. Drastic mood swings are a common psychological effect of alcohol, depending upon how much alcohol an individual has consumed. Observe the drinker's sense of judgment and reasoning---he takes risks that would be unacceptable when sober and overreacts to normal situations.

Although one major drinking binge can damage up to 100,000 brain cells, the psychological effects of alcohol in the occasional drinker are usually not permanent. Over time, a person who drinks large amounts of alcohol can develop chronic psychological problems, such as memory loss, hallucinations and even permanent psychosis. Other serious psychological effects include depression and increased anxiety when sober.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions, as well as the ability to make good decisions. This is why a drinker will try to convince you he is able to drive a car, when in fact his judgment is simply impaired by the amount of alcohol he has consumed. In addition, alcohol can cause depression or make existing mood disorders worse.

Watch an intoxicated person carefully in case action is needed to protect him or others from the psychological effects of alcohol. If you plan to drink, moderate your intake according to your personal tolerance level, to avoid the potentially serious psychological effects that can result from drinking too much alcohol.