Does alcohol warm the body?

The assertion that alcohol causes body temperature to drop is grounded in physiological effects that occur when alcohol is consumed. While alcohol may create a sensation of warmth initially, it actually has the effect of dilating blood vessels, particularly those close to the skin. This increased blood flow to the skin surface can give the impression of warmth. However, this process actually results in greater heat loss from the body to the environment, which can lead to a decrease in core body temperature, especially in cold conditions.

This effect is significant; although one might feel warm temporarily from alcohol consumption, the overall impact of alcohol on the body's thermoregulation can contribute to hypothermia in extreme situations. Thus, it is accurate to conclude that alcohol ultimately leads to a drop in body temperature rather than an increase.