Ask a grown-up: what happens to people when they become drunk?
Alcohol enters the blood via the stomach and bowel, and then flows through the body to the heart, brain and muscles. This happens quickly, and many people like the feeling of a warm buzz.
Alcohol affects the parts of the brain that control important body functions, for example eyesight, hearing, muscles and sense of balance. Normally, when our brain gets information from our eyes and ears, it makes sense of it and tells the body what to do. But after a lot to drink, the brain can no longer use the information well. People experience blurry vision, they stumble or don't speak clearly.
Alcohol also affects the bit of the brain that helps us to think clearly. Sometimes not being too aware of the consequences can make people less shy. But you can see why it is a bad idea to drive a car, go mountain climbing or do important work when you have been drinking.
If you're 10 or under and have a question that needs answering, email ask.a.grownup@theguardian.com and we'll find someone to look into it for you.

The article was amended on August 25 to reflect the correct job title of Professor Petra Meier.