Despite its name, most root beer doesn’t contain alcohol. But some do. Check out our latest blog for more info on the contents of root beer and why it’s important.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Is root beer, beer? If so, then why are root beer floats a popular kid-friendly dessert? If not, why can we find root beer in the alcohol aisle? Turns out, root beer has evolved significantly since it was created. Today, the recipe for root beer can vary widely and so can its alcohol content.
Most root beers are produced as soft drinks, but some are alcoholic beverages. To determine if we can get drunk off root beer, we need to distinguish between the different types. Before we can do that, we should understand how root beer came to be and how it has developed over time.
During the 19th century, early versions of root beer were crafted using roots, barks, leaves, and flowers of certain plants. Indigenous North Americans brewed medicinal root teas from plants such as sassafras, wintergreen, and sarsaparilla for their perceived healing properties.
In the 1840s, general stores started selling root beer for medicinal use. Over time, the native recipes were adapted to make low-alcoholic drinks known as “small beers.” Various iterations spread, and carbonation — a key feature of today’s root beer — was added at some point. By the late 1870s, a pharmacist named Charles Hire debuted the first commercial brand of root beer at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876. Soon after, he was distributing it all over the country.
Root beer continued to grow in popularity, but Prohibition prompted the creation of non-alcoholic versions. Companies also found that these versions were less expensive to produce, which shifted root beer into the soft drink category. In the 1960s, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned safrole, the compound found in sassafras that was believed to cause liver damage and certain cancers. Since then, beverage companies have adapted their recipes into what we know as root beer today.
The ingredients in root beer can vary widely between different brands, but what are some common ones that give root beer its distinct taste?
Root beer is a soft drink that is made primarily from water, carbonation, sweetener, and caramel coloring. While original versions of root beer were made using different plants, there are other common flavorings found in modern root beer:
Mass-produced root beers tend to stray further away from the original ingredients, whereas smaller producers stick to more traditional recipes. Root beer recipes vary widely, much like their predecessors, but do any of them still contain alcohol?
Root beer that is commercially produced as a soft drink does not contain any alcohol. Despite its name, it contains 0% alcohol and will not make us drunk. However, it’s important to note that root beer can contain alcohol.
Smaller companies that produce root beer similar to the ways it was in the past may produce low-alcohol versions of root beer. Since alcohol has to be clearly labeled in the U.S., root beer that contains alcohol will be clearly labeled as such.
In addition to traditional methods of brewing root beer, some companies have developed a “hard” root beer, which is intended to be an alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic versions of root beer can vary in alcohol by volume (ABV) but contain the same compounds found in all alcoholic beverages that can make us feel drunk. While there are different versions of root beer, the most popular one is the root beer soft drink. We’ve established that it doesn’t typically contain alcohol, but what about caffeine?
Root beer soda and alcoholic root beers are generally caffeine-free. However, ingredients can vary — making it important to check the specific beverage for caffeine content. Barq’s regular root beer, for example, does contain caffeine, while Mug and A&W do not.
The FDA requires caffeine to be listed in the ingredients list but not the precise amount, so if we’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s helpful to check with the specific manufacturer if you need to know the amount.
So, if most root beer doesn’t contain caffeine, isn’t made from roots, and doesn’t contain alcohol, why is it named root beer?
The original versions of root beer were made from roots and brewed in a manner similar to beer. The “root” part of its name comes from the tea made from sassafras and dandelion root. The “beer” comes from the fermentation process that produces beer. Over time, the ingredients and production process of root beer have evolved, but we didn’t bother changing the name. Today, the root beer we know is more of a soda, but the name “caramel-colored flavored soda” doesn’t exactly have the same ring.
For the root beers that do contain alcohol, does the name root beer fit? Let’s get to the root of alcoholic root beer and see how it compares to other alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic root beers range from about 5 to 8% alcohol by volume. This is similar to the ABV of other beers. Wines range from about 5 to 15% ABV and spirits range from roughly 35 to 45% ABV.
Although most similar to beer, alcoholic root beer typically contains more sugar than beer. It's similar to flavored malt beverages such as hard lemonade or hard iced tea. Alcoholic root beers are typically in the lower ABV range in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. Does that mean it's better for us?
While we’ve determined that there are multiple versions of root beer, it’s only fair that we review their health effects separately. Let’s take a closer look at the three main options and how they can affect our health.
Although root beer was originally used as a medicinal tea, modern versions of root beer don’t have the same benefits. Let’s further examine the negative effects of alcoholic root beer.
Alcoholic root beers combine two beverages that can be harmful to our health — soft drinks and alcohol. Drinking alcoholic root beer can potentially lead to several consequences:
Alcoholic root beer may be lower in alcohol content than spirits. However, mindful consumption of any type of alcohol is beneficial to our health. Let's explore some ways we can practice this.
Mindful drinking practices can be used for any alcoholic beverage (or anything, with a few tweaks). However, due to the specific contents of root beer, we can implement these specific practices to limit the negative effects.
Not all root beer has alcohol, but these mindful drinking practices can help us prevent excessive consumption of either kind. Like the wise Irish poet Oscar Wilde said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Root beer, as we know it today, is a popular soft drink. Although the soda contains no alcohol, some root beer options do contain alcohol. While somewhat lower in alcohol than other alcoholic beverages such as spirits, alcoholic root beer can make us drunk and can cause negative effects. In fact, the combination of a soft drink and alcoholic beverage can heighten the negative health effects. Root beer can vary in its recipe and alcohol content, but mindful consumption can be beneficial regardless of the type of drink. Practice moderate consumption of all root beers to steer clear of severe issues.
Is root beer, beer? If so, then why are root beer floats a popular kid-friendly dessert? If not, why can we find root beer in the alcohol aisle? Turns out, root beer has evolved significantly since it was created. Today, the recipe for root beer can vary widely and so can its alcohol content.
Most root beers are produced as soft drinks, but some are alcoholic beverages. To determine if we can get drunk off root beer, we need to distinguish between the different types. Before we can do that, we should understand how root beer came to be and how it has developed over time.
During the 19th century, early versions of root beer were crafted using roots, barks, leaves, and flowers of certain plants. Indigenous North Americans brewed medicinal root teas from plants such as sassafras, wintergreen, and sarsaparilla for their perceived healing properties.
In the 1840s, general stores started selling root beer for medicinal use. Over time, the native recipes were adapted to make low-alcoholic drinks known as “small beers.” Various iterations spread, and carbonation — a key feature of today’s root beer — was added at some point. By the late 1870s, a pharmacist named Charles Hire debuted the first commercial brand of root beer at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876. Soon after, he was distributing it all over the country.
Root beer continued to grow in popularity, but Prohibition prompted the creation of non-alcoholic versions. Companies also found that these versions were less expensive to produce, which shifted root beer into the soft drink category. In the 1960s, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned safrole, the compound found in sassafras that was believed to cause liver damage and certain cancers. Since then, beverage companies have adapted their recipes into what we know as root beer today.
The ingredients in root beer can vary widely between different brands, but what are some common ones that give root beer its distinct taste?
Root beer is a soft drink that is made primarily from water, carbonation, sweetener, and caramel coloring. While original versions of root beer were made using different plants, there are other common flavorings found in modern root beer:
Mass-produced root beers tend to stray further away from the original ingredients, whereas smaller producers stick to more traditional recipes. Root beer recipes vary widely, much like their predecessors, but do any of them still contain alcohol?
Root beer that is commercially produced as a soft drink does not contain any alcohol. Despite its name, it contains 0% alcohol and will not make us drunk. However, it’s important to note that root beer can contain alcohol.
Smaller companies that produce root beer similar to the ways it was in the past may produce low-alcohol versions of root beer. Since alcohol has to be clearly labeled in the U.S., root beer that contains alcohol will be clearly labeled as such.
In addition to traditional methods of brewing root beer, some companies have developed a “hard” root beer, which is intended to be an alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic versions of root beer can vary in alcohol by volume (ABV) but contain the same compounds found in all alcoholic beverages that can make us feel drunk. While there are different versions of root beer, the most popular one is the root beer soft drink. We’ve established that it doesn’t typically contain alcohol, but what about caffeine?
Root beer soda and alcoholic root beers are generally caffeine-free. However, ingredients can vary — making it important to check the specific beverage for caffeine content. Barq’s regular root beer, for example, does contain caffeine, while Mug and A&W do not.
The FDA requires caffeine to be listed in the ingredients list but not the precise amount, so if we’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s helpful to check with the specific manufacturer if you need to know the amount.
So, if most root beer doesn’t contain caffeine, isn’t made from roots, and doesn’t contain alcohol, why is it named root beer?
The original versions of root beer were made from roots and brewed in a manner similar to beer. The “root” part of its name comes from the tea made from sassafras and dandelion root. The “beer” comes from the fermentation process that produces beer. Over time, the ingredients and production process of root beer have evolved, but we didn’t bother changing the name. Today, the root beer we know is more of a soda, but the name “caramel-colored flavored soda” doesn’t exactly have the same ring.
For the root beers that do contain alcohol, does the name root beer fit? Let’s get to the root of alcoholic root beer and see how it compares to other alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic root beers range from about 5 to 8% alcohol by volume. This is similar to the ABV of other beers. Wines range from about 5 to 15% ABV and spirits range from roughly 35 to 45% ABV.
Although most similar to beer, alcoholic root beer typically contains more sugar than beer. It's similar to flavored malt beverages such as hard lemonade or hard iced tea. Alcoholic root beers are typically in the lower ABV range in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. Does that mean it's better for us?
While we’ve determined that there are multiple versions of root beer, it’s only fair that we review their health effects separately. Let’s take a closer look at the three main options and how they can affect our health.
Although root beer was originally used as a medicinal tea, modern versions of root beer don’t have the same benefits. Let’s further examine the negative effects of alcoholic root beer.
Alcoholic root beers combine two beverages that can be harmful to our health — soft drinks and alcohol. Drinking alcoholic root beer can potentially lead to several consequences:
Alcoholic root beer may be lower in alcohol content than spirits. However, mindful consumption of any type of alcohol is beneficial to our health. Let's explore some ways we can practice this.
Mindful drinking practices can be used for any alcoholic beverage (or anything, with a few tweaks). However, due to the specific contents of root beer, we can implement these specific practices to limit the negative effects.
Not all root beer has alcohol, but these mindful drinking practices can help us prevent excessive consumption of either kind. Like the wise Irish poet Oscar Wilde said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Root beer, as we know it today, is a popular soft drink. Although the soda contains no alcohol, some root beer options do contain alcohol. While somewhat lower in alcohol than other alcoholic beverages such as spirits, alcoholic root beer can make us drunk and can cause negative effects. In fact, the combination of a soft drink and alcoholic beverage can heighten the negative health effects. Root beer can vary in its recipe and alcohol content, but mindful consumption can be beneficial regardless of the type of drink. Practice moderate consumption of all root beers to steer clear of severe issues.
Curious about the interaction between alcohol and serotonin? Our blog has the answers, including important safety tips regarding serotonin syndrome.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
What is happiness? Now there’s a head-scratcher. This seemingly simple yet infinitely complex question has boggled the minds of ancient philosophers, psychologists, fantasy novel writers, and spiritual seekers alike.
Unfortunately, it’s also a question that can lead us astray once “happiness-boosting” substances such as alcohol come into the picture. Creating joy on demand is tricky business, and we can inadvertently end up in dangerous waters, especially if we’re not careful about how we drink or what we mix with alcohol.
As far as the brain is concerned, however, it all comes down to neurochemicals, with serotonin taking center stage. How does alcohol affect serotonin? And how can it contribute to the potentially dangerous serotonin syndrome? Let’s find out!
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter — a molecule that acts as a chemical messenger, helping neurons communicate with one another. But did you know that only about 10% of serotonin is actually produced in the brain? That’s right — 90% of this essential chemical is found “downstairs,” in the gut, where it acts as a hormone.
While serotonin is best known for its role in those happy emotions we all know and love, it actually has a range of functions in the body. Here’s an overview:
With so much on its task list, serotonin is one busy chemical. It’s no wonder that any disruptions to its normal functioning can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Low serotonin levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and problems with digestion and sleep. Scientists and doctors have found a number of solutions that can help, ranging from getting more sunlight and exercise to taking antidepressants that increase serotonin levels, often by keeping them from getting cleared out of nerve synapses.
Serotonin is produced from tryptophan, an essential amino acid that can’t be produced from scratch and must come from the foods we eat. Some good tryptophan sources? Animal proteins, as well as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
But what about alcohol? How does it factor into the picture?
Alcohol and serotonin have a complex relationship. Let’s explore it in more detail.
While dopamine — the “reward” neurotransmitter — usually gets mentioned first when it comes to the “happy chemicals” alcohol enhances, serotonin is an important part of the picture. Drinking boosts our levels of serotonin, with a single drinking session being enough to cause a noticeable shift. That warm, fuzzy, “I just love everyone in this room” kind of feeling? That’s serotonin in action. However, this effect is temporary. Plus, there’s often a rebound effect the next day as serotonin levels fall, contributing to that “blah” feeling of the morning-after hangover.
In the long term, there’s more potential trouble when it comes to alcohol and serotonin. As the rush of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals (including serotonin) becomes the “new normal,” the brain puts the brakes on its natural production. So those feel-good movies, heart-to-heart conversations with old friends, and cuddles with our Golden Retriever don’t produce the same rush of serotonin they used to in the past.
As a result, the stage is set for alcohol dependence, which develops in part as a response to the neurochemical shifts in the brain. Research supports this: studies show that serotonin transporter densities are reduced in people with alcohol dependence. And while the brain can certainly return to normal, it will take some time. (For a deeper look, check out “Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?”)
If serotonin is a “happy chemical,” more of it should be a good thing, right? Not so. In fact, when serotonin levels get too high, we can end up with a dangerous (and potentially life-threatening) condition known as serotonin syndrome.
While serotonin syndrome can happen from alcohol alone, it’s much more likely to be triggered by a combination of alcohol and another serotonin-boosting substance. The list of possible culprits is pretty huge. (Note: most of these substances are safe when used as directed. It’s only when we mix them with booze that we run into trouble.)
While substances on this list can cause serotonin syndrome when mixed with alcohol, we should also avoid mixing them with each other. Any combination of serotonin boosters could get us in the danger zone!
So what is serotonin syndrome, scientifically speaking? In short, the serotonin receptors in our central and peripheral nervous system get overwhelmed, leading to an all-out system overload.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms aren’t always catastrophic, but they are important to recognize and address right away, since they can easily escalate. They tend to range from mild to severe.
Never ignore these signs. If you notice them, seek medical help right away!
Treatment for serotonin syndrome symptoms will usually happen in a hospital setting. Here’s what will probably happen should we get there.
Serotonin syndrome is treatable, but it’s crucial to get help in time. Always err on the side of safety!
Here are some tips to avoid the potential dangers that come with alcohol and serotonin-boosting substances.
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about medication interactions or possible reactions with alcohol. Safety is key!
Finally, did you know that there are plenty of ways to boost serotonin naturally? Here are a few go-tos that are scientifically proven to work.
There are plenty of ways to tap into the natural serotonin-producing powers of our brain. It’s designed for it!
To sum up our discussion of serotonin, let’s get philosophical again for a moment. True happiness gives life that spark that makes us excited to get up in the morning and gives us memories we can treasure when things get difficult. But it can’t be found in a substance like alcohol — at best, all that we end up with is an illusion.
As Karen Weinreb writes in The Summer Kitchen, “Happiness is the greatest paradox of nature … It comes from within … Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying … Happiness is the soul's joy in the possession of the intangible. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself.” So let’s let it glow the way it’s meant to, booze-free!
What is happiness? Now there’s a head-scratcher. This seemingly simple yet infinitely complex question has boggled the minds of ancient philosophers, psychologists, fantasy novel writers, and spiritual seekers alike.
Unfortunately, it’s also a question that can lead us astray once “happiness-boosting” substances such as alcohol come into the picture. Creating joy on demand is tricky business, and we can inadvertently end up in dangerous waters, especially if we’re not careful about how we drink or what we mix with alcohol.
As far as the brain is concerned, however, it all comes down to neurochemicals, with serotonin taking center stage. How does alcohol affect serotonin? And how can it contribute to the potentially dangerous serotonin syndrome? Let’s find out!
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter — a molecule that acts as a chemical messenger, helping neurons communicate with one another. But did you know that only about 10% of serotonin is actually produced in the brain? That’s right — 90% of this essential chemical is found “downstairs,” in the gut, where it acts as a hormone.
While serotonin is best known for its role in those happy emotions we all know and love, it actually has a range of functions in the body. Here’s an overview:
With so much on its task list, serotonin is one busy chemical. It’s no wonder that any disruptions to its normal functioning can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Low serotonin levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and problems with digestion and sleep. Scientists and doctors have found a number of solutions that can help, ranging from getting more sunlight and exercise to taking antidepressants that increase serotonin levels, often by keeping them from getting cleared out of nerve synapses.
Serotonin is produced from tryptophan, an essential amino acid that can’t be produced from scratch and must come from the foods we eat. Some good tryptophan sources? Animal proteins, as well as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
But what about alcohol? How does it factor into the picture?
Alcohol and serotonin have a complex relationship. Let’s explore it in more detail.
While dopamine — the “reward” neurotransmitter — usually gets mentioned first when it comes to the “happy chemicals” alcohol enhances, serotonin is an important part of the picture. Drinking boosts our levels of serotonin, with a single drinking session being enough to cause a noticeable shift. That warm, fuzzy, “I just love everyone in this room” kind of feeling? That’s serotonin in action. However, this effect is temporary. Plus, there’s often a rebound effect the next day as serotonin levels fall, contributing to that “blah” feeling of the morning-after hangover.
In the long term, there’s more potential trouble when it comes to alcohol and serotonin. As the rush of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals (including serotonin) becomes the “new normal,” the brain puts the brakes on its natural production. So those feel-good movies, heart-to-heart conversations with old friends, and cuddles with our Golden Retriever don’t produce the same rush of serotonin they used to in the past.
As a result, the stage is set for alcohol dependence, which develops in part as a response to the neurochemical shifts in the brain. Research supports this: studies show that serotonin transporter densities are reduced in people with alcohol dependence. And while the brain can certainly return to normal, it will take some time. (For a deeper look, check out “Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?”)
If serotonin is a “happy chemical,” more of it should be a good thing, right? Not so. In fact, when serotonin levels get too high, we can end up with a dangerous (and potentially life-threatening) condition known as serotonin syndrome.
While serotonin syndrome can happen from alcohol alone, it’s much more likely to be triggered by a combination of alcohol and another serotonin-boosting substance. The list of possible culprits is pretty huge. (Note: most of these substances are safe when used as directed. It’s only when we mix them with booze that we run into trouble.)
While substances on this list can cause serotonin syndrome when mixed with alcohol, we should also avoid mixing them with each other. Any combination of serotonin boosters could get us in the danger zone!
So what is serotonin syndrome, scientifically speaking? In short, the serotonin receptors in our central and peripheral nervous system get overwhelmed, leading to an all-out system overload.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms aren’t always catastrophic, but they are important to recognize and address right away, since they can easily escalate. They tend to range from mild to severe.
Never ignore these signs. If you notice them, seek medical help right away!
Treatment for serotonin syndrome symptoms will usually happen in a hospital setting. Here’s what will probably happen should we get there.
Serotonin syndrome is treatable, but it’s crucial to get help in time. Always err on the side of safety!
Here are some tips to avoid the potential dangers that come with alcohol and serotonin-boosting substances.
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about medication interactions or possible reactions with alcohol. Safety is key!
Finally, did you know that there are plenty of ways to boost serotonin naturally? Here are a few go-tos that are scientifically proven to work.
There are plenty of ways to tap into the natural serotonin-producing powers of our brain. It’s designed for it!
To sum up our discussion of serotonin, let’s get philosophical again for a moment. True happiness gives life that spark that makes us excited to get up in the morning and gives us memories we can treasure when things get difficult. But it can’t be found in a substance like alcohol — at best, all that we end up with is an illusion.
As Karen Weinreb writes in The Summer Kitchen, “Happiness is the greatest paradox of nature … It comes from within … Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying … Happiness is the soul's joy in the possession of the intangible. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself.” So let’s let it glow the way it’s meant to, booze-free!
Although drinking expired alcohol isn’t tied to significant dangers, it may have negative impacts. Check out our latest blog for more info on alcohol’s shelf life.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
We may be familiar with the term “aging like fine wine,” but despite what we commonly hear, alcohol doesn’t last forever. The shelf life of alcohol depends on several different factors, and proper storage plays a major role in how long it lasts.
Let’s get a general idea of how long different types of alcohol last and what factors affect it. We’ll also delve into ways that we can identify spoiled alcohol and how it can affect our health. Since many alcoholic products don’t clearly state an expiration date, let’s first determine if alcohol does expire.
Alcohol is commonly used as a preservative and has antimicrobial properties. However, alcohol does expire and can go bad. It may not spoil in the same way that other foods and drinks do, but alcohol doesn’t last forever as it’s commonly perceived to.
While ethanol is an approved preservative that extends the life of many foods, the specific process of developing alcoholic beverages and additives contributes to its perishability. The shelf life of alcohol depends on many different factors including whether or not it’s been opened.
Alcohol that has been left unopened and stored correctly may have a longer shelf life. That’s because proper handling decreases the chance of exposure to factors that increase the progression of expiration. However, the shelf life of alcohol that is unopened isn’t indefinite.
Although unopened, alcohol can still be exposed to external influences that can contribute to its spoiling. Let’s explore these factors in greater detail.
Like all food and drink we consume, different factors can influence how long they last. An apple we keep in our car during the hot summer months will spoil much more quickly than an apple we keep in the fridge. The same goes for alcohol. Specific factors influence the alcohol’s shelf life:
A variety of factors can influence how long different types of alcohol last, which means each kind has a different shelf life. To practice safe consumption of alcohol, we need to understand the general shelf life of each type.
Different types of alcohol are produced differently, have different ethanol content, and may have distinctive additives that influence their shelf life. Let’s compare three main types of alcohol — liquor, wine, and beer.
Liquor encompasses distilled spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum. Out of the three main types of alcohol, liquor is considered the most shelf stable due to its high ethanol content.
Liquor is produced through fermentation of different grains and plants. After fermentation, liquor goes through a distillation process, which separates alcohol from water and increases the alcohol concentration. Since spirits have a higher alcohol content, they typically have the longest shelf life. According to industry experts and authors of the book Aroma of Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages, liquor lasts for about 6 to 8 months after opening.
Liqueurs, not to be confused with the general term liquor, are sweetened with other flavors, which shorten liqueurs’ shelf life to 6 months after opening.
Generally, liquor, or spirits, should be stored in a cool, dark area. The bottles also should be stored upright to prevent the alcohol from touching the cap. This reduces the risk of corrosion, which can affect the flavor and quality of the alcohol. While some spirits may last longer than 6 – 8 months after opening without affecting the taste, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Wine is produced through fermentation of different parts of the grape. Unlike spirits, the shelf life of wine can vary greatly. While quality wines that are aged in casks for months to years can continue to last and intensify in taste if unopened, cheaper wines that don’t go through this aging process last only about 2 years after bottling. The shelf life of unopened wines is difficult to determine and can vary widely among different types of wines and brands.
Organic wines are typically made without preservatives and should be consumed within 3 – 6 months. After opening, wine is exposed to oxygen and should be consumed within 3 – 7 days. Sparkling wines, which deteriorate fastest, should be consumed within hours (or 1 – 3 days if refrigerated and sealed with a wine stopper). More shelf-stable wines, such as fortified wines, can last 2 – 4 weeks after opening.
As we can see, the shelf life of wine is volatile and greatly affected by light and heat. A wine cellar or another cool, dark, and dry environment (not the freezer) will help keep wine fresh for several years unopened. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, wine is meant to be stored on its side to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation.
Beer is produced through the fermentation of cereal grains. As the yeast converts the sugars into ethanol, CO2 is produced – causing natural carbonation. At the end of the process, hops (parts of the Humulus lupulus plant) are added to give beer its distinctive taste and help preserve and stabilize its foam.
The shelf life of beer depends on the alcohol content and whether or not it's pasteurized or unpasteurized. Brewers typically print a “use by” date to indicate when the beer will be at peak taste. Pasteurized beers, which go through a heating process similar to pasteurizing other foods and drinks, prevent harmful pathogens and extend the shelf life for up to a year after packaging and generally 6 – 8 months past its “best by” date. Unpasteurized beers, like most craft beers, have a shorter shelf life and last about 3 months after bottling.
Beer can be properly stored in a cool, dark area with consistent temperatures, such as the fridge. After opening, beer should be consumed within a few hours. After opening, beer will begin to lose its carbonation and taste.
Since expiration periods of alcohol are highly dependent on external factors, it’s important to know the signs of spoiled alcohol. Here are the most common indicators:
While not all expired alcohol will have visible signs, it's important to be aware of how alcohol that’s gone bad can look, smell, and taste to help us avoid it. But if we’re in a dark bar or at a party with lots of different smells, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs. What if we accidentally drink alcohol that’s gone bad? Should we be worried?
Expired alcohol is most commonly associated with a change in taste. While spoiled wine turns to vinegar, making it taste sour, other expired alcohol may not have a distinctly “off” taste. Alcohol past its expiration date may be described as weak or unflavored. The change in taste may not seem like a big deal. However, it can be difficult to tell for sure if bacteria or mold has grown in it.
Consuming alcohol that contains bacteria or mold increases the risk of experiencing adverse effects such as an upset stomach. Expired alcohol, however, isn’t reported to cause serious illness. Still, it isn’t a great idea to consume expired alcohol, especially if signs of decomposition are detected. It’s similar to eating the rest of an apple after cutting off a discolored piece — we may or may not get sick, but why take the chance?
Even if it’s not expired, alcohol still poses numerous risks. We can cut the discolored piece off an apple, but if the apple is poisonous, it doesn’t make a difference. Likewise, consuming any alcohol in excess — expired or not — can lead to serious health conditions:
Drinking alcohol directly impacts our health and well-being in multiple ways. An expiration date doesn’t change that. Mindful drinking practices can reduce the risk of complications and limit the negative impacts of general alcohol consumption.
Safe alcohol consumption includes checking for signs of expiration and, more importantly, implementing mindful drinking practices:
Since alcohol, expired or not, has the same detrimental health effects, safe alcohol consumption always includes limiting intake.
While some alcohol can last for years unopened, alcohol is not indefinitely shelf stable. Storage, ethanol content, and additives can all influence alcohol’s shelf life. While expired alcohol (compared to non-expired) may not have significant health effects, it can increase the possibility of exposure to bacteria and mold. It’s important to note that alcohol, even when not expired, has detrimental health effects — accentuating the importance of quitting or cutting back on alcohol to improve our overall well-being.
We may be familiar with the term “aging like fine wine,” but despite what we commonly hear, alcohol doesn’t last forever. The shelf life of alcohol depends on several different factors, and proper storage plays a major role in how long it lasts.
Let’s get a general idea of how long different types of alcohol last and what factors affect it. We’ll also delve into ways that we can identify spoiled alcohol and how it can affect our health. Since many alcoholic products don’t clearly state an expiration date, let’s first determine if alcohol does expire.
Alcohol is commonly used as a preservative and has antimicrobial properties. However, alcohol does expire and can go bad. It may not spoil in the same way that other foods and drinks do, but alcohol doesn’t last forever as it’s commonly perceived to.
While ethanol is an approved preservative that extends the life of many foods, the specific process of developing alcoholic beverages and additives contributes to its perishability. The shelf life of alcohol depends on many different factors including whether or not it’s been opened.
Alcohol that has been left unopened and stored correctly may have a longer shelf life. That’s because proper handling decreases the chance of exposure to factors that increase the progression of expiration. However, the shelf life of alcohol that is unopened isn’t indefinite.
Although unopened, alcohol can still be exposed to external influences that can contribute to its spoiling. Let’s explore these factors in greater detail.
Like all food and drink we consume, different factors can influence how long they last. An apple we keep in our car during the hot summer months will spoil much more quickly than an apple we keep in the fridge. The same goes for alcohol. Specific factors influence the alcohol’s shelf life:
A variety of factors can influence how long different types of alcohol last, which means each kind has a different shelf life. To practice safe consumption of alcohol, we need to understand the general shelf life of each type.
Different types of alcohol are produced differently, have different ethanol content, and may have distinctive additives that influence their shelf life. Let’s compare three main types of alcohol — liquor, wine, and beer.
Liquor encompasses distilled spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum. Out of the three main types of alcohol, liquor is considered the most shelf stable due to its high ethanol content.
Liquor is produced through fermentation of different grains and plants. After fermentation, liquor goes through a distillation process, which separates alcohol from water and increases the alcohol concentration. Since spirits have a higher alcohol content, they typically have the longest shelf life. According to industry experts and authors of the book Aroma of Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages, liquor lasts for about 6 to 8 months after opening.
Liqueurs, not to be confused with the general term liquor, are sweetened with other flavors, which shorten liqueurs’ shelf life to 6 months after opening.
Generally, liquor, or spirits, should be stored in a cool, dark area. The bottles also should be stored upright to prevent the alcohol from touching the cap. This reduces the risk of corrosion, which can affect the flavor and quality of the alcohol. While some spirits may last longer than 6 – 8 months after opening without affecting the taste, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Wine is produced through fermentation of different parts of the grape. Unlike spirits, the shelf life of wine can vary greatly. While quality wines that are aged in casks for months to years can continue to last and intensify in taste if unopened, cheaper wines that don’t go through this aging process last only about 2 years after bottling. The shelf life of unopened wines is difficult to determine and can vary widely among different types of wines and brands.
Organic wines are typically made without preservatives and should be consumed within 3 – 6 months. After opening, wine is exposed to oxygen and should be consumed within 3 – 7 days. Sparkling wines, which deteriorate fastest, should be consumed within hours (or 1 – 3 days if refrigerated and sealed with a wine stopper). More shelf-stable wines, such as fortified wines, can last 2 – 4 weeks after opening.
As we can see, the shelf life of wine is volatile and greatly affected by light and heat. A wine cellar or another cool, dark, and dry environment (not the freezer) will help keep wine fresh for several years unopened. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, wine is meant to be stored on its side to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation.
Beer is produced through the fermentation of cereal grains. As the yeast converts the sugars into ethanol, CO2 is produced – causing natural carbonation. At the end of the process, hops (parts of the Humulus lupulus plant) are added to give beer its distinctive taste and help preserve and stabilize its foam.
The shelf life of beer depends on the alcohol content and whether or not it's pasteurized or unpasteurized. Brewers typically print a “use by” date to indicate when the beer will be at peak taste. Pasteurized beers, which go through a heating process similar to pasteurizing other foods and drinks, prevent harmful pathogens and extend the shelf life for up to a year after packaging and generally 6 – 8 months past its “best by” date. Unpasteurized beers, like most craft beers, have a shorter shelf life and last about 3 months after bottling.
Beer can be properly stored in a cool, dark area with consistent temperatures, such as the fridge. After opening, beer should be consumed within a few hours. After opening, beer will begin to lose its carbonation and taste.
Since expiration periods of alcohol are highly dependent on external factors, it’s important to know the signs of spoiled alcohol. Here are the most common indicators:
While not all expired alcohol will have visible signs, it's important to be aware of how alcohol that’s gone bad can look, smell, and taste to help us avoid it. But if we’re in a dark bar or at a party with lots of different smells, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs. What if we accidentally drink alcohol that’s gone bad? Should we be worried?
Expired alcohol is most commonly associated with a change in taste. While spoiled wine turns to vinegar, making it taste sour, other expired alcohol may not have a distinctly “off” taste. Alcohol past its expiration date may be described as weak or unflavored. The change in taste may not seem like a big deal. However, it can be difficult to tell for sure if bacteria or mold has grown in it.
Consuming alcohol that contains bacteria or mold increases the risk of experiencing adverse effects such as an upset stomach. Expired alcohol, however, isn’t reported to cause serious illness. Still, it isn’t a great idea to consume expired alcohol, especially if signs of decomposition are detected. It’s similar to eating the rest of an apple after cutting off a discolored piece — we may or may not get sick, but why take the chance?
Even if it’s not expired, alcohol still poses numerous risks. We can cut the discolored piece off an apple, but if the apple is poisonous, it doesn’t make a difference. Likewise, consuming any alcohol in excess — expired or not — can lead to serious health conditions:
Drinking alcohol directly impacts our health and well-being in multiple ways. An expiration date doesn’t change that. Mindful drinking practices can reduce the risk of complications and limit the negative impacts of general alcohol consumption.
Safe alcohol consumption includes checking for signs of expiration and, more importantly, implementing mindful drinking practices:
Since alcohol, expired or not, has the same detrimental health effects, safe alcohol consumption always includes limiting intake.
While some alcohol can last for years unopened, alcohol is not indefinitely shelf stable. Storage, ethanol content, and additives can all influence alcohol’s shelf life. While expired alcohol (compared to non-expired) may not have significant health effects, it can increase the possibility of exposure to bacteria and mold. It’s important to note that alcohol, even when not expired, has detrimental health effects — accentuating the importance of quitting or cutting back on alcohol to improve our overall well-being.
According to Andrew Huberman’s podcast, Huberman Lab, alcohol is a potentially dangerous toxin that affects our brain and body in negative ways. Find out the details in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman says that early in his career, someone gave him this piece of advice: “Don’t over-engage in any controversy unless you are willing to stake your entire reputation on it. Rather, keep focused on discovering new things, and creating, or else you become known for the controversy and nothing else; there is no going back.”
And yet, sometimes, taking a clear “no-room-for-exceptions” stance is important if the subject demands it — and Huberman is living proof of that idea. In his case, the subject is alcohol. In the face of confusing headlines touting its supposed “benefits,” Huberman wants to make one thing clear: alcohol is bad for us. Let’s explore why in more detail.
Who in the world is Andrew Huberman, and why should we listen to him in the first place? Well, when it comes to the brain, he knows what he’s talking about. A neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford School of Medicine, Huberman has studied brain development and neuroplasticity — the ability of the brain to form new connections and rewire itself — for more than two decades.
The Huberman Lab Podcast is all about bringing that research to the people. While the focus is neuroscience, this “lab” is one-of-a-kind: you don’t have to worry about sitting through tedious lectures on stoichiometry or the Krebs cycle. Huberman is all about making brain science (and science in general) accessible and relevant.
While his past topics include everything from the neuroscience of music to the biology of sleep, alcohol and its effects on our body and mind is what Huberman has become spokesman for.
“So alcohol has been used for medicinal purposes, it's been used to clean surfaces, it's used in my laboratory in order to make up so-called reagents to do our experiments, but most humans have been consuming alcohol in order to change their internal state.”
The main problem with alcohol as far as Huberman is concerned? It’s toxic. After all, it’s no wonder that some of its primary uses through the ages have been as an antiseptic. It kills bacteria — both inside and outside the body — and does such a good job of it that we still put it in everything from hand sanitizer to bathroom cleaners.
Unfortunately, when we ingest it, it doesn’t get any less harsh. As Huberman explains, “When you drink alcohol, it can pass into all the cells and tissues of your body. It has no trouble just passing right into those cells … The fact that it can pass into so many organs and cells so easily is really what explains its damaging effects.” (Want to learn more? Check out our blog “What Are Alcohol's Effects on the Body?”)
Out of the many talks Huberman has recorded about alcohol, the one that sums up his findings and views the best is Episode 86: “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain, and Health.”
He starts out by saying that alcohol is “one of the most commonly consumed substances on the planet Earth” by “both humans and non-human animals” alike.
Wait, non-human animals, too? Yes! Science has shown that rats can develop a full-on addiction after getting easy access to booze in their cages. Likewise, hummingbirds sip on lightly spiked nectar just as happily as on the “virgin” kind when given the option.
Huberman goes on to talk about the many negative effects of alcohol on the body, from individual cells to organs and organ systems, as well as psychological and social effects. Here’s an overview of the main points.
“Acetaldehyde is poison. It will kill cells. It damages and kills cells, and it is indiscriminate as to which cells it damages and kills.”
In many ways, acetaldehyde is at the heart of the matter. The problem with acetaldehyde? Well, it’s a powerful toxin that gets produced as a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
As Huberman explains, when we drink, we are, in fact, “ingesting a poison, and that poison is converted into an even worse poison in [our] body.” Needless to say, this doesn’t bode well for us — and Huberman spends the rest of the episode explaining why.
“To make it very clear, drinking a lot (3 – 4 drinks per night, every night of the week) is clearly bad for the brain.”
But so is moderate drinking. Huberman points out that chronic drinking at any level — even if it’s not every night — changes the neural circuits of the brain. Specifically, there’s a decrease in “top-down” inhibition and an increase in overall impulsivity. (Those impromptu late-night phone calls to your ex or confessions to your coworker over a happy hour that got a bit too “happy”? Your brain can make a habit of it. Those repeated behaviors are all training your brain to hold off on hitting the brakes when it comes to certain impulses.)
Ready for another buzzkill? In an Instagram post, Huberman points out the reality behind that tipsy feeling some of us chase so fondly:
“Alcohol is one of the few substances that produces changes in the brain and body not just by causing the release of chemicals but by [its] direct poisonous effects on cells. That’s right, a lot of what we associate with the feelings of alcohol are actually due to cellular damage.”
Fortunately, Huberman adds, this is reversible (phew!). Give it 2 to 6 months without booze, and the neural circuits go back to normal. (For a deep dive into alcohol and the brain, check out “How Alcohol Affects the Brain: A Look Into the Science.”)
“'People who ingest alcohol at any amount are inducing a disruption in the so-called gut microbiome, the trillions of little micro bacteria that take up residency in your gut.”
Huberman talks about the “gut-brain-liver” axis to explain the effect of alcohol on the gut. As scientists now know, the brain and the gut are connected via the vagus nerve, as well as through chemical signals. As it turns out, the liver joins the conversation as well! Alcohol disrupts the flow of this three-way communication by messing with gut bacteria while increasing inflammation in the liver, which stokes the fire even more.
The result is a so-called two-hit model — an attack from two fronts. The good bacteria are depleted while “leaky gut” allows toxic chemicals to seep into the bloodstream. On top of that, inflammatory chemicals from the liver reach the brain through neuroimmune signaling, causing further damage.
(Want to learn more? Check out “How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health?”)
“The reason why alcohol is considered ’empty calories’ is because the entire process is very metabolically costly, but there’s no real nutritive value of the calories that it creates. You can use it for immediate energy, but it can’t be stored in any kind of meaningful or beneficial way.”
So what happens after alcohol is digested? Do we use any of it for energy? Sort of. When it comes to the calories in alcohol, Huberman is clear about how truly “empty” they are. In fact, he says, even sugar is a better fuel source if we’re looking at it purely from the standpoint of energy.
Alcohol lacks vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients such as proteins. In fact, it tends to slow down the metabolism of everything else we eat. The result? Those pretzels we’re having on the side or that midnight slice of pizza is much more likely to get stored as fat. (For more information, check out “The Link Between Alcohol and Unwanted Weight Gain.”)
“The more alcohol people drink, the greater their increase of cancer (in particular breast cancer).”
Finally, Huberman touches on one of the most serious risks of alcohol — cancer. He starts off by addressing all those claims we hear so often about red wine being good for us because of the resveratrol found in it. Those relying on this to justify their nightly wine habit might be disappointed to hear what Huberman has to say about it, but here it goes: the negative effects of ethanol most likely offset any cancer-fighting benefits of the compounds (which are also found in grape or pomegranate juice, by the way).
Huberman discusses the mechanism through which alcohol increases cancer risk. Once again, the problem comes down to the toxic properties of acetaldehyde, which affects the DNA in cells of various body tissues and causes changes in gene expression that lead to the growth of tumors. Once again, there’s a two-hit model in action: in addition to contributing to cancer proliferation, alcohol also delivers a blow to the immune system, which works to clear the body of harmful cells.
As he talks about the link between alcohol and cancer, Huberman comes back to one sobering statistic: a daily habit of having just one 10-gram drink increases our chances of cancer (especially breast cancer) by 4 – 13%! (To learn more about this subject, take a look at “The 7 Types of Cancer Caused By Alcohol” and “Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What's the Connection?”)
Throughout the podcast, Huberman gives some reassuring advice to his listeners. Don’t worry, he repeats, all is not lost, even for those who've had their share of heavy drinking bouts in the past. Here’s some Huberman-inspired advice to help you on your own journey!
Just a few simple changes can make a world of difference. It’s all about building new habits that last!
Remember, cutting back on alcohol doesn’t have to be a drag. Think of it as a fun experiment in your own “lab” and get curious about the changes you observe. Start with a challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October (or any other month of the year!) and see where it takes you. Chances are, the benefits will make you want to keep going! And Reframe is here to help you along the way!
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman says that early in his career, someone gave him this piece of advice: “Don’t over-engage in any controversy unless you are willing to stake your entire reputation on it. Rather, keep focused on discovering new things, and creating, or else you become known for the controversy and nothing else; there is no going back.”
And yet, sometimes, taking a clear “no-room-for-exceptions” stance is important if the subject demands it — and Huberman is living proof of that idea. In his case, the subject is alcohol. In the face of confusing headlines touting its supposed “benefits,” Huberman wants to make one thing clear: alcohol is bad for us. Let’s explore why in more detail.
Who in the world is Andrew Huberman, and why should we listen to him in the first place? Well, when it comes to the brain, he knows what he’s talking about. A neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford School of Medicine, Huberman has studied brain development and neuroplasticity — the ability of the brain to form new connections and rewire itself — for more than two decades.
The Huberman Lab Podcast is all about bringing that research to the people. While the focus is neuroscience, this “lab” is one-of-a-kind: you don’t have to worry about sitting through tedious lectures on stoichiometry or the Krebs cycle. Huberman is all about making brain science (and science in general) accessible and relevant.
While his past topics include everything from the neuroscience of music to the biology of sleep, alcohol and its effects on our body and mind is what Huberman has become spokesman for.
“So alcohol has been used for medicinal purposes, it's been used to clean surfaces, it's used in my laboratory in order to make up so-called reagents to do our experiments, but most humans have been consuming alcohol in order to change their internal state.”
The main problem with alcohol as far as Huberman is concerned? It’s toxic. After all, it’s no wonder that some of its primary uses through the ages have been as an antiseptic. It kills bacteria — both inside and outside the body — and does such a good job of it that we still put it in everything from hand sanitizer to bathroom cleaners.
Unfortunately, when we ingest it, it doesn’t get any less harsh. As Huberman explains, “When you drink alcohol, it can pass into all the cells and tissues of your body. It has no trouble just passing right into those cells … The fact that it can pass into so many organs and cells so easily is really what explains its damaging effects.” (Want to learn more? Check out our blog “What Are Alcohol's Effects on the Body?”)
Out of the many talks Huberman has recorded about alcohol, the one that sums up his findings and views the best is Episode 86: “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain, and Health.”
He starts out by saying that alcohol is “one of the most commonly consumed substances on the planet Earth” by “both humans and non-human animals” alike.
Wait, non-human animals, too? Yes! Science has shown that rats can develop a full-on addiction after getting easy access to booze in their cages. Likewise, hummingbirds sip on lightly spiked nectar just as happily as on the “virgin” kind when given the option.
Huberman goes on to talk about the many negative effects of alcohol on the body, from individual cells to organs and organ systems, as well as psychological and social effects. Here’s an overview of the main points.
“Acetaldehyde is poison. It will kill cells. It damages and kills cells, and it is indiscriminate as to which cells it damages and kills.”
In many ways, acetaldehyde is at the heart of the matter. The problem with acetaldehyde? Well, it’s a powerful toxin that gets produced as a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
As Huberman explains, when we drink, we are, in fact, “ingesting a poison, and that poison is converted into an even worse poison in [our] body.” Needless to say, this doesn’t bode well for us — and Huberman spends the rest of the episode explaining why.
“To make it very clear, drinking a lot (3 – 4 drinks per night, every night of the week) is clearly bad for the brain.”
But so is moderate drinking. Huberman points out that chronic drinking at any level — even if it’s not every night — changes the neural circuits of the brain. Specifically, there’s a decrease in “top-down” inhibition and an increase in overall impulsivity. (Those impromptu late-night phone calls to your ex or confessions to your coworker over a happy hour that got a bit too “happy”? Your brain can make a habit of it. Those repeated behaviors are all training your brain to hold off on hitting the brakes when it comes to certain impulses.)
Ready for another buzzkill? In an Instagram post, Huberman points out the reality behind that tipsy feeling some of us chase so fondly:
“Alcohol is one of the few substances that produces changes in the brain and body not just by causing the release of chemicals but by [its] direct poisonous effects on cells. That’s right, a lot of what we associate with the feelings of alcohol are actually due to cellular damage.”
Fortunately, Huberman adds, this is reversible (phew!). Give it 2 to 6 months without booze, and the neural circuits go back to normal. (For a deep dive into alcohol and the brain, check out “How Alcohol Affects the Brain: A Look Into the Science.”)
“'People who ingest alcohol at any amount are inducing a disruption in the so-called gut microbiome, the trillions of little micro bacteria that take up residency in your gut.”
Huberman talks about the “gut-brain-liver” axis to explain the effect of alcohol on the gut. As scientists now know, the brain and the gut are connected via the vagus nerve, as well as through chemical signals. As it turns out, the liver joins the conversation as well! Alcohol disrupts the flow of this three-way communication by messing with gut bacteria while increasing inflammation in the liver, which stokes the fire even more.
The result is a so-called two-hit model — an attack from two fronts. The good bacteria are depleted while “leaky gut” allows toxic chemicals to seep into the bloodstream. On top of that, inflammatory chemicals from the liver reach the brain through neuroimmune signaling, causing further damage.
(Want to learn more? Check out “How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health?”)
“The reason why alcohol is considered ’empty calories’ is because the entire process is very metabolically costly, but there’s no real nutritive value of the calories that it creates. You can use it for immediate energy, but it can’t be stored in any kind of meaningful or beneficial way.”
So what happens after alcohol is digested? Do we use any of it for energy? Sort of. When it comes to the calories in alcohol, Huberman is clear about how truly “empty” they are. In fact, he says, even sugar is a better fuel source if we’re looking at it purely from the standpoint of energy.
Alcohol lacks vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients such as proteins. In fact, it tends to slow down the metabolism of everything else we eat. The result? Those pretzels we’re having on the side or that midnight slice of pizza is much more likely to get stored as fat. (For more information, check out “The Link Between Alcohol and Unwanted Weight Gain.”)
“The more alcohol people drink, the greater their increase of cancer (in particular breast cancer).”
Finally, Huberman touches on one of the most serious risks of alcohol — cancer. He starts off by addressing all those claims we hear so often about red wine being good for us because of the resveratrol found in it. Those relying on this to justify their nightly wine habit might be disappointed to hear what Huberman has to say about it, but here it goes: the negative effects of ethanol most likely offset any cancer-fighting benefits of the compounds (which are also found in grape or pomegranate juice, by the way).
Huberman discusses the mechanism through which alcohol increases cancer risk. Once again, the problem comes down to the toxic properties of acetaldehyde, which affects the DNA in cells of various body tissues and causes changes in gene expression that lead to the growth of tumors. Once again, there’s a two-hit model in action: in addition to contributing to cancer proliferation, alcohol also delivers a blow to the immune system, which works to clear the body of harmful cells.
As he talks about the link between alcohol and cancer, Huberman comes back to one sobering statistic: a daily habit of having just one 10-gram drink increases our chances of cancer (especially breast cancer) by 4 – 13%! (To learn more about this subject, take a look at “The 7 Types of Cancer Caused By Alcohol” and “Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What's the Connection?”)
Throughout the podcast, Huberman gives some reassuring advice to his listeners. Don’t worry, he repeats, all is not lost, even for those who've had their share of heavy drinking bouts in the past. Here’s some Huberman-inspired advice to help you on your own journey!
Just a few simple changes can make a world of difference. It’s all about building new habits that last!
Remember, cutting back on alcohol doesn’t have to be a drag. Think of it as a fun experiment in your own “lab” and get curious about the changes you observe. Start with a challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October (or any other month of the year!) and see where it takes you. Chances are, the benefits will make you want to keep going! And Reframe is here to help you along the way!
Wondering what National Alcohol Screening Day is all about? Learn what an alcohol screening is and find out how it can help you on your journey in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
There are medical screenings of all kinds out there. They’re all about being proactive: detecting diseases early is the key to keeping them from damaging our health and preventing serious complications. You’ve probably heard of a few different kinds — a simple blood test to screen for diabetes, mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, and so forth.
But alcohol screening? Now that’s a new one. And yet, more people than ever are taking part! Let’s dig deeper to see what National Alcohol Screening Day is all about and how alcohol screening can be key to catching signs of a problem before it takes hold of your life.
The answer actually varies depending on what we mean. So to start things off, let’s untangle a few details so we don’t get confused.
October 2 is “World No Alcohol Day.” Of course, saying no to booze is cool any day of the year but this date was chosen to highlight the dangers of excessive drinking, such as increased risk of heart disease, cancers, liver problems, and drunk driving accidents.
Another important day — one that we’ll focus on as we look further into alcohol screening — comes every year on Thursday of the first full week of April. This is National Alcohol Screening Day, sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in an effort to “educate people about alcohol use disorders, screen them for a range of problems including risky drinking, and refer those in need to treatment resources.” National Alcohol Screening Day 2024 occurred on April 11.
"What are you waiting for — last call, or a wake-up call?" reads the invitation to the multifaceted alcohol screening and education program for this year. Even if the exact date is behind us, there’s plenty we can still learn from the program’s efforts to curb the risks posed by excessive drinking.
The history of NASD goes back over two decades to the first one held in April 1999. At the time, 50,000 people participated, including an unexpectedly high number of college students, according to NIAAA Helping to run the program with NIAAA are the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH).
It might come as a surprise to see young people so invested in curbing their own drinking habits. After all, college years are traditionally prime time for alcohol-fueled tailgate parties, late night beer and pizza runs, and morning cleanups of common rooms littered with red Dixie cups. The reality is, however, that binge drinking in particular has been a growing problem, and people — including college students — are becoming more aware of the dangers. Defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in one sitting for men or 4 or more for women, the CDC reports that binge drinking, the CDC reports, is “the most common and costly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States.”
However, the focus of National Alcohol Screening Day goes beyond what goes on at the college campus. It’s meant to address other problems related to alcohol use, such as chronic misuse, dependency, and health complications related to booze. Alcohol treatment facilities, community health centers, and hospitals alike all join in to educate the general public about alcohol and provide avenues for recovery at any stage.
At the heart of National Alcohol Screening Day is the actual screening process. But what is it exactly?
The screenings are held at 1,500 sites around the country and are free as well as completely anonymous. They’re meant to help us assess our alcohol habits as we learn about the impact of unhealthy drinking habits and receive guidance about where to go for follow-up help. The spirit is all-around compassionate and understanding, and NASD is all about reducing stigma around drinking while encouraging people to seek help.
The assessment itself can be done online or face-to-face with a healthcare professional. The goal is to provide feedback about drinking habits to examine our risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
While the screenings are promoted the most during NASD, they are available any time of year! A healthcare provider can easily administer one and point to resources or follow-up options.
AUD — alcohol use disorder — may not be a familiar term, but it goes to the heart of the matter of unhealthy alcohol use: it’s a disorder, not a label or stigma.
According to NIAAA, AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative effects on health, social life, or occupation. It can range from mild to moderate to severe and has a few hallmark features. Most of these telltale signs would come up during the alcohol screening as questions for us to consider when evaluating our drinking habits. Let’s take a look at these signs:
We can use this list to evaluate our drinking patterns any time. While NASD is a great way to access all the resources we need to explore our alcohol habits, there’s no reason to wait.
Want to dig deeper into drinking levels, troublesome patterns, and more? Check out Reframe’s blogs about alcohol drinking levels, signs you’re drinking too much, and how much alcohol is considered too much.
The screening isn’t the only part of NASD. The day is filled with additional activities related to alcohol misuse.
There’s a lot to explore when it comes to alcohol misuse and mental health. The importance of open conversations is key! To learn more, take a look at Reframe’s blogs ”Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?” and “Stigma and Alcoholism: Beyond the Myths.”
Finally, here are some tips for making the most of National Alcohol Screening Day:
And remember, there’s no need to wait until next April to seek help if you think you might be headed for troubled waters! If you think alcohol is becoming a problem and you’d like to reevaluate your relationship with it, start today! Reframe is here to help kickstart your journey!
Most importantly, don’t think of reevaluating your relationship with alcohol as a limitation — it’s quite the opposite! By approaching it with a mindset of curiosity, you open yourself up to possibilities of authentic joy that quitting or cutting back could bring. There’s absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by facing alcohol head-on and making some powerful changes.
There are medical screenings of all kinds out there. They’re all about being proactive: detecting diseases early is the key to keeping them from damaging our health and preventing serious complications. You’ve probably heard of a few different kinds — a simple blood test to screen for diabetes, mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, and so forth.
But alcohol screening? Now that’s a new one. And yet, more people than ever are taking part! Let’s dig deeper to see what National Alcohol Screening Day is all about and how alcohol screening can be key to catching signs of a problem before it takes hold of your life.
The answer actually varies depending on what we mean. So to start things off, let’s untangle a few details so we don’t get confused.
October 2 is “World No Alcohol Day.” Of course, saying no to booze is cool any day of the year but this date was chosen to highlight the dangers of excessive drinking, such as increased risk of heart disease, cancers, liver problems, and drunk driving accidents.
Another important day — one that we’ll focus on as we look further into alcohol screening — comes every year on Thursday of the first full week of April. This is National Alcohol Screening Day, sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in an effort to “educate people about alcohol use disorders, screen them for a range of problems including risky drinking, and refer those in need to treatment resources.” National Alcohol Screening Day 2024 occurred on April 11.
"What are you waiting for — last call, or a wake-up call?" reads the invitation to the multifaceted alcohol screening and education program for this year. Even if the exact date is behind us, there’s plenty we can still learn from the program’s efforts to curb the risks posed by excessive drinking.
The history of NASD goes back over two decades to the first one held in April 1999. At the time, 50,000 people participated, including an unexpectedly high number of college students, according to NIAAA Helping to run the program with NIAAA are the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH).
It might come as a surprise to see young people so invested in curbing their own drinking habits. After all, college years are traditionally prime time for alcohol-fueled tailgate parties, late night beer and pizza runs, and morning cleanups of common rooms littered with red Dixie cups. The reality is, however, that binge drinking in particular has been a growing problem, and people — including college students — are becoming more aware of the dangers. Defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in one sitting for men or 4 or more for women, the CDC reports that binge drinking, the CDC reports, is “the most common and costly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States.”
However, the focus of National Alcohol Screening Day goes beyond what goes on at the college campus. It’s meant to address other problems related to alcohol use, such as chronic misuse, dependency, and health complications related to booze. Alcohol treatment facilities, community health centers, and hospitals alike all join in to educate the general public about alcohol and provide avenues for recovery at any stage.
At the heart of National Alcohol Screening Day is the actual screening process. But what is it exactly?
The screenings are held at 1,500 sites around the country and are free as well as completely anonymous. They’re meant to help us assess our alcohol habits as we learn about the impact of unhealthy drinking habits and receive guidance about where to go for follow-up help. The spirit is all-around compassionate and understanding, and NASD is all about reducing stigma around drinking while encouraging people to seek help.
The assessment itself can be done online or face-to-face with a healthcare professional. The goal is to provide feedback about drinking habits to examine our risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
While the screenings are promoted the most during NASD, they are available any time of year! A healthcare provider can easily administer one and point to resources or follow-up options.
AUD — alcohol use disorder — may not be a familiar term, but it goes to the heart of the matter of unhealthy alcohol use: it’s a disorder, not a label or stigma.
According to NIAAA, AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative effects on health, social life, or occupation. It can range from mild to moderate to severe and has a few hallmark features. Most of these telltale signs would come up during the alcohol screening as questions for us to consider when evaluating our drinking habits. Let’s take a look at these signs:
We can use this list to evaluate our drinking patterns any time. While NASD is a great way to access all the resources we need to explore our alcohol habits, there’s no reason to wait.
Want to dig deeper into drinking levels, troublesome patterns, and more? Check out Reframe’s blogs about alcohol drinking levels, signs you’re drinking too much, and how much alcohol is considered too much.
The screening isn’t the only part of NASD. The day is filled with additional activities related to alcohol misuse.
There’s a lot to explore when it comes to alcohol misuse and mental health. The importance of open conversations is key! To learn more, take a look at Reframe’s blogs ”Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?” and “Stigma and Alcoholism: Beyond the Myths.”
Finally, here are some tips for making the most of National Alcohol Screening Day:
And remember, there’s no need to wait until next April to seek help if you think you might be headed for troubled waters! If you think alcohol is becoming a problem and you’d like to reevaluate your relationship with it, start today! Reframe is here to help kickstart your journey!
Most importantly, don’t think of reevaluating your relationship with alcohol as a limitation — it’s quite the opposite! By approaching it with a mindset of curiosity, you open yourself up to possibilities of authentic joy that quitting or cutting back could bring. There’s absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by facing alcohol head-on and making some powerful changes.
Feel drained after you quit drinking? You’re not alone. Many suffer from this phenomenon known as “sobriety fatigue.” In our latest blog, we cover what it is, what causes it, and how to get through it. Don’t skip this one!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You did it. You did the hard thing and decided to quit drinking alcohol. You’re looking forward to better health, better relationships, and a better quality of life. What an exciting step on a new path! But you might be wondering, “Why do I feel so tired now that I’ve quit?” If so, you’re not alone.
Many report feeling exhausted shortly after they quit drinking — a phenomenon known as “sobriety fatigue.” It can be discouraging, especially when you’re eager to blaze a new, alcohol-free trail, but it won’t last forever. In this post, we’ll explore why you feel tired, how long it may last, and how you can successfully navigate this phase of your journey.
Because alcohol takes such an extensive toll on our body, the body immediately goes into repair mode when we stop drinking. The liver starts to heal itself. The brain works to restore balance. The musculoskeletal system begins recovery too.
Amid this extensive recovery process, we might notice withdrawal symptoms:
And while it's not on the official list of withdrawal symptoms, many experience overwhelming fatigue when they quit drinking. Let’s explore why.
Does detoxing make you tired? The answer is yes. To understand why, we first have to understand how alcohol affects our body.
Alcohol notoriously alters our brain chemistry — it’s part of what makes it so addictive. When we drink regularly, our brain becomes accustomed to the rush of dopamine and serotonin alcohol provides and slowly stops making its own. When alcohol is no longer present, the brain has to scramble to restore balance. Of course, we don’t see all of this happening, but we feel it in the form of fatigue.
While alcohol might help us fall asleep, it disrupts our overall sleep quality. After quitting, the inverse happens. It may be difficult to fall asleep without a nightcap, but our sleep quality will improve as our body adjusts to the changes. During the transition, we might feel extra groggy throughout the day.
Alcohol is also notorious for interfering with nutrient absorption. Even those of us who consider ourselves “healthy eaters” could be nutrient-deficient thanks to alcohol. Even when alcohol is out of the picture, it could take our body time to catch up, and we may feel laggy until it does.
In addition to physical factors, the emotional turmoil of quitting can be exhausting. It may cause fights with loved ones. It may mean parting ways with friends. It may be a daily battle with our inner voice. All of these can deplete our mental energy.
The bottom line is that when we decide to quit drinking, it takes our body time to adjust and restore balance, which can leave us feeling tired. This is especially true for heavy or chronic drinkers. To add insult to injury, sobriety fatigue can cause a domino effect in our lives, but we’ll get into that in a bit.
The fatigue may seem unbearable as you drag through your daily life, but remember — it’s only a phase. The exact length of the phase varies from person to person. Some might feel better after a few weeks, while others have to endure it for several months. It largely depends on several factors:
There’s no way to know how long post-alcohol fatigue will last. The important thing is that it eventually passes and leads you to the healthy life you’ve been dreaming of and working toward. Keep this in mind if you’re struggling, and don’t forget to reach out for support if you need it!
Not all of us have the luxury of sleeping all day. We have busy lives, people who depend on us, jobs that expect us on time, and an endless range of other demands. Fatigue is never convenient. So what happens when we have to endure it for weeks or months?
Unfortunately, it can affect every aspect of our life:
It’s more important now than ever to find a way to navigate the challenges that come with post-alcohol fatigue so we don’t find ourselves backsliding into old habits.
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to successfully manage sobriety fatigue:
These tips will help see you through the dreary days of sobriety fatigue and come out with another victory on top of quitting alcohol.
It can be discouraging to feel tired after quitting drinking, but it’s a normal part of the recovery process. Your body is working hard to restore balance, but it takes time and energy. You can help the process by taking care of yourself, finding a support group, and imagining your alcohol-free life beyond sobriety fatigue. Reframe is here to cheer you on and support you every step of the way. You got this!
You did it. You did the hard thing and decided to quit drinking alcohol. You’re looking forward to better health, better relationships, and a better quality of life. What an exciting step on a new path! But you might be wondering, “Why do I feel so tired now that I’ve quit?” If so, you’re not alone.
Many report feeling exhausted shortly after they quit drinking — a phenomenon known as “sobriety fatigue.” It can be discouraging, especially when you’re eager to blaze a new, alcohol-free trail, but it won’t last forever. In this post, we’ll explore why you feel tired, how long it may last, and how you can successfully navigate this phase of your journey.
Because alcohol takes such an extensive toll on our body, the body immediately goes into repair mode when we stop drinking. The liver starts to heal itself. The brain works to restore balance. The musculoskeletal system begins recovery too.
Amid this extensive recovery process, we might notice withdrawal symptoms:
And while it's not on the official list of withdrawal symptoms, many experience overwhelming fatigue when they quit drinking. Let’s explore why.
Does detoxing make you tired? The answer is yes. To understand why, we first have to understand how alcohol affects our body.
Alcohol notoriously alters our brain chemistry — it’s part of what makes it so addictive. When we drink regularly, our brain becomes accustomed to the rush of dopamine and serotonin alcohol provides and slowly stops making its own. When alcohol is no longer present, the brain has to scramble to restore balance. Of course, we don’t see all of this happening, but we feel it in the form of fatigue.
While alcohol might help us fall asleep, it disrupts our overall sleep quality. After quitting, the inverse happens. It may be difficult to fall asleep without a nightcap, but our sleep quality will improve as our body adjusts to the changes. During the transition, we might feel extra groggy throughout the day.
Alcohol is also notorious for interfering with nutrient absorption. Even those of us who consider ourselves “healthy eaters” could be nutrient-deficient thanks to alcohol. Even when alcohol is out of the picture, it could take our body time to catch up, and we may feel laggy until it does.
In addition to physical factors, the emotional turmoil of quitting can be exhausting. It may cause fights with loved ones. It may mean parting ways with friends. It may be a daily battle with our inner voice. All of these can deplete our mental energy.
The bottom line is that when we decide to quit drinking, it takes our body time to adjust and restore balance, which can leave us feeling tired. This is especially true for heavy or chronic drinkers. To add insult to injury, sobriety fatigue can cause a domino effect in our lives, but we’ll get into that in a bit.
The fatigue may seem unbearable as you drag through your daily life, but remember — it’s only a phase. The exact length of the phase varies from person to person. Some might feel better after a few weeks, while others have to endure it for several months. It largely depends on several factors:
There’s no way to know how long post-alcohol fatigue will last. The important thing is that it eventually passes and leads you to the healthy life you’ve been dreaming of and working toward. Keep this in mind if you’re struggling, and don’t forget to reach out for support if you need it!
Not all of us have the luxury of sleeping all day. We have busy lives, people who depend on us, jobs that expect us on time, and an endless range of other demands. Fatigue is never convenient. So what happens when we have to endure it for weeks or months?
Unfortunately, it can affect every aspect of our life:
It’s more important now than ever to find a way to navigate the challenges that come with post-alcohol fatigue so we don’t find ourselves backsliding into old habits.
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to successfully manage sobriety fatigue:
These tips will help see you through the dreary days of sobriety fatigue and come out with another victory on top of quitting alcohol.
It can be discouraging to feel tired after quitting drinking, but it’s a normal part of the recovery process. Your body is working hard to restore balance, but it takes time and energy. You can help the process by taking care of yourself, finding a support group, and imagining your alcohol-free life beyond sobriety fatigue. Reframe is here to cheer you on and support you every step of the way. You got this!
Did you know your evening of imbibing could be the culprit behind your neck and shoulder pain? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Uncover the link between alcohol consumption and muscle pain and learn how to alleviate and avoid it in our latest blog post!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You just attended the wedding of the year. You laughed, you cried, you sipped champagne. Now you’re back home in your pajamas ready to put your achy feet up and call it a night. That’s when you start to notice how sore your neck and shoulders are. You replay the events of the evening to pinpoint the source. You didn’t do any crazy dance moves. You didn’t have to crane your neck to see. Surely it couldn’t be the champagne — or could it?
While alcohol’s cognitive side effects are well-known and documented, some people experience more obscure effects, such as neck and shoulder pain. How could alcohol cause that? Should we be worried? We’ll explore all that and more, so put some ice or a heating pad on that shoulder while you read.
Before we “blame it on the alcohol,” let’s take a look at some general causes of neck and shoulder pain. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
If you can’t link your neck and shoulder pain to any of these sources, it might be time to take a closer look at alcohol as the prime suspect.
To understand how alcohol could cause neck and shoulder pain, we have to understand its effects on our musculoskeletal system (MSK) in general.
We’re all familiar with the movie scenes when a mob of rowdy high school kids barge into a house party and leave every room in a state of disaster. Well, that’s kind of what alcohol does to our body. When alcohol enters our bloodstream, it rapidly disrupts nearly every organ in our body, including the oft-overlooked musculoskeletal system. Let’s take a look at some of the short- and long-term effects.
When we talk about short-term effects, we’re referring to the effects of a single night of drinking. Here’s what could be causing shoulder or neck pain immediately after drinking alcohol:
Furthermore, some research indicates that acute alcohol use decreases muscle protein synthesis, which can impair muscle repair and affect musculoskeletal function.
Most long-term effects of alcohol on the musculoskeletal system are a result of long-term alcohol misuse. The onset of these conditions depends on how much, how often, and how long we drink. For example, someone who drinks heavily every day might experience these sooner than someone who only drinks heavily on the weekends. Either way, the prospects aren’t great:
It’s evident that alcohol can dramatically impact our bones and muscles, but is that the cause of your neck pain?
While there is quite a bit of research about alcohol’s effects on our muscles and bones, there’s not a lot about neck and shoulder pain specifically. Given what we know about alcohol and the musculoskeletal system, however, it’s plausible that drinking alcohol could result in neck pain. To pinpoint the cause, we need to pinpoint when the symptoms begin.
If the neck and shoulder pain starts while we’re drinking, and there’s no obvious source of strain or injury, we’re likely dehydrated. This is a sign to set the champagne glass aside and start drinking water instead. Water with added electrolytes (Propel, Core, etc.) help boost hydration, but plain water also works fine.
If the pain starts a while after imbibing, there are a few other possible causes:
If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor. Untreated alcoholic myopathy can put you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
In rare (emphasis on rare) cases, neck pain while drinking alcohol might be a sign of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). The most common symptom of HL is an enlarged lymph node, often found in the neck. These usually don’t hurt, but some patients report pain after drinking alcohol. Again, these cases are extremely rare, but if you notice anything unusual about your body or are concerned about your muscle pain, the best answer is always to consult with your physician.
Regardless of the cause, neck and shoulder pain are fairly easy to treat at home:
This may go without saying, but alcohol should not be used to treat the pain, especially if you suspect alcohol could have caused it in the first place.
If home treatments don’t work, and pain persists, it may be time to call a doctor. If AUD is involved, a treatment program may be in order. Otherwise, treatment may include physical therapy and strength training. If your heart is in danger, your doctor may prescribe medications like beta-blockers. If the pain is caused by something else altogether, they should be able to determine that as well.
Once we resolve this painful episode, let’s make an effort to prevent future ones. There are several ways to keep neck and shoulder pain at bay:
Following these tips will not only help prevent neck pain, but will improve your general well-being.
There are many different causes for neck and shoulder pain, but alcohol could be a contributing factor because it impacts the musculoskeletal system and could cause localized pain. If you suspect alcohol is causing neck and shoulder pain, the best thing to do is to stop drinking it. Not only could that help relieve your pain, yes, but more importantly, it can help you gain a better quality of life now and avoid long-term musculoskeletal conditions in the future.
You just attended the wedding of the year. You laughed, you cried, you sipped champagne. Now you’re back home in your pajamas ready to put your achy feet up and call it a night. That’s when you start to notice how sore your neck and shoulders are. You replay the events of the evening to pinpoint the source. You didn’t do any crazy dance moves. You didn’t have to crane your neck to see. Surely it couldn’t be the champagne — or could it?
While alcohol’s cognitive side effects are well-known and documented, some people experience more obscure effects, such as neck and shoulder pain. How could alcohol cause that? Should we be worried? We’ll explore all that and more, so put some ice or a heating pad on that shoulder while you read.
Before we “blame it on the alcohol,” let’s take a look at some general causes of neck and shoulder pain. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
If you can’t link your neck and shoulder pain to any of these sources, it might be time to take a closer look at alcohol as the prime suspect.
To understand how alcohol could cause neck and shoulder pain, we have to understand its effects on our musculoskeletal system (MSK) in general.
We’re all familiar with the movie scenes when a mob of rowdy high school kids barge into a house party and leave every room in a state of disaster. Well, that’s kind of what alcohol does to our body. When alcohol enters our bloodstream, it rapidly disrupts nearly every organ in our body, including the oft-overlooked musculoskeletal system. Let’s take a look at some of the short- and long-term effects.
When we talk about short-term effects, we’re referring to the effects of a single night of drinking. Here’s what could be causing shoulder or neck pain immediately after drinking alcohol:
Furthermore, some research indicates that acute alcohol use decreases muscle protein synthesis, which can impair muscle repair and affect musculoskeletal function.
Most long-term effects of alcohol on the musculoskeletal system are a result of long-term alcohol misuse. The onset of these conditions depends on how much, how often, and how long we drink. For example, someone who drinks heavily every day might experience these sooner than someone who only drinks heavily on the weekends. Either way, the prospects aren’t great:
It’s evident that alcohol can dramatically impact our bones and muscles, but is that the cause of your neck pain?
While there is quite a bit of research about alcohol’s effects on our muscles and bones, there’s not a lot about neck and shoulder pain specifically. Given what we know about alcohol and the musculoskeletal system, however, it’s plausible that drinking alcohol could result in neck pain. To pinpoint the cause, we need to pinpoint when the symptoms begin.
If the neck and shoulder pain starts while we’re drinking, and there’s no obvious source of strain or injury, we’re likely dehydrated. This is a sign to set the champagne glass aside and start drinking water instead. Water with added electrolytes (Propel, Core, etc.) help boost hydration, but plain water also works fine.
If the pain starts a while after imbibing, there are a few other possible causes:
If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor. Untreated alcoholic myopathy can put you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
In rare (emphasis on rare) cases, neck pain while drinking alcohol might be a sign of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). The most common symptom of HL is an enlarged lymph node, often found in the neck. These usually don’t hurt, but some patients report pain after drinking alcohol. Again, these cases are extremely rare, but if you notice anything unusual about your body or are concerned about your muscle pain, the best answer is always to consult with your physician.
Regardless of the cause, neck and shoulder pain are fairly easy to treat at home:
This may go without saying, but alcohol should not be used to treat the pain, especially if you suspect alcohol could have caused it in the first place.
If home treatments don’t work, and pain persists, it may be time to call a doctor. If AUD is involved, a treatment program may be in order. Otherwise, treatment may include physical therapy and strength training. If your heart is in danger, your doctor may prescribe medications like beta-blockers. If the pain is caused by something else altogether, they should be able to determine that as well.
Once we resolve this painful episode, let’s make an effort to prevent future ones. There are several ways to keep neck and shoulder pain at bay:
Following these tips will not only help prevent neck pain, but will improve your general well-being.
There are many different causes for neck and shoulder pain, but alcohol could be a contributing factor because it impacts the musculoskeletal system and could cause localized pain. If you suspect alcohol is causing neck and shoulder pain, the best thing to do is to stop drinking it. Not only could that help relieve your pain, yes, but more importantly, it can help you gain a better quality of life now and avoid long-term musculoskeletal conditions in the future.
When it’s hot out and we drink, alcohol affects us differently and increases our risk of dehydration, heat illnesses, and sunburn.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Feeling hot, hot, hot? On those hot summer days, having an ice-cold drink by the lake or pool sounds like the perfect way to spend our afternoon. As tempting as it may be to make that drink an ice-cold beer or hard seltzer, alcohol is really not the best choice to beat the summer heat. In fact, it can make things worse.
Read on to learn about the science behind how alcohol impacts us differently in the summer heat. We’ll go through the dangers of drinking on a hot summer day and talk about ways we can make those days safer and enjoyable!
Quite simply, yes! The heat can change the way our body responds to alcohol. Our body is a big fan of stability — it wants to stay in homeostasis as long as possible and will fight anything that tries to throw it off. When it’s trying to fight off heat and alcohol at once, it can get overwhelmed.
Let’s look at some of the ways alcohol and heat work together to attack our body.
We know alcohol works differently on us when it’s hot out, but does the heat do things to alcohol? Whether we forgot our alcohol in our hot car or on the porch, we still want to know if it is safe to drink.
Luckily, the answer is pretty straightforward: leaving alcohol in heat and direct sunlight can degrade it, but it’s still safe to drink. High heat can evaporate alcohol and impact the flavor and quality of beverages like wine or beer, producing a skunky flavor. It won't be pleasant, but it’s safe to drink (at least, it’s no less safe than normal alcohol).
While it may not be particularly deadly to drink alcohol that’s been heated, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for us to drink alcohol when we are hot. Read on to learn some of the risks of drinking in the hot sun.
As we learned above, our bodies respond differently to alcohol when it is hot outside. As much as we may love to cool off with an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day, there are risks associated with this pleasure. Let’s review some of the risks of day drinking in the peak of summer.
Drinking and the heat can be a risky combination! The simple answer is to take it easy while drinking out in the sun. But let’s also consider some other ways we can stay safe while drinking alcohol in the dead of summer.
Although drinking in the heat can be dangerous, it is possible to have a good time while being careful. Below are some ways we can ensure we have a safe drinking experience when it’s hot outside.
By following these tips, you can ensure a fun, safe, and memorable summer. Enjoy it — it only comes once a year!
Alcohol affects us differently when we drink in the hot sun: we are more susceptible to sunburn, dehydration, and overheating. To have a safe summer, it’s best to drink in moderation, have a plan if we need a ride or help, wear plenty of sunscreen, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Feeling hot, hot, hot? On those hot summer days, having an ice-cold drink by the lake or pool sounds like the perfect way to spend our afternoon. As tempting as it may be to make that drink an ice-cold beer or hard seltzer, alcohol is really not the best choice to beat the summer heat. In fact, it can make things worse.
Read on to learn about the science behind how alcohol impacts us differently in the summer heat. We’ll go through the dangers of drinking on a hot summer day and talk about ways we can make those days safer and enjoyable!
Quite simply, yes! The heat can change the way our body responds to alcohol. Our body is a big fan of stability — it wants to stay in homeostasis as long as possible and will fight anything that tries to throw it off. When it’s trying to fight off heat and alcohol at once, it can get overwhelmed.
Let’s look at some of the ways alcohol and heat work together to attack our body.
We know alcohol works differently on us when it’s hot out, but does the heat do things to alcohol? Whether we forgot our alcohol in our hot car or on the porch, we still want to know if it is safe to drink.
Luckily, the answer is pretty straightforward: leaving alcohol in heat and direct sunlight can degrade it, but it’s still safe to drink. High heat can evaporate alcohol and impact the flavor and quality of beverages like wine or beer, producing a skunky flavor. It won't be pleasant, but it’s safe to drink (at least, it’s no less safe than normal alcohol).
While it may not be particularly deadly to drink alcohol that’s been heated, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for us to drink alcohol when we are hot. Read on to learn some of the risks of drinking in the hot sun.
As we learned above, our bodies respond differently to alcohol when it is hot outside. As much as we may love to cool off with an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day, there are risks associated with this pleasure. Let’s review some of the risks of day drinking in the peak of summer.
Drinking and the heat can be a risky combination! The simple answer is to take it easy while drinking out in the sun. But let’s also consider some other ways we can stay safe while drinking alcohol in the dead of summer.
Although drinking in the heat can be dangerous, it is possible to have a good time while being careful. Below are some ways we can ensure we have a safe drinking experience when it’s hot outside.
By following these tips, you can ensure a fun, safe, and memorable summer. Enjoy it — it only comes once a year!
Alcohol affects us differently when we drink in the hot sun: we are more susceptible to sunburn, dehydration, and overheating. To have a safe summer, it’s best to drink in moderation, have a plan if we need a ride or help, wear plenty of sunscreen, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Curious what the “kindling effect” in alcohol withdrawal is all about? Check out our latest blog to learn more and get tips on how to stay safe.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
There’s an age-old metaphor of addiction as the seemingly self-destructive flight of a moth toward a flame. Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann captures it vividly in her song “The Moth”:
“The Moth don't care when he sees The Flame.
He might get burned, but he's in the game.
And once he's in, he can't go back,
He'll beat his wings 'til he burns them black …”
However, there’s another lesser-known metaphor related to fire and alcohol misuse: “kindling,” a term that describes the tendency of seizures related to alcohol to get more frequent and intense with time. What is kindling, exactly? And how are kindling, alcohol and withdrawal connected? Let’s find out more about kindling, addiction, and how to stay safe!
Why does withdrawal happen in the first place? To understand that, we need to take a look at alcohol’s effects on the brain and body.
When we drink, alcohol quickly enters our bloodstream and affects pretty much every system in the body, including the brain. It causes blood vessels to dilate (a process known as vasodilation, which leads to a temporary feeling of warmth) and raises our heart rate. The liver gets busy eliminating alcohol from the body and puts the metabolism of other nutrients on hold, while the kidneys open up the waterworks and send us to the bathroom throughout the night.
As far as the brain is concerned, a few changes take place:
Over time, the brain and body get adjusted to the presence of alcohol. The brain comes to expect the “free” influx of dopamine and makes up for it by producing less of the feel-good neurotransmitters naturally, making activities that used to be pleasurable lose their spark. At the same time, the body accepts the presence of booze as the “new normal” and adjusts its workings accordingly. Eventually, dependence sets in: we are no longer simply using alcohol to get a certain effect, but need it to function at baseline levels (or as close to them as we can get).
One of the hallmarks of dependence is withdrawal — a set of physical and psychological symptoms that crop up soon after our last drink. Here are the symptoms and their causes in more detail:
At first glance, withdrawal symptoms might seem similar to those of a really bad hangover, which often comes with headaches, nausea, anxiety, and the shakes. However, that’s where the similarities end. A hangover is caused by the aftermath of booze in our system, specifically dehydration, inflammation, and toxin buildup related to alcohol metabolism. It tends to last 48 hours max, but withdrawal is a different beast.
The timeline of withdrawal varies based on many factors, such as how long we’ve been drinking or if we have other medical conditions. In general, acute withdrawal usually lasts a few days to a week and tends to be a lot more intense than a typical hangover. Moreover, according to the National Institutes of Health 2023 guidelines, there are two categories of serious withdrawal symptoms, with the “moderate” one including seizures and the “severe” category reserved for delirium tremens, or DTs.
Seizures and DTs are both medical emergencies. If you are experiencing these, contact emergency services immediately.
The sneaky thing about alcohol withdrawal is that it tends to get worse every time we go through it, which is where the idea of kindling comes in. We’ll explore why this happens in more detail, but before taking a closer look at how kindling functions in withdrawal, let’s find out what role it plays in the dynamics of seizures in general.
Back in the 1960s, researcher Graham V. Goddard noticed something curious about some lab rats, which made an important (albeit involuntary) contribution to medical science by revealing an interesting fact about seizures. When Goddard induced seizures in the amygdala region of the rats’ brains by administering electric shocks, he noticed that the seizure threshold seemed to get lower with repetition: each time, it took less and less stimulation to induce the same effect.
Goddard compared this situation to using kindling to light a fire. As anyone who has ever tried to get a barbecue pit (or living room fireplace) started knows, the hardest part is to get the fire going. After the initial flame has been lit, it’s a matter of adding kindling to the fire.
The findings were originally applied to the study of epilepsy. It seemed that prior seizures lowered the threshold for subsequent ones. Later, the same principle was applied to substance misuse — in particular to alcohol withdrawal, which is known to induce seizures especially in those who’ve been drinking frequently for a long time.
What is the link between kindling, addiction to alcohol, and withdrawal? In the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD), kindling refers to the progressive response of the body and brain to alcohol withdrawal, which gets more intense over time. While seizures are the main kindling symptom, there are several others to look out for:
The neurological changes that are responsible for withdrawal in general are also at play in the kindling effect, but get amplified as the brain becomes more sensitive to the sudden “jolt” created by shifting neurotransmitter levels.
Scientists point to two neurobiological mechanisms behind kindling. The first has to do with GABA neurotransmitter levels, which plummet when we stop drinking. The second relates to NDMA — a type of glutamate receptor affected by alcohol. Receptors for both neurotransmitters undergo sudden shifts when alcohol is no longer in the picture, contributing to abnormal brain activity that can induce seizures. Even after the receptors have begun to re-balance, the kindling effect has already established itself.
The kindling effect is bad news for a few reasons.
If you’re going through alcohol withdrawal and suspect that kindling might be at play, these tips can help you stay on track.
While all of this might sound a bit daunting, there’s certainly light at the end of the tunnel. In the end, it helps to see the challenges as part of the journey to a happier and healthier version of ourselves. As ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Most importantly, let’s remember that although certain aspects of the alcohol journey (such as withdrawal) can be increasingly challenging, the reverse is also true. Positive changes in the brain have a type of “kindling” effect of their own: the more we explore life beyond booze and the more our brain chemistry restores to normal levels, the greater amounts of joy we tend to discover. In other words, positive change and the rewards that come with it tends to grow exponentially, if we let it. In the words of Joseph Cambpbell, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
There’s an age-old metaphor of addiction as the seemingly self-destructive flight of a moth toward a flame. Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann captures it vividly in her song “The Moth”:
“The Moth don't care when he sees The Flame.
He might get burned, but he's in the game.
And once he's in, he can't go back,
He'll beat his wings 'til he burns them black …”
However, there’s another lesser-known metaphor related to fire and alcohol misuse: “kindling,” a term that describes the tendency of seizures related to alcohol to get more frequent and intense with time. What is kindling, exactly? And how are kindling, alcohol and withdrawal connected? Let’s find out more about kindling, addiction, and how to stay safe!
Why does withdrawal happen in the first place? To understand that, we need to take a look at alcohol’s effects on the brain and body.
When we drink, alcohol quickly enters our bloodstream and affects pretty much every system in the body, including the brain. It causes blood vessels to dilate (a process known as vasodilation, which leads to a temporary feeling of warmth) and raises our heart rate. The liver gets busy eliminating alcohol from the body and puts the metabolism of other nutrients on hold, while the kidneys open up the waterworks and send us to the bathroom throughout the night.
As far as the brain is concerned, a few changes take place:
Over time, the brain and body get adjusted to the presence of alcohol. The brain comes to expect the “free” influx of dopamine and makes up for it by producing less of the feel-good neurotransmitters naturally, making activities that used to be pleasurable lose their spark. At the same time, the body accepts the presence of booze as the “new normal” and adjusts its workings accordingly. Eventually, dependence sets in: we are no longer simply using alcohol to get a certain effect, but need it to function at baseline levels (or as close to them as we can get).
One of the hallmarks of dependence is withdrawal — a set of physical and psychological symptoms that crop up soon after our last drink. Here are the symptoms and their causes in more detail:
At first glance, withdrawal symptoms might seem similar to those of a really bad hangover, which often comes with headaches, nausea, anxiety, and the shakes. However, that’s where the similarities end. A hangover is caused by the aftermath of booze in our system, specifically dehydration, inflammation, and toxin buildup related to alcohol metabolism. It tends to last 48 hours max, but withdrawal is a different beast.
The timeline of withdrawal varies based on many factors, such as how long we’ve been drinking or if we have other medical conditions. In general, acute withdrawal usually lasts a few days to a week and tends to be a lot more intense than a typical hangover. Moreover, according to the National Institutes of Health 2023 guidelines, there are two categories of serious withdrawal symptoms, with the “moderate” one including seizures and the “severe” category reserved for delirium tremens, or DTs.
Seizures and DTs are both medical emergencies. If you are experiencing these, contact emergency services immediately.
The sneaky thing about alcohol withdrawal is that it tends to get worse every time we go through it, which is where the idea of kindling comes in. We’ll explore why this happens in more detail, but before taking a closer look at how kindling functions in withdrawal, let’s find out what role it plays in the dynamics of seizures in general.
Back in the 1960s, researcher Graham V. Goddard noticed something curious about some lab rats, which made an important (albeit involuntary) contribution to medical science by revealing an interesting fact about seizures. When Goddard induced seizures in the amygdala region of the rats’ brains by administering electric shocks, he noticed that the seizure threshold seemed to get lower with repetition: each time, it took less and less stimulation to induce the same effect.
Goddard compared this situation to using kindling to light a fire. As anyone who has ever tried to get a barbecue pit (or living room fireplace) started knows, the hardest part is to get the fire going. After the initial flame has been lit, it’s a matter of adding kindling to the fire.
The findings were originally applied to the study of epilepsy. It seemed that prior seizures lowered the threshold for subsequent ones. Later, the same principle was applied to substance misuse — in particular to alcohol withdrawal, which is known to induce seizures especially in those who’ve been drinking frequently for a long time.
What is the link between kindling, addiction to alcohol, and withdrawal? In the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD), kindling refers to the progressive response of the body and brain to alcohol withdrawal, which gets more intense over time. While seizures are the main kindling symptom, there are several others to look out for:
The neurological changes that are responsible for withdrawal in general are also at play in the kindling effect, but get amplified as the brain becomes more sensitive to the sudden “jolt” created by shifting neurotransmitter levels.
Scientists point to two neurobiological mechanisms behind kindling. The first has to do with GABA neurotransmitter levels, which plummet when we stop drinking. The second relates to NDMA — a type of glutamate receptor affected by alcohol. Receptors for both neurotransmitters undergo sudden shifts when alcohol is no longer in the picture, contributing to abnormal brain activity that can induce seizures. Even after the receptors have begun to re-balance, the kindling effect has already established itself.
The kindling effect is bad news for a few reasons.
If you’re going through alcohol withdrawal and suspect that kindling might be at play, these tips can help you stay on track.
While all of this might sound a bit daunting, there’s certainly light at the end of the tunnel. In the end, it helps to see the challenges as part of the journey to a happier and healthier version of ourselves. As ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Most importantly, let’s remember that although certain aspects of the alcohol journey (such as withdrawal) can be increasingly challenging, the reverse is also true. Positive changes in the brain have a type of “kindling” effect of their own: the more we explore life beyond booze and the more our brain chemistry restores to normal levels, the greater amounts of joy we tend to discover. In other words, positive change and the rewards that come with it tends to grow exponentially, if we let it. In the words of Joseph Cambpbell, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
