SmartServe Ontario Practice Exam

How does alcohol affect the central nervous system?

1. It stimulates it.

2. It has no effect.

3. It slows it down.

4. It enhances its performance.

The correct answer is: It slows it down.

Alcohol has a well-documented depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). This means that consumption of alcohol can lead to a slowing down of brain activity, which affects various bodily functions, including motor skills, coordination, judgment, and reaction times. As a depressant, alcohol inhibits the natural excitability of neurons and can significantly impact an individual's cognitive abilities and physical performance. The other responses do not align with the effects of alcohol on the CNS. For instance, the idea that alcohol stimulates the CNS is misleading, as it does not provoke the heightened activity seen with stimulant substances. Similarly, claiming that alcohol has no effect ignores the extensive research showing its influence on both mental and physical capabilities. Lastly, suggesting that alcohol enhances performance contradicts evidence indicating decreased coordination and impaired cognitive function as blood alcohol levels rise. Thus, the appropriate understanding is that alcohol slows down the central nervous system.