What is one effect of alcohol on the body after consumption?

Alcohol begins to affect the body within minutes of consumption because it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. When a person drinks alcohol, it enters the stomach and small intestine, where it is absorbed and carried through the blood to various organs, including the brain. This quick absorption results in immediate effects, which can include impairments in judgment, motor skills, and reaction time, among others. Understanding this prompt nature of alcohol’s effects emphasizes the importance of making safe decisions around activities such as driving or operating machinery shortly after drinking, as these effects can be significant and potentially dangerous.