Beer potomania: why bingeing beer is a dangerous game. Learn about how drinking beer causes a serious sodium deficiency known as hyponatremia, and how you can prevent it.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
Have you ever had a few drinks and gotten a massive craving for a big, salty meal like a burger and fries? Maybe you’ve woken up from a night of heavy drinking and craved a big breakfast or pounded back a few sports drinks because you heard it helps with hangovers. We all know that alcohol can cause us to make some questionable food choices, and research backs this up. Beyond the implications for our diet, alcohol also plays games with our sense of taste and our body’s ability to retain and process nutrients. This is especially true for beer, which is usually ingested in higher volumes than things like liquor.
Alcohol-induced nutrient deficiencies can lead to a number of issues, from malnutrition to a phenomenon known as potomania, or “beer potomania.” So what exactly is potomania and what does it mean for our health? Let’s find out.
Potomania comes from the Latin words poto (“to drink alcohol”) and mania (“with intensity”). It’s a unique version of a common but serious condition known as hyponatremia, in which the blood has low sodium content. Hyponatremia is caused by a number of issues, including excessive water intake, excessive exercise or sweating, liver or kidney disease, heart failure, hypothyroidism, certain medications, or hormonal imbalances. Mild cases have few to no symptoms; severe cases involve confusion, seizures, coma, and death. It can also be a chronic condition, operating in the background and causing slow damage to vital organs over the course of years.
Potomania, colloquially known as “beer potomania,” is when hyponatremia is specifically caused by excessive alcohol intake. Since alcohol is low in sodium and known to cause electrolyte imbalance, it presents a particular danger for developing hyponatremia and other electrolyte imbalances. Beer is singled out because it’s often consumed in large volumes, making it incredibly effective at inducing potomania.
You may recognize the term “electrolytes” from ads for your favorite sports drink. Electrolytes are commonly talked about in the context of exercise but also in binge-drinking culture. These essential nutrients are necessary for our bodies to function — they regulate chemical reactions in the body, carry signals from our nerves to our muscles, maintain fluid balance in our cells, and help maintain our body’s pH levels.
The body has several essential electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Each one serves an important function, and they all work together to keep us alive. When we are dehydrated for any reason, drinking water is not enough. Water alone does not have enough electrolytes to restore the balance of sodium necessary for our body to function. So, is there sodium in beer? Not much, and the sodium in beer is roughly equivalent to the sodium content in water. This is why many binge drinkers reach for the same sports drinks that athletes use to recover from their overindulgence.
While any electrolyte imbalance is unhealthy, sodium imbalance is the most common due to the prevalence of medications, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions that deplete sodium. Alcohol works in synergy with these to deplete sodium, but the hyponatremia alcohol causes is preventable.
Beer is often consumed in higher quantities than other alcoholic drinks because it’s low in alcohol — a single serving of beer is 12 ounces (that would be eight servings of liquor!). Throwing back a few beers provides no more sodium than throwing back a few glasses of water. Drinkers often pair alcohol with water, thinking this will balance out alcohol intake and prevent dehydration or hangovers. However, when this isn’t paired with adequate electrolyte intake, the result is a sodium imbalance.
Psychosocial factors also lead to excessive beer consumption. It’s common to “get together and have a few beers” with our friends. Happy hours at bars encourage rapid beer intake. Many common drinking games also involve drinking beer. Since beer is low-alcohol, it’s often seen as safe for drinking in high quantities over long periods of time, and we don’t notice how much we’re drinking since it doesn’t get us as intoxicated as stronger drinks.
So just how much sodium is in beer? Again, the sodium in beer is about equal to the sodium in water — beer contains about 14 mg per 12-ounce serving, and water contains 12 mg. Some people will try to make up for this by salting their beer, but this doesn’t balance sodium depletion because fluid intake is not the only thing that causes potomania.
Alcohol depletes sodium by stressing the body and creating a larger demand for its function. It increases our heart rate and causes tissue damage that requires our body to divert energy for repairs. Alcohol is also a diuretic, so it makes us pee more. Urine is high in sodium, which exacerbates depletion of blood sodium levels when paired with high fluid intake, like when we are drinking beer.
In a more abstract way, potomania is linked to poor diet. Since beer is high in calories, many beer drinkers restrict calories to maintain their weight and avoid beer belly. Alcohol is also linked with overeating and poor food choices, which means we may not get the right balance of nutrients to maintain our health. In fact, in many cultures, alcohol is used as an aperitif to stimulate appetite before meals. Alcohol activates the same response in our body as starvation — beer potomania is closely linked to “starvation potomania,” wherein heavy drinkers severely restrict calorie intake to budget for alcohol.
Craving salt after a night of drinking is the body’s way of preventing potomania, which results from the severe and chronic response to continued sodium depletion. But how do we know if we have potomania?
Potomania may not have any symptoms, or it may have subclinical symptoms (symptoms that are easily missed, misdiagnosed, or written off) such as clumsiness, attention deficit, poor judgment, brain fog, headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, or low appetite. These can fester for weeks, months, or even years before becoming serious.
There may also be acute life-threatening symptoms of potomania, especially if sodium intake is dramatically low or chronic symptoms are missed or ignored. These can include severe cramps, excessive vomiting, dizziness and poor coordination that leads to injury, cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, brain herniation, respiratory arrest, seizures, coma, and death.
Over time, the mild symptoms of potomania worsen, leading to more serious symptoms. It can even cause chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, kidney disease, liver disease, and permanent brain damage from increased pressure in the brain. This brain damage can present as things like difficulty walking, slow reaction time, and issues with attention and memory.
These symptoms are compounded by the effects of ethanol itself. Beyond hyponatremia, alcohol interferes with many of our bodily functions, including blood sugar regulation, cognition, heart function, and digestion. Over time, this can cause chronic conditions.
Many remedies for hangovers are focused on replenishment of electrolytes. In fact, many of us have heard some strange ones. For instance, have you ever wondered, “Why do people put salt in beer?” This is an old practice used to enhance the flavor of beer, but it is also a folk remedy that is said to prevent or treat many hangover symptoms.
It may seem logical that we can treat potomania with hangover prevention and recovery methods, but it’s not that simple. Potomania is a serious medical condition that requires careful medical care. Simply consuming a massive dose of sodium will not bring the body back to homeostasis. In fact, it could lead to acute hypernatremia, or excessive salt in the blood. Rapid salt infusion can also cause a condition known as osmotic demyelination syndrome, which can permanently damage our nervous system.
Depending on its severity, beer potomania treatment is administered in a medical setting over the course of several hours or days, and it requires close monitoring for quite a while after. It typically involves a period of intentional dehydration, followed by the slow administration of intravenous saline solution.
The medical conditions that arise from potomania may compound, putting us at a higher risk of developing it again. For that reason, the best beer potomania treatment is prevention.
Beer potomania is a serious medical condition, but it’s entirely preventable. Maintaining health is about being honest with ourselves and advocating for ourselves in medical settings — but we must also curb our most harmful impulses. Problematic and self-destructive behaviors take many forms, but by staying balanced and being mindful, we can give ourselves the gift of health. Potomania is entirely preventable when we pay close attention to our bodies and follow basic advice about nutrition, alcohol moderation, and lifestyle.
Have you ever had a few drinks and gotten a massive craving for a big, salty meal like a burger and fries? Maybe you’ve woken up from a night of heavy drinking and craved a big breakfast or pounded back a few sports drinks because you heard it helps with hangovers. We all know that alcohol can cause us to make some questionable food choices, and research backs this up. Beyond the implications for our diet, alcohol also plays games with our sense of taste and our body’s ability to retain and process nutrients. This is especially true for beer, which is usually ingested in higher volumes than things like liquor.
Alcohol-induced nutrient deficiencies can lead to a number of issues, from malnutrition to a phenomenon known as potomania, or “beer potomania.” So what exactly is potomania and what does it mean for our health? Let’s find out.
Potomania comes from the Latin words poto (“to drink alcohol”) and mania (“with intensity”). It’s a unique version of a common but serious condition known as hyponatremia, in which the blood has low sodium content. Hyponatremia is caused by a number of issues, including excessive water intake, excessive exercise or sweating, liver or kidney disease, heart failure, hypothyroidism, certain medications, or hormonal imbalances. Mild cases have few to no symptoms; severe cases involve confusion, seizures, coma, and death. It can also be a chronic condition, operating in the background and causing slow damage to vital organs over the course of years.
Potomania, colloquially known as “beer potomania,” is when hyponatremia is specifically caused by excessive alcohol intake. Since alcohol is low in sodium and known to cause electrolyte imbalance, it presents a particular danger for developing hyponatremia and other electrolyte imbalances. Beer is singled out because it’s often consumed in large volumes, making it incredibly effective at inducing potomania.
You may recognize the term “electrolytes” from ads for your favorite sports drink. Electrolytes are commonly talked about in the context of exercise but also in binge-drinking culture. These essential nutrients are necessary for our bodies to function — they regulate chemical reactions in the body, carry signals from our nerves to our muscles, maintain fluid balance in our cells, and help maintain our body’s pH levels.
The body has several essential electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Each one serves an important function, and they all work together to keep us alive. When we are dehydrated for any reason, drinking water is not enough. Water alone does not have enough electrolytes to restore the balance of sodium necessary for our body to function. So, is there sodium in beer? Not much, and the sodium in beer is roughly equivalent to the sodium content in water. This is why many binge drinkers reach for the same sports drinks that athletes use to recover from their overindulgence.
While any electrolyte imbalance is unhealthy, sodium imbalance is the most common due to the prevalence of medications, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions that deplete sodium. Alcohol works in synergy with these to deplete sodium, but the hyponatremia alcohol causes is preventable.
Beer is often consumed in higher quantities than other alcoholic drinks because it’s low in alcohol — a single serving of beer is 12 ounces (that would be eight servings of liquor!). Throwing back a few beers provides no more sodium than throwing back a few glasses of water. Drinkers often pair alcohol with water, thinking this will balance out alcohol intake and prevent dehydration or hangovers. However, when this isn’t paired with adequate electrolyte intake, the result is a sodium imbalance.
Psychosocial factors also lead to excessive beer consumption. It’s common to “get together and have a few beers” with our friends. Happy hours at bars encourage rapid beer intake. Many common drinking games also involve drinking beer. Since beer is low-alcohol, it’s often seen as safe for drinking in high quantities over long periods of time, and we don’t notice how much we’re drinking since it doesn’t get us as intoxicated as stronger drinks.
So just how much sodium is in beer? Again, the sodium in beer is about equal to the sodium in water — beer contains about 14 mg per 12-ounce serving, and water contains 12 mg. Some people will try to make up for this by salting their beer, but this doesn’t balance sodium depletion because fluid intake is not the only thing that causes potomania.
Alcohol depletes sodium by stressing the body and creating a larger demand for its function. It increases our heart rate and causes tissue damage that requires our body to divert energy for repairs. Alcohol is also a diuretic, so it makes us pee more. Urine is high in sodium, which exacerbates depletion of blood sodium levels when paired with high fluid intake, like when we are drinking beer.
In a more abstract way, potomania is linked to poor diet. Since beer is high in calories, many beer drinkers restrict calories to maintain their weight and avoid beer belly. Alcohol is also linked with overeating and poor food choices, which means we may not get the right balance of nutrients to maintain our health. In fact, in many cultures, alcohol is used as an aperitif to stimulate appetite before meals. Alcohol activates the same response in our body as starvation — beer potomania is closely linked to “starvation potomania,” wherein heavy drinkers severely restrict calorie intake to budget for alcohol.
Craving salt after a night of drinking is the body’s way of preventing potomania, which results from the severe and chronic response to continued sodium depletion. But how do we know if we have potomania?
Potomania may not have any symptoms, or it may have subclinical symptoms (symptoms that are easily missed, misdiagnosed, or written off) such as clumsiness, attention deficit, poor judgment, brain fog, headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, or low appetite. These can fester for weeks, months, or even years before becoming serious.
There may also be acute life-threatening symptoms of potomania, especially if sodium intake is dramatically low or chronic symptoms are missed or ignored. These can include severe cramps, excessive vomiting, dizziness and poor coordination that leads to injury, cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, brain herniation, respiratory arrest, seizures, coma, and death.
Over time, the mild symptoms of potomania worsen, leading to more serious symptoms. It can even cause chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, kidney disease, liver disease, and permanent brain damage from increased pressure in the brain. This brain damage can present as things like difficulty walking, slow reaction time, and issues with attention and memory.
These symptoms are compounded by the effects of ethanol itself. Beyond hyponatremia, alcohol interferes with many of our bodily functions, including blood sugar regulation, cognition, heart function, and digestion. Over time, this can cause chronic conditions.
Many remedies for hangovers are focused on replenishment of electrolytes. In fact, many of us have heard some strange ones. For instance, have you ever wondered, “Why do people put salt in beer?” This is an old practice used to enhance the flavor of beer, but it is also a folk remedy that is said to prevent or treat many hangover symptoms.
It may seem logical that we can treat potomania with hangover prevention and recovery methods, but it’s not that simple. Potomania is a serious medical condition that requires careful medical care. Simply consuming a massive dose of sodium will not bring the body back to homeostasis. In fact, it could lead to acute hypernatremia, or excessive salt in the blood. Rapid salt infusion can also cause a condition known as osmotic demyelination syndrome, which can permanently damage our nervous system.
Depending on its severity, beer potomania treatment is administered in a medical setting over the course of several hours or days, and it requires close monitoring for quite a while after. It typically involves a period of intentional dehydration, followed by the slow administration of intravenous saline solution.
The medical conditions that arise from potomania may compound, putting us at a higher risk of developing it again. For that reason, the best beer potomania treatment is prevention.
Beer potomania is a serious medical condition, but it’s entirely preventable. Maintaining health is about being honest with ourselves and advocating for ourselves in medical settings — but we must also curb our most harmful impulses. Problematic and self-destructive behaviors take many forms, but by staying balanced and being mindful, we can give ourselves the gift of health. Potomania is entirely preventable when we pay close attention to our bodies and follow basic advice about nutrition, alcohol moderation, and lifestyle.
Discover the impact of alcohol-related crimes by understanding the role of intoxication in offenses from DUI to violence. Learn how you can be a part of the solution.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
Alcohol-related crimes affect everyone in the community, not just those who drink too much. Crimes range from serious violence, like domestic abuse and murder, to other offenses, such as public drunkenness and drunk driving. Each of these offenses has its own impact on both the people involved and everyone around them.
Drinking alcohol can change how people think and act. For example, drunk driving leads to many accidents and injuries every year. It's not just driving, though — alcohol can also play a part in violent behavior and abuse in relationships.
Preventing crimes related to alcohol isn't easy. It's about more than just making stricter laws. We need to teach people about the risks of drinking too much, offer help to those who have problems with alcohol, and find ways to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.
First, we need a clear understanding of alcohol intoxication.
When we consume alcohol, it enters our bloodstream and reaches the brain. From here, alcohol starts to impact the central nervous system, the organ system responsible for most functions of the body and mind.
One of the first areas of the brain that intoxication affects is the frontal lobe. Judgment, decision making, and impulse control are impaired once we drink alcohol. For this reason, we could become less capable of evaluating the consequences of our actions, leading to poor decision making and potentially criminal behavior.
Intoxication affects our coordination and movement. Ever notice how drunk people often stumble around? That’s because alcohol affects the cerebellum, a part of the brain that helps with balance and motor skills. People who are intoxicated often experience this side effect, which is why drunk driving is extremely dangerous.
Alcohol can make us less inhibited and more likely to take risks. Intoxication impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, influencing automatic brain functions and hormone release. Oftentimes, this means we might do things we normally wouldn’t consider or can’t properly consent to.
The conversation about alcohol and crime isn't just about people breaking the law; it's a much bigger issue that affects people in different ways. Drinking too much can lead to all sorts of trouble, from driving dangerously to getting into fights — or worse.
One of the most common issues is drunk driving because it’s one of the main reasons for accidents and deaths on the road. Due to their lowered inhibitions, drunk people tend to think they can drive just fine. However, alcohol interferes with our motor skills, making it hard for us to be attentive and affecting our concentration.
Drinking alcohol may also compel us to get into fights or hurt others. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases aggression, which can turn a volatile situation fatal.
There are also less talked about problems, like disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Widespread issues like alcoholism cause a lot of challenges for law enforcement and negatively impact community safety.
For many people, the path to crime can start with a struggle related to alcohol addiction because of broader socioeconomic issues (i.e., unemployment, lack of education, or living in high-crime areas). As alcohol addiction progresses, people might resort to criminal activities as a result of impaired judgment while under the influence.
Alcohol-related crime statistics show us that the effects of alcohol abuse go far beyond the people who drink; it impacts innocent bystanders as well. Accidents and violence linked to drinking often mean more people need emergency care, putting a lot of pressure on our healthcare system. On the other hand, a lot of police time and effort goes into handling alcohol-related incidents, using resources that could be used elsewhere.
High rates of alcohol-related problems can make neighborhoods feel less safe and could also potentially lower the value of homes. Businesses decide against investing in these areas, thus affecting the overall community welfare and resources.
Preventing alcohol-related crimes helps make our neighborhoods safer. It's not just about reducing crime; it also saves money that would otherwise be spent on things that would build a healthier and more stable society.
When we're not spending so much on dealing with these crimes, we can put that money into schools, health services, restore roads and enhance public transportation, making getting around easier and helping our communities grow. Prevention makes life better for everyone in many ways.
Before attending events with alcohol, plan for your safe return home. Appoint a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or rely on public transit.
Hobbies and events that don’t involve alcohol (such as sports, community service, alcohol-free vacations, or cultural events) offer enjoyable alternatives to alcohol-centric gatherings.
Get involved in supporting laws and community initiatives targeting alcohol-related offenses. This effort could involve backing stricter drunk-driving laws, participating in support groups, or promoting access to addiction treatment facilities.
Take an active role in campaigns that discuss the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Join online platforms, participate in community events, or collaborate with educational institutions to inform young adults.
Being aware of your alcohol limits, avoiding driving after drinking, and not pressuring others to drink are great examples of being a role model for responsible drinking habits.
When we look at the numbers behind alcohol-related crimes, it's more than just counting incidents. These statistics are the key to understanding the link between drinking and crime. They help policymakers and community groups tackle the issue. When we can see the bigger picture of a problem, we can work together to create solutions in both little and big ways.
If you want to cut back on your alcohol consumption but don’t know where to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and develop healthier lifestyle habits.
Alcohol-related crimes affect everyone in the community, not just those who drink too much. Crimes range from serious violence, like domestic abuse and murder, to other offenses, such as public drunkenness and drunk driving. Each of these offenses has its own impact on both the people involved and everyone around them.
Drinking alcohol can change how people think and act. For example, drunk driving leads to many accidents and injuries every year. It's not just driving, though — alcohol can also play a part in violent behavior and abuse in relationships.
Preventing crimes related to alcohol isn't easy. It's about more than just making stricter laws. We need to teach people about the risks of drinking too much, offer help to those who have problems with alcohol, and find ways to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.
First, we need a clear understanding of alcohol intoxication.
When we consume alcohol, it enters our bloodstream and reaches the brain. From here, alcohol starts to impact the central nervous system, the organ system responsible for most functions of the body and mind.
One of the first areas of the brain that intoxication affects is the frontal lobe. Judgment, decision making, and impulse control are impaired once we drink alcohol. For this reason, we could become less capable of evaluating the consequences of our actions, leading to poor decision making and potentially criminal behavior.
Intoxication affects our coordination and movement. Ever notice how drunk people often stumble around? That’s because alcohol affects the cerebellum, a part of the brain that helps with balance and motor skills. People who are intoxicated often experience this side effect, which is why drunk driving is extremely dangerous.
Alcohol can make us less inhibited and more likely to take risks. Intoxication impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, influencing automatic brain functions and hormone release. Oftentimes, this means we might do things we normally wouldn’t consider or can’t properly consent to.
The conversation about alcohol and crime isn't just about people breaking the law; it's a much bigger issue that affects people in different ways. Drinking too much can lead to all sorts of trouble, from driving dangerously to getting into fights — or worse.
One of the most common issues is drunk driving because it’s one of the main reasons for accidents and deaths on the road. Due to their lowered inhibitions, drunk people tend to think they can drive just fine. However, alcohol interferes with our motor skills, making it hard for us to be attentive and affecting our concentration.
Drinking alcohol may also compel us to get into fights or hurt others. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases aggression, which can turn a volatile situation fatal.
There are also less talked about problems, like disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Widespread issues like alcoholism cause a lot of challenges for law enforcement and negatively impact community safety.
For many people, the path to crime can start with a struggle related to alcohol addiction because of broader socioeconomic issues (i.e., unemployment, lack of education, or living in high-crime areas). As alcohol addiction progresses, people might resort to criminal activities as a result of impaired judgment while under the influence.
Alcohol-related crime statistics show us that the effects of alcohol abuse go far beyond the people who drink; it impacts innocent bystanders as well. Accidents and violence linked to drinking often mean more people need emergency care, putting a lot of pressure on our healthcare system. On the other hand, a lot of police time and effort goes into handling alcohol-related incidents, using resources that could be used elsewhere.
High rates of alcohol-related problems can make neighborhoods feel less safe and could also potentially lower the value of homes. Businesses decide against investing in these areas, thus affecting the overall community welfare and resources.
Preventing alcohol-related crimes helps make our neighborhoods safer. It's not just about reducing crime; it also saves money that would otherwise be spent on things that would build a healthier and more stable society.
When we're not spending so much on dealing with these crimes, we can put that money into schools, health services, restore roads and enhance public transportation, making getting around easier and helping our communities grow. Prevention makes life better for everyone in many ways.
Before attending events with alcohol, plan for your safe return home. Appoint a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or rely on public transit.
Hobbies and events that don’t involve alcohol (such as sports, community service, alcohol-free vacations, or cultural events) offer enjoyable alternatives to alcohol-centric gatherings.
Get involved in supporting laws and community initiatives targeting alcohol-related offenses. This effort could involve backing stricter drunk-driving laws, participating in support groups, or promoting access to addiction treatment facilities.
Take an active role in campaigns that discuss the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Join online platforms, participate in community events, or collaborate with educational institutions to inform young adults.
Being aware of your alcohol limits, avoiding driving after drinking, and not pressuring others to drink are great examples of being a role model for responsible drinking habits.
When we look at the numbers behind alcohol-related crimes, it's more than just counting incidents. These statistics are the key to understanding the link between drinking and crime. They help policymakers and community groups tackle the issue. When we can see the bigger picture of a problem, we can work together to create solutions in both little and big ways.
If you want to cut back on your alcohol consumption but don’t know where to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and develop healthier lifestyle habits.
Have a procedure coming up and wondering if it’s okay to have alcohol before surgery? Find out how to stay safe and take care of your health 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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
It’s a couple weeks before your first surgery, and you’re feeling a bit nervous. To help calm your nerves, you’ve started having a glass of wine each night at dinner. But is this the best solution — and is it even safe?
If there’s ever a time to completely abstain from drinking alcohol, it’s before you undergo surgery. Whether it’s cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or any other surgical procedure, consuming alcohol before going under the knife can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
In this post, we’ll explore the complications associated with drinking alcohol before surgery. We’ll also offer tips for how best to protect your health before an operation. Let’s dive in!
Many surgeries require general anesthesia — a state of controlled unconsciousness that keeps us from moving or feeling pain during the procedure. Powerful sedative drugs send us to sleep and reduce our bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood circulation.
Alcohol has a similar sedative effect, suppressing our central nervous system. It also disrupts how our body absorbs anesthesia, which could make some drugs ineffective. As a result, the anesthesiologist might have to use a higher dosage, which increases the risk of cardiac events, especially if we already have heart problems.
Furthermore, since both alcohol and anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting, taking them together increases our risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit), which can cause pneumonia and even be fatal.
Drinking alcohol during the weeks leading up to surgery also increases the risk of other serious complications of anesthesia, such as accidental awareness (waking up during surgery) and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).
Let’s explore several other reasons why we shouldn’t drink alcohol before surgery:
Our liver processes all the drugs that go through our body, including alcohol and anesthesia medications. Having both in our system at the same time can overwhelm our liver, sending it into overdrive to metabolize both substances. This can put more strain on the liver than it can handle, and, over time, it may fail.
By their very nature, surgeries can cause bleeding. Thankfully, our body has a built-in mechanism — clotting — for stopping blood loss. However, alcohol is a blood thinner that can interfere with our body’s ability to clot. This can make controlling blood loss during surgery particularly difficult.
The risk of uncontrolled bleeding or bleeding out is even greater if we’re also taking blood-thinning medications or have a clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
Alcohol can also interact with medications we took before, during, or immediately after surgery, causing serious side effects or making the medicines less effective. This could be particularly problematic if we need pain relievers, sedatives, or antibiotics prior to or following our surgery.
Since alcohol is a blood thinner, it can cause us to bleed more than average after a surgery. It also increases our risk of developing an infection at our surgical site, in our urinary tract, or in our respiratory system.
Alcohol can also make it harder to recover from surgery and can make our recovery longer. Since alcohol makes us bleed more and prevents blood from clotting, it can slow the rate at which our wounds heal.
Recovery time may also be increased if we had alcohol-related complications during the procedure, such as uncontrolled bleeding. In severe cases, we may require a blood transfusion if we lost a lot of blood during surgery. This can further delay our recovery.
Infection is one of the biggest post-surgical risks. If bacteria gets into our healing wound, it can create a fertile breeding ground for an infection. If the infection isn’t managed in time, it can spread throughout our body, leading to sepsis or sending us into septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Any surgery requires recovery time. How long it takes to recover depends on a variety of factors, such as our current state of health and what kind of procedure we had.
Alcohol can cause problems with many of our bodily systems, such as our liver, pancreas, and nervous system. This can make it harder to recover from surgery, as our body is already working overtime to heal itself.
In fact, research shows that drinking more than two drinks per day can increase the risks of various postoperative complications, such as infections, longer hospital stays, pulmonary complications, and admission to intensive care.
So, when should we stop drinking alcohol? Drinking the day before surgery is not a good idea. In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before a scheduled surgery. This gives our body a chance to remove all the alcohol from our system and helps minimize the risk of serious complications both during and after surgery.
However, most doctors agree it’s even better if we stop drinking a week or two earlier than that. Remaining sober for a week or two before surgery can help our body heal faster after the operation. In fact, research suggests that abstaining from alcohol for 2-4 weeks before surgery lowers the risk of postoperative complications.
Abstaining from alcohol allows us to go into surgery better hydrated, helps our liver function better, and lets our body better process the anesthesia. Keep in mind that any amount of alcohol before surgery can be dangerous — it’s just not worth the risk!
If you’re planning to have surgery, it’s important to be completely honest with your doctor about how much you drink. Doctors aren’t there to judge or berate us but to make sure we come out of surgery as healthy as possible. If we’re not honest or upfront, we’re essentially putting our life at risk.
Remember to get specific: communicate how much and how frequently you drink. If you suspect you might have trouble not drinking before surgery, your doctor can help you develop a plan. Keep in mind that if our body is dependent on alcohol, stopping abruptly can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It’s also worth noting that if we do drink alcohol before surgery, our doctor may cancel or reschedule the operation.
So when can we start drinking again after surgery? It largely depends on the type of surgery we had and how long we’re taking any prescribed medications. For more invasive surgeries that require extensive recovery time, this might mean weeks or even months.
Given alcohol’s effect on swelling, bleeding, and infection, it’s probably best to wait until our body is fully healed and we’re no longer taking any drugs. However, it’s important to ask our doctor when it’s safe to consume alcohol after our specific operation. Even if we’re feeling better and stronger, it’s important to wait till we get our doctor’s go-ahead.
Undergoing surgery can be scary, and the days leading up to it can be nerve wracking. Here are 8 tips to help prepare our body and minds for surgery.
By taking these steps, we’re proactively protecting our health and reducing the risk of complications from surgery, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and wound infections. If we have any concerns or questions about what to expect for surgery, it’s important to voice them to our doctor. No question is stupid! After all, this is your health we’re talking about.
Drinking alcohol before surgery can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It can cause a variety of complications, from interfering with anesthesia to causing excessive bleeding. Any amount of alcohol — even one “little” drink — in the days leading up to surgery can be harmful. At the very least, don’t consume any alcohol at least 48 hours prior to surgery. But it’s best to stop drinking a week or two ahead of time.
If you’re struggling to control your alcohol intake, consider trying Reframe. We’ve helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It’s a couple weeks before your first surgery, and you’re feeling a bit nervous. To help calm your nerves, you’ve started having a glass of wine each night at dinner. But is this the best solution — and is it even safe?
If there’s ever a time to completely abstain from drinking alcohol, it’s before you undergo surgery. Whether it’s cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or any other surgical procedure, consuming alcohol before going under the knife can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
In this post, we’ll explore the complications associated with drinking alcohol before surgery. We’ll also offer tips for how best to protect your health before an operation. Let’s dive in!
Many surgeries require general anesthesia — a state of controlled unconsciousness that keeps us from moving or feeling pain during the procedure. Powerful sedative drugs send us to sleep and reduce our bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood circulation.
Alcohol has a similar sedative effect, suppressing our central nervous system. It also disrupts how our body absorbs anesthesia, which could make some drugs ineffective. As a result, the anesthesiologist might have to use a higher dosage, which increases the risk of cardiac events, especially if we already have heart problems.
Furthermore, since both alcohol and anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting, taking them together increases our risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit), which can cause pneumonia and even be fatal.
Drinking alcohol during the weeks leading up to surgery also increases the risk of other serious complications of anesthesia, such as accidental awareness (waking up during surgery) and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).
Let’s explore several other reasons why we shouldn’t drink alcohol before surgery:
Our liver processes all the drugs that go through our body, including alcohol and anesthesia medications. Having both in our system at the same time can overwhelm our liver, sending it into overdrive to metabolize both substances. This can put more strain on the liver than it can handle, and, over time, it may fail.
By their very nature, surgeries can cause bleeding. Thankfully, our body has a built-in mechanism — clotting — for stopping blood loss. However, alcohol is a blood thinner that can interfere with our body’s ability to clot. This can make controlling blood loss during surgery particularly difficult.
The risk of uncontrolled bleeding or bleeding out is even greater if we’re also taking blood-thinning medications or have a clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
Alcohol can also interact with medications we took before, during, or immediately after surgery, causing serious side effects or making the medicines less effective. This could be particularly problematic if we need pain relievers, sedatives, or antibiotics prior to or following our surgery.
Since alcohol is a blood thinner, it can cause us to bleed more than average after a surgery. It also increases our risk of developing an infection at our surgical site, in our urinary tract, or in our respiratory system.
Alcohol can also make it harder to recover from surgery and can make our recovery longer. Since alcohol makes us bleed more and prevents blood from clotting, it can slow the rate at which our wounds heal.
Recovery time may also be increased if we had alcohol-related complications during the procedure, such as uncontrolled bleeding. In severe cases, we may require a blood transfusion if we lost a lot of blood during surgery. This can further delay our recovery.
Infection is one of the biggest post-surgical risks. If bacteria gets into our healing wound, it can create a fertile breeding ground for an infection. If the infection isn’t managed in time, it can spread throughout our body, leading to sepsis or sending us into septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Any surgery requires recovery time. How long it takes to recover depends on a variety of factors, such as our current state of health and what kind of procedure we had.
Alcohol can cause problems with many of our bodily systems, such as our liver, pancreas, and nervous system. This can make it harder to recover from surgery, as our body is already working overtime to heal itself.
In fact, research shows that drinking more than two drinks per day can increase the risks of various postoperative complications, such as infections, longer hospital stays, pulmonary complications, and admission to intensive care.
So, when should we stop drinking alcohol? Drinking the day before surgery is not a good idea. In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before a scheduled surgery. This gives our body a chance to remove all the alcohol from our system and helps minimize the risk of serious complications both during and after surgery.
However, most doctors agree it’s even better if we stop drinking a week or two earlier than that. Remaining sober for a week or two before surgery can help our body heal faster after the operation. In fact, research suggests that abstaining from alcohol for 2-4 weeks before surgery lowers the risk of postoperative complications.
Abstaining from alcohol allows us to go into surgery better hydrated, helps our liver function better, and lets our body better process the anesthesia. Keep in mind that any amount of alcohol before surgery can be dangerous — it’s just not worth the risk!
If you’re planning to have surgery, it’s important to be completely honest with your doctor about how much you drink. Doctors aren’t there to judge or berate us but to make sure we come out of surgery as healthy as possible. If we’re not honest or upfront, we’re essentially putting our life at risk.
Remember to get specific: communicate how much and how frequently you drink. If you suspect you might have trouble not drinking before surgery, your doctor can help you develop a plan. Keep in mind that if our body is dependent on alcohol, stopping abruptly can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It’s also worth noting that if we do drink alcohol before surgery, our doctor may cancel or reschedule the operation.
So when can we start drinking again after surgery? It largely depends on the type of surgery we had and how long we’re taking any prescribed medications. For more invasive surgeries that require extensive recovery time, this might mean weeks or even months.
Given alcohol’s effect on swelling, bleeding, and infection, it’s probably best to wait until our body is fully healed and we’re no longer taking any drugs. However, it’s important to ask our doctor when it’s safe to consume alcohol after our specific operation. Even if we’re feeling better and stronger, it’s important to wait till we get our doctor’s go-ahead.
Undergoing surgery can be scary, and the days leading up to it can be nerve wracking. Here are 8 tips to help prepare our body and minds for surgery.
By taking these steps, we’re proactively protecting our health and reducing the risk of complications from surgery, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and wound infections. If we have any concerns or questions about what to expect for surgery, it’s important to voice them to our doctor. No question is stupid! After all, this is your health we’re talking about.
Drinking alcohol before surgery can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It can cause a variety of complications, from interfering with anesthesia to causing excessive bleeding. Any amount of alcohol — even one “little” drink — in the days leading up to surgery can be harmful. At the very least, don’t consume any alcohol at least 48 hours prior to surgery. But it’s best to stop drinking a week or two ahead of time.
If you’re struggling to control your alcohol intake, consider trying Reframe. We’ve helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Uncover intriguing historical, medical, and cultural facts about alcohol. They’ll correct any misconceptions you may have and improve your drinking habits.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
Everyone knows that alcohol affects our brain and body, causing reckless behavior and possibly even leading to addiction and disease. However, several misconceptions about alcohol may affect your relationship with the substance, leading to misuse. Knowing the dangers and effects of drinking can help you make better decisions and avoid alcohol’s harmful effects. We’ll also share a bit of history and statistics about alcohol.
The first alcoholic beverage to be chemically verified was discovered in Jiahu, China, and it dates from the Early Neolithic period (7000-6000 BCE).
Researchers used modern processes to extract and analyze the fermented beverage from ancient high-necked pots. The drink was made of wild grapes, honey, rice, and hawthorn.
Under the 18th Amendment, the U.S. Constitution banned the alcohol trade due to alcohol-related issues such as alcoholism, immorality, domestic violence, and corruption. The ban started in January 1920 and lasted until 1933, a period known as the Prohibition Era.
Many Christian traditions, like Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, use wine during their ceremonies, particularly Communion or the Eucharist. This practice is based on the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples. The bread symbolizes his body, and the wine symbolizes his blood. Some Christian groups, including Protestants, prefer to use alcohol-free options like grape juice.
While some cultures encourage and use alcohol in social, religious, or ceremonial practices, others discourage or reject alcohol consumption. These cultural attitudes affect our relationship with alcohol. They also influence drinking habits, like our choice of alcoholic beverages, how often and how much we drink, and when we drink — whether it's during meals, social gatherings, or specific ceremonies.
The amount of alcohol in different beverages varies, so how quickly we feel the alcohol’s effects varies, too.
A gram of alcohol has roughly 7 calories. A 12-ounce beer with 5% alcohol content contains about 150 calories. A shot of distilled spirits, such as vodka or whiskey, has about 100 calories, and a 5-ounce glass of wine may have about 120 calories.
Our reaction to alcohol will be different from that of the next person due to a number of factors.
Some medications, like cough syrups, contain small amounts of alcohol to preserve them. The alcohol also acts as a solvent, dissolving some components so that the medicine can work properly. These doses are usually small and safe, but it’s vital to follow a doctor's or pharmacist’s directions.
Some people’s bodies can’t process alcohol properly, so their immune systems respond with mild to severe allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to certain ingredients found in alcoholic beverages, like barley, wheat, or sulfite. These allergic reactions can vary widely:
Alcohol increases GABA activity, which calms the nervous system and suppresses glutamate, a “chemical messenger” responsible for excitement. Together, these two processes slow down brain signals, impairing judgment, motor skills, and our emotional state. Excessive levels of this depressant effect can cause more severe side effects, such as slurred speech, difficulty making decisions, and, in extreme situations, unconsciousness. Moderation is essential to enjoy alcohol’s calming benefits without danger.
The liver filters and detoxifies the blood by breaking down substances like alcohol. However, excessive alcohol makes it difficult for the liver to work correctly, causing fat buildup in the liver cells known as "fatty liver." Drinking over a prolonged period overwhelms the liver and causes scarring, known as cirrhosis. A scarred liver can’t work correctly, causing various health problems.
Alcohol might help us doze off initially, but we don’t get the restful, restorative sleep we need. A normal human sleep cycle has four stages. Experts reveal that alcohol affects the essential fourth stage, REM sleep, where deep sleep, dreaming, memory consolidation, and rejuvenation happen. Sleep disruption at this stage causes insomnia, a restless night, and an unproductive next day.
As a diuretic, alcohol makes the body extract fluids from your blood through your kidneys, ureters, and bladder much more quickly than usual. This fluid loss causes dehydration and all the symptoms that come with it: headaches, dizziness, low energy, and dry mouth. Consuming water or electrolyte-rich drinks helps us rehydrate, replenish lost fluids, and raise our body's hydration levels — all of which help us feel less uncomfortable after a hangover.
When we no longer feel the same effects with a certain amount of alcohol, our tolerance has increased, which can be dangerous. A high alcohol tolerance requires us to drink more to feel the same effects, which can lead to excessive drinking, a high addiction risk, and several health issues, including (in extreme cases) multiple organ failure.
Habitual drinking changes the brain's reward system, making it crave alcohol to function normally. This craving turns into compulsive drinking despite the consequences, which is a sign of alcoholism or alcohol dependency. Also, a longstanding drinking habit can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body needs alcohol to function.
Binge drinking involves gulping down large amounts of alcohol quickly: four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in two hours for men. Although binge drinking doesn’t mean we have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), binge drinking makes us more likely to develop one. Binge drinking is associated with several several health risks.
Other risks include poor pregnancy outcomes (miscarriages and stillbirths) and violence, such as domestic violence, homicide, sexual assault, and suicide.
Alcohol-related dementia happens when someone drinks heavily over a long period, affecting cognition, memory, and general brain function. Overdrinking can cause nutritional deficiencies, like thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which worsens cognitive damage. Long-term alcohol use has been linked to dementia. Alcohol-related dementia can coexist with other types of dementia, like Alzheimer's disease, and it may aggravate existing dementia symptoms.
Overdrinking affects coordination, decision making, and reaction times, increasing the risk of car accidents, falls, and other issues. About 37 Americans die in drunk driving accidents every day. A study showed a connection to alcohol use with 86% of homicide offenders, 60% of sexual offenders, and 57% of men involved in marital violence. Alcohol also contributes to crimes like domestic abuse, assaults, and homicides. It causes aggression, leading to conflicts and violent behavior. Misusing alcohol affects not only the consumer’s physical and mental health but also families and communities.
Generally speaking, buying a legal drink requires independence and maturity. Most countries have set their minimum legal drinking age at 18; most states in the U.S. have 21 years old as their standard; some countries ban alcohol altogether, while some countries allow young people to start drinking legally as early as age 15. Here’s a list of some countries and their minimum legal drinking ages.
In some countries, like India, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, the legal drinking age varies by region.
Here are some alcohol-related death statistics specific to the United States.
The more we know about alcohol, the better equipped we’ll be to consume it responsibly and avoid harmful effects on our body and the people around us. Making informed choices will help us have a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Everyone knows that alcohol affects our brain and body, causing reckless behavior and possibly even leading to addiction and disease. However, several misconceptions about alcohol may affect your relationship with the substance, leading to misuse. Knowing the dangers and effects of drinking can help you make better decisions and avoid alcohol’s harmful effects. We’ll also share a bit of history and statistics about alcohol.
The first alcoholic beverage to be chemically verified was discovered in Jiahu, China, and it dates from the Early Neolithic period (7000-6000 BCE).
Researchers used modern processes to extract and analyze the fermented beverage from ancient high-necked pots. The drink was made of wild grapes, honey, rice, and hawthorn.
Under the 18th Amendment, the U.S. Constitution banned the alcohol trade due to alcohol-related issues such as alcoholism, immorality, domestic violence, and corruption. The ban started in January 1920 and lasted until 1933, a period known as the Prohibition Era.
Many Christian traditions, like Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, use wine during their ceremonies, particularly Communion or the Eucharist. This practice is based on the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples. The bread symbolizes his body, and the wine symbolizes his blood. Some Christian groups, including Protestants, prefer to use alcohol-free options like grape juice.
While some cultures encourage and use alcohol in social, religious, or ceremonial practices, others discourage or reject alcohol consumption. These cultural attitudes affect our relationship with alcohol. They also influence drinking habits, like our choice of alcoholic beverages, how often and how much we drink, and when we drink — whether it's during meals, social gatherings, or specific ceremonies.
The amount of alcohol in different beverages varies, so how quickly we feel the alcohol’s effects varies, too.
A gram of alcohol has roughly 7 calories. A 12-ounce beer with 5% alcohol content contains about 150 calories. A shot of distilled spirits, such as vodka or whiskey, has about 100 calories, and a 5-ounce glass of wine may have about 120 calories.
Our reaction to alcohol will be different from that of the next person due to a number of factors.
Some medications, like cough syrups, contain small amounts of alcohol to preserve them. The alcohol also acts as a solvent, dissolving some components so that the medicine can work properly. These doses are usually small and safe, but it’s vital to follow a doctor's or pharmacist’s directions.
Some people’s bodies can’t process alcohol properly, so their immune systems respond with mild to severe allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to certain ingredients found in alcoholic beverages, like barley, wheat, or sulfite. These allergic reactions can vary widely:
Alcohol increases GABA activity, which calms the nervous system and suppresses glutamate, a “chemical messenger” responsible for excitement. Together, these two processes slow down brain signals, impairing judgment, motor skills, and our emotional state. Excessive levels of this depressant effect can cause more severe side effects, such as slurred speech, difficulty making decisions, and, in extreme situations, unconsciousness. Moderation is essential to enjoy alcohol’s calming benefits without danger.
The liver filters and detoxifies the blood by breaking down substances like alcohol. However, excessive alcohol makes it difficult for the liver to work correctly, causing fat buildup in the liver cells known as "fatty liver." Drinking over a prolonged period overwhelms the liver and causes scarring, known as cirrhosis. A scarred liver can’t work correctly, causing various health problems.
Alcohol might help us doze off initially, but we don’t get the restful, restorative sleep we need. A normal human sleep cycle has four stages. Experts reveal that alcohol affects the essential fourth stage, REM sleep, where deep sleep, dreaming, memory consolidation, and rejuvenation happen. Sleep disruption at this stage causes insomnia, a restless night, and an unproductive next day.
As a diuretic, alcohol makes the body extract fluids from your blood through your kidneys, ureters, and bladder much more quickly than usual. This fluid loss causes dehydration and all the symptoms that come with it: headaches, dizziness, low energy, and dry mouth. Consuming water or electrolyte-rich drinks helps us rehydrate, replenish lost fluids, and raise our body's hydration levels — all of which help us feel less uncomfortable after a hangover.
When we no longer feel the same effects with a certain amount of alcohol, our tolerance has increased, which can be dangerous. A high alcohol tolerance requires us to drink more to feel the same effects, which can lead to excessive drinking, a high addiction risk, and several health issues, including (in extreme cases) multiple organ failure.
Habitual drinking changes the brain's reward system, making it crave alcohol to function normally. This craving turns into compulsive drinking despite the consequences, which is a sign of alcoholism or alcohol dependency. Also, a longstanding drinking habit can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body needs alcohol to function.
Binge drinking involves gulping down large amounts of alcohol quickly: four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in two hours for men. Although binge drinking doesn’t mean we have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), binge drinking makes us more likely to develop one. Binge drinking is associated with several several health risks.
Other risks include poor pregnancy outcomes (miscarriages and stillbirths) and violence, such as domestic violence, homicide, sexual assault, and suicide.
Alcohol-related dementia happens when someone drinks heavily over a long period, affecting cognition, memory, and general brain function. Overdrinking can cause nutritional deficiencies, like thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which worsens cognitive damage. Long-term alcohol use has been linked to dementia. Alcohol-related dementia can coexist with other types of dementia, like Alzheimer's disease, and it may aggravate existing dementia symptoms.
Overdrinking affects coordination, decision making, and reaction times, increasing the risk of car accidents, falls, and other issues. About 37 Americans die in drunk driving accidents every day. A study showed a connection to alcohol use with 86% of homicide offenders, 60% of sexual offenders, and 57% of men involved in marital violence. Alcohol also contributes to crimes like domestic abuse, assaults, and homicides. It causes aggression, leading to conflicts and violent behavior. Misusing alcohol affects not only the consumer’s physical and mental health but also families and communities.
Generally speaking, buying a legal drink requires independence and maturity. Most countries have set their minimum legal drinking age at 18; most states in the U.S. have 21 years old as their standard; some countries ban alcohol altogether, while some countries allow young people to start drinking legally as early as age 15. Here’s a list of some countries and their minimum legal drinking ages.
In some countries, like India, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, the legal drinking age varies by region.
Here are some alcohol-related death statistics specific to the United States.
The more we know about alcohol, the better equipped we’ll be to consume it responsibly and avoid harmful effects on our body and the people around us. Making informed choices will help us have a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Discover how alcohol can contribute to the development of anemia and what you can do to reverse it.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
You’ve been drinking pretty heavily for years and, thankfully, haven’t experienced any major health issues. But lately, you’ve started to notice some changes. You’re always exhausted no matter how much you sleep; you feel like you can barely climb the stairs without getting out of breath, and your skin has become unusually pale. What’s going on?
In this post, we’ll explore what anemia is, whether alcohol causes it, and how this condition can be reversed. We’ll also offer some tips for how to treat anemia and boost your well-being. Let’s get started!
Before we explore whether alcohol causes anemia, it’s helpful to know exactly what anemia is. Simply put, anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells. Why are red blood cells important? Well, they’re responsible for providing oxygen throughout our body. So, if we don’t have enough of them, our body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which means it doesn’t function as well as it could.
We can learn if we have anemia through a blood test, which will reveal our hemoglobin levels. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein that attaches to oxygen in our lungs and carries it through our bloodstream. We have anemia if our blood test shows a hemoglobin value of less than 13.5 g/dl in a man or less than 12.0 g/dl in a woman.
Anemia affects nearly 2 billion people — one-fourth of the world’s population — according to a new study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). This condition usually affects women who are menstruating or pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions. Interestingly, if you have kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, you’re at greater risk for anemia.
Some of the most common symptoms of anemia include weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, pale or yellow skin, and chest pain. However, many people don’t realize they have anemia until they complete a blood test.
Now that we have a better understanding of what anemia is, we can turn to the next question: can alcohol cause anemia? The general consensus among researchers is that heavy alcohol consumption can cause anemia indirectly. In other words, alcohol doesn’t directly cause anemia, but it can contribute to its development through various effects on the body.
For instance, alcohol can cause nutrient deficiencies, which lead to anemia. More specifically, alcohol can cause a deficiency in iron and B vitamins, particularly folate, which are vital for the healthy production and function of red blood cells.
For instance, the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Alcohol can disrupt the absorption of iron in our digestive system, leading to reduced iron levels in your body. As a result, your body may struggle to produce enough hemoglobin-rich red blood cells.
Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption can also affect the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. As a result, fewer blood cells are created, which can lead to the development of anemia.
It’s also worth noting that excessive alcohol consumption can damage our liver, leading to liver disease and cirrhosis. This, in turn, can cause internal bleeding and anemia.
The bottom line? While moderate alcohol consumption, such as an occasional glass of wine or a beer, likely won’t be harmful, regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol puts us at risk for nutrient deficiencies that lead to anemia.
Now that we have a better understanding of how alcohol can contribute to anemia, let’s look at the specific types of alcohol-related anemia.
Regardless of the type, symptoms of alcohol-related anemia tend to be similar. Common symptoms include headache, cold hands and feet, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weakness, chest pain, and inability to focus. If we notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical assistance.
The good news is that anemia caused by alcohol misuse is reversible — but only when we stop drinking. In fact, depending on how long we’ve been drinking, alcohol-induced anemia can resolve itself within several weeks once we quit drinking.
That’s because our body starts to replenish important nutrients and minerals for red blood cell production, such as iron, folate, and other B vitamins that we lost when we were consuming alcohol. Similarly, when we stop drinking, our bone marrow can resume its normal function of producing red blood cells.
Depending on our situation, a healthcare provider may also recommend folic acid, vitamin B-complex, or other supplements to help increase red blood cell production and functioning. They may also encourage us to eat a healthy diet full of foods rich in iron and vitamins, such as leafy greens and lean meats.
Keep in mind that we can protect ourselves from macrocytic anemia and alcohol-induced anemia by limiting our consumption of alcohol or quitting drinking entirely.
So, what if we already have anemia: can we drink alcohol? While a drink here and there likely isn’t harmful, heavy drinking could make your condition worse.
As we’ve learned, consuming large amounts of alcohol can suppress blood cell production and lead to structural abnormalities of red blood cells, preventing their full maturation. Since anemic individuals already have a low red blood cell count, adding alcohol into the mix may lead to an even greater deficiency.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol can lead to symptoms associated with anemia, such as irregular heart beat, fatigue, and dizziness. Plus, heavy, long-term consumption of alcohol can have detrimental long-term effects on the body, which can complicate preexisting conditions.
For all these reasons and more, experts recommend avoiding alcohol if you already have anemia.
Now that we have a better understanding of the relationship between alcohol and anemia, let’s look at what we can do to treat this condition. Here are six tips:
These are common tips for managing anemia, but it’s important to always consult a healthcare provider for treatment and ongoing care.
Anemia is the most common of blood disorders and is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells, which our body must have to get the oxygen it needs to function. Chronic alcohol misuse can increase our risk of anemia by interfering with the nutrients our body needs to produce red blood cells, particularly iron, B vitamins and folate. However, alcohol-induced anemia can be reversed by stopping drinking. If we already have anemia, it’s important to limit our consumption of alcohol, as regular drinking can make our condition worse.
If you want to cut back on drinking but don’t know where or how to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
You’ve been drinking pretty heavily for years and, thankfully, haven’t experienced any major health issues. But lately, you’ve started to notice some changes. You’re always exhausted no matter how much you sleep; you feel like you can barely climb the stairs without getting out of breath, and your skin has become unusually pale. What’s going on?
In this post, we’ll explore what anemia is, whether alcohol causes it, and how this condition can be reversed. We’ll also offer some tips for how to treat anemia and boost your well-being. Let’s get started!
Before we explore whether alcohol causes anemia, it’s helpful to know exactly what anemia is. Simply put, anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells. Why are red blood cells important? Well, they’re responsible for providing oxygen throughout our body. So, if we don’t have enough of them, our body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which means it doesn’t function as well as it could.
We can learn if we have anemia through a blood test, which will reveal our hemoglobin levels. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein that attaches to oxygen in our lungs and carries it through our bloodstream. We have anemia if our blood test shows a hemoglobin value of less than 13.5 g/dl in a man or less than 12.0 g/dl in a woman.
Anemia affects nearly 2 billion people — one-fourth of the world’s population — according to a new study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). This condition usually affects women who are menstruating or pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions. Interestingly, if you have kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, you’re at greater risk for anemia.
Some of the most common symptoms of anemia include weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, pale or yellow skin, and chest pain. However, many people don’t realize they have anemia until they complete a blood test.
Now that we have a better understanding of what anemia is, we can turn to the next question: can alcohol cause anemia? The general consensus among researchers is that heavy alcohol consumption can cause anemia indirectly. In other words, alcohol doesn’t directly cause anemia, but it can contribute to its development through various effects on the body.
For instance, alcohol can cause nutrient deficiencies, which lead to anemia. More specifically, alcohol can cause a deficiency in iron and B vitamins, particularly folate, which are vital for the healthy production and function of red blood cells.
For instance, the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Alcohol can disrupt the absorption of iron in our digestive system, leading to reduced iron levels in your body. As a result, your body may struggle to produce enough hemoglobin-rich red blood cells.
Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption can also affect the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. As a result, fewer blood cells are created, which can lead to the development of anemia.
It’s also worth noting that excessive alcohol consumption can damage our liver, leading to liver disease and cirrhosis. This, in turn, can cause internal bleeding and anemia.
The bottom line? While moderate alcohol consumption, such as an occasional glass of wine or a beer, likely won’t be harmful, regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol puts us at risk for nutrient deficiencies that lead to anemia.
Now that we have a better understanding of how alcohol can contribute to anemia, let’s look at the specific types of alcohol-related anemia.
Regardless of the type, symptoms of alcohol-related anemia tend to be similar. Common symptoms include headache, cold hands and feet, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weakness, chest pain, and inability to focus. If we notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical assistance.
The good news is that anemia caused by alcohol misuse is reversible — but only when we stop drinking. In fact, depending on how long we’ve been drinking, alcohol-induced anemia can resolve itself within several weeks once we quit drinking.
That’s because our body starts to replenish important nutrients and minerals for red blood cell production, such as iron, folate, and other B vitamins that we lost when we were consuming alcohol. Similarly, when we stop drinking, our bone marrow can resume its normal function of producing red blood cells.
Depending on our situation, a healthcare provider may also recommend folic acid, vitamin B-complex, or other supplements to help increase red blood cell production and functioning. They may also encourage us to eat a healthy diet full of foods rich in iron and vitamins, such as leafy greens and lean meats.
Keep in mind that we can protect ourselves from macrocytic anemia and alcohol-induced anemia by limiting our consumption of alcohol or quitting drinking entirely.
So, what if we already have anemia: can we drink alcohol? While a drink here and there likely isn’t harmful, heavy drinking could make your condition worse.
As we’ve learned, consuming large amounts of alcohol can suppress blood cell production and lead to structural abnormalities of red blood cells, preventing their full maturation. Since anemic individuals already have a low red blood cell count, adding alcohol into the mix may lead to an even greater deficiency.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol can lead to symptoms associated with anemia, such as irregular heart beat, fatigue, and dizziness. Plus, heavy, long-term consumption of alcohol can have detrimental long-term effects on the body, which can complicate preexisting conditions.
For all these reasons and more, experts recommend avoiding alcohol if you already have anemia.
Now that we have a better understanding of the relationship between alcohol and anemia, let’s look at what we can do to treat this condition. Here are six tips:
These are common tips for managing anemia, but it’s important to always consult a healthcare provider for treatment and ongoing care.
Anemia is the most common of blood disorders and is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells, which our body must have to get the oxygen it needs to function. Chronic alcohol misuse can increase our risk of anemia by interfering with the nutrients our body needs to produce red blood cells, particularly iron, B vitamins and folate. However, alcohol-induced anemia can be reversed by stopping drinking. If we already have anemia, it’s important to limit our consumption of alcohol, as regular drinking can make our condition worse.
If you want to cut back on drinking but don’t know where or how to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Explore the complex relationship between introverts and alcohol, uncovering drinking habits, preferences, and healthier coping strategies.
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!
Author Criss Jami once wrote, “Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to Hell.” While maybe a little dramatic, it captures a core feeling. Socializing can be draining. So, we reach for a drink. It feels like a shortcut to being more outgoing, answering the question of pourquoi l'alcool désinhibe (why alcohol disinhibits) in real-time. But this temporary confidence has a price. The complex relationship between introverts and alcohol often overlooks the fact that alcohol is a depressant, leading to brutal introvert hangover symptoms that go beyond just a headache.
The drinking habits of introverts — and the connection between introverts and alcohol addiction — can be uniquely challenging. Let’s explore this subject further to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to understand them and, if you're looking to cut back or quit drinking, to do so with science on your side!
Before we dive into the drinking habits of introverts, let’s define what an introvert actually is. Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. These folks often require time alone to recharge and often find socializing to be energy-draining.
When it comes to looking at introversion from a scientific perspective, it might be surprising to learn that the brain of an introvert is actually wired differently! Research suggests that introverts have a higher sensitivity to dopamine compared to extroverts. This doesn't mean they have more dopamine but that their brains respond to it more intensely. As a result, introverts often require less external stimulation to feel satisfied. Think of it like a gourmet chef who can savor the subtle flavors in a dish that others might miss.
Introverts are often deep thinkers and great listeners. They process information more thoroughly than extroverts, mostly because they rely on a different pathway in the brain — the “long pathway,” involving more internal processing. The long pathway is believed to contribute to the introvert’s reflective nature.
Introverts and extroverts also tend to respond differently to rewards. While extroverts might chase high excitement and immediate rewards, introverts tend to be internally motivated. They find joy in personal achievements, quiet reflection, and deep connections with a few close friends.
Imagine each of us has a “social battery.” For introverts, this battery drains quickly in social situations, especially in large groups or highly stimulating environments. It's not that they don't enjoy socializing — they just need more time to recharge in their peaceful havens (whether that’s lounging around and watching reruns of The Office, taking a walk around the block, or zoning out on an audiobook or podcast). No, they’re not bored, they’re not mad at you, and they’re not being antisocial. Their nervous system just reacts to external stimuli, often nudging them toward quieter, more low-key environments when they need to recoup.
Personal space is a sanctuary for introverts. In these moments of solitude, they find their creativity flourishing. Far from being a negative trait, this ability to enjoy and embrace solitude allows for deep reflection, self-awareness, and a rich inner life.
For introverts, alcohol may initially seem like a handy social lubricant, temporarily dismantling barriers, making interactions feel less taxing, and taking a load off their shoulders when it comes to draining or overstimulating social events. But it’s a double-edged sword! The seductive tranquility alcohol provides can lead to a false sense of comfort and reliance, which is where the danger lies.
So, what does science have to say about all this? The connection between our personality and our drinking habits is more complex than you might think. It’s not just about who’s pouring the drinks, but also about how our brains are wired to respond to the world around us — and to alcohol itself. Understanding this can be the first step toward making more conscious choices that align with your well-being, rather than working against it. It’s about getting to know your own operating system so you can give it what it truly needs to thrive.
Let’s clear the air on a common misconception. While some studies suggest that introverts can be more prone to substance misuse, it’s not a simple cause-and-effect situation. As one recovery center explains, the issue is complex and influenced by factors like “social pressure, self-medication, and different negative coping mechanisms.” It’s not that being an introvert automatically means you’ll drink more heavily. Instead, it suggests that the unique challenges introverts face can sometimes lead them down that path if they don’t have healthier coping strategies in place to manage social anxiety or internal stress.
Many introverts also identify as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), meaning their nervous systems are more reactive to stimuli — including alcohol. As one expert notes, HSPs “might drink more than they should because they are sensitive to what others want them to do (‘Have another one!’).” This heightened sensitivity can make it harder to resist social pressure and easier to feel overwhelmed in loud, chaotic environments. When your brain is already working overtime to process everything, adding alcohol to the mix can feel like a way to turn down the volume, even if it ultimately causes more problems in the long run.
If alcohol is a temporary fix, what’s the problem it’s trying to solve? For many introverts, drinking becomes a tool to manage the friction between their inner world and the demands of the outer world. It can feel like a shortcut to feeling more comfortable, sociable, or less stressed. But understanding the specific reasons why you might reach for a drink is key to finding healthier, more sustainable alternatives that truly honor your introverted nature instead of trying to mask it. Let's look at some of the common drivers behind this habit.
Because introverts spend so much time inside their own heads, it can be easy to get stuck in loops of stress, anxiety, or sadness. When those feelings become overwhelming, alcohol can seem like an easy off-ramp. Research shows that feelings of isolation can lead people to “turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.” This pattern of self-medication is a slippery slope, as it numbs the feelings without addressing their root cause. It provides temporary relief but prevents you from developing the emotional resilience to handle life’s challenges head-on, keeping you dependent on an external substance for internal peace.
There’s a big difference between choosing solitude to recharge and feeling the ache of loneliness. For introverts, that line can sometimes get blurry. When solitude tips into isolation, alcohol can become a companion. It fills the quiet and dulls the discomfort, but it’s a false friend. As one psychologist puts it, “Alcohol can make introversion a way to escape, leading to unhealthy behaviors.” This escape prevents you from seeking genuine connection, creating a cycle where drinking deepens the very loneliness you’re trying to avoid. It becomes a barrier to the meaningful relationships that introverts often crave.
We live in a world that often celebrates extroverted qualities — being loud, outgoing, and the life of the party. For an introvert, this can feel like immense pressure to be someone you’re not. Some introverts start drinking because they simply don’t like being introverted and want to act more outgoing. A few drinks can temporarily lower inhibitions, making it easier to chat with strangers or stay out late. But this “liquid courage” comes at the cost of authenticity, reinforcing the idea that your true, thoughtful self isn’t good enough for social situations and needs to be altered to be accepted.
That temporary boost of confidence from a drink or two might feel great in the moment, but it comes with hidden costs that can impact your life in the long run. Relying on alcohol to navigate social scenes or manage your emotions is like building a house on a shaky foundation. Sooner or later, the cracks begin to show. Recognizing these long-term effects is crucial for deciding if the short-term payoff is truly worth it, and for empowering yourself to build a more solid, authentic foundation for your social life and emotional health.
Here’s the catch-22 of using alcohol to be more social: it works, until it doesn’t. When you consistently rely on alcohol to feel comfortable in social settings, you rob yourself of the chance to build real, lasting confidence. As one person insightfully shared, “Relying on alcohol to be social can stop people from learning how to deal with social situations when they are sober.” You never get to prove to yourself that you can handle a party, a date, or a networking event on your own terms, which keeps you stuck in a cycle of needing that crutch to feel capable.
So, how do you know if your drinking habits have crossed a line? It’s important to be honest with yourself. Some common warning signs include not being able to stop at just one drink, frequently regretting things you said or did while drinking, or noticing you need more and more alcohol to feel the same buzz. If any of this sounds familiar, it might be a signal to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Taking a moment to reflect with a tool like a sober days and cost savings calculator can offer a clear, objective look at your habits and their impact on your life and wallet.
On the other hand, drinking can also tap into the introvert’s need for alone time, becoming a way to escape social pressures altogether. Introverts cherish their “me time,” but when alcohol enters the scene, it can turn a sanctuary into a prison. Drinking alone can become a routine, sometimes beyond our conscious control. When the frequency and quantity of alcohol increase, almost imperceptibly, dependency can deepen.
Dependency doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, and for introverts, it can begin as an occasional crutch to endure social engagements. Over time, the brain starts associating alcohol with social ease, potentially creating a dependency. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a villainous role here, reinforcing drinking behavior by registering it as a rewarding experience.
Let's explore the intricate process of how casual drinking could evolve into dependency, especially for introverts.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable, science-proven ability to reorganize itself. For introverts looking to cut back on alcohol, this is great news! With the right actions, the brain can learn new, healthier patterns of behavior that don't rely on alcohol. Here are some steps that can help:
For many of us introverts, alcohol can feel like the perfect social cheat code. It promises to quiet the anxious voice in our head, lower our inhibitions, and help us feel more outgoing and bubbly in situations that normally drain us. As one writer aptly put it, it can seem like a "handy social lubricant" that dismantles barriers at overstimulating events. But this quick fix is a double-edged sword. While it might temporarily make socializing feel easier, it also masks the thoughtful, observant, and genuine person you are underneath. Relying on alcohol to navigate social settings can prevent you from building real confidence and forming the authentic connections you truly crave.
One of the most powerful things you can do is honor your social battery. Instead of pushing through discomfort or turning to a drink to extend your social stamina, give yourself permission to leave when you feel your energy dipping. This isn't rude or antisocial; it's a radical act of self-respect. You don't owe anyone your presence at the expense of your own well-being. Having an exit strategy can make the entire experience feel less daunting. You can go, enjoy connecting for a while, and leave on a high note before you feel completely drained. This is a much healthier escape than using alcohol to numb yourself to the pressure to stay.
Building a toolkit of non-alcoholic coping strategies is key to thriving socially on your own terms. It starts with introspection. As the team at Reframe suggests, you can track your habits in a journal to understand what triggers your desire to drink. Once you’re in a social setting, shift your focus outward. Instead of worrying about what to say, become a great listener—a natural introvert strength! Ask open-ended questions and let your curiosity lead. This fosters deeper, more memorable conversations than the surface-level interactions alcohol often produces. Remember to step away if you need a moment. Find a quiet corner, get some fresh air, or practice a few deep-breathing exercises to reset. These small actions empower you to manage your energy without a drink in hand.
Being an introvert isn’t a handicap, no matter what society might subconsciously tell us. In the words of Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, “Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured … Spend your free [time] the way you like, not the way you think you're supposed to.”
The journey for introverts in reevaluating their relationship with alcohol is personal and profound. It calls for a compassionate approach, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change. Remember, you're not alone, and each step you take is a testament to your resilience and strength. Reframe your habits and reclaim the quiet power of your introversion!
Instead of forcing yourself into situations that drain your social battery, lean into activities that energize you. For many introverts, personal space is a sanctuary where creativity and reflection can truly flourish. Finding hobbies that honor this need for solitude isn’t about hiding; it’s about building a fulfilling life on your own terms. Consider dedicating time to reading, learning an instrument, coding, painting, or hiking. These activities allow you to recharge and engage your mind in ways that large social gatherings might not. By cultivating interests that align with your natural disposition, you create a rich inner world that doesn’t require alcohol to feel complete or entertaining. It’s a powerful way to build self-reliance and find joy in your own company.
Navigating a change in your relationship with alcohol is easier with backup, but for an introvert, the idea of a large support group can be daunting. The good news is that a reliable support system doesn’t require a crowd; it just requires a few trusted individuals you can lean on. Start by connecting with close friends or family members who understand your journey and respect your need for quieter interactions. Sharing your goals with someone who gets you can make all the difference. If you’re open to it, smaller, more intimate support groups can also be incredibly valuable, allowing you to share experiences and learn from others without the pressure of a large, anonymous setting. The key is to find a support structure that feels safe and comfortable for you.
If even small groups feel like too much, online programs can be an ideal solution. Apps like Reframe offer a private, accessible way to get support right from your phone. You can engage with resources and community forums on your own schedule, without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Many of these programs are built on proven methods; for instance, therapists often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to offer tailored strategies for changing drinking patterns, and Reframe incorporates these evidence-based techniques into its daily program. This approach empowers you with tools rooted in neuroscience to build healthier habits, all within a space that respects your introverted nature and need for personal reflection.
A crucial step in this process is to get honest with yourself about your motivations. Understanding *why* you drink is the first step toward changing the behavior. Is it a tool to numb the discomfort of social settings or a way to cope with feeling misunderstood as an introvert? While alcohol can offer what feels like a moment of seductive tranquility, this relief is often a false comfort that can lead to reliance. Changing the narrative means shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing introversion as a problem to be solved with a drink, begin to see it as a core part of who you are. This journey is about embracing your authentic self, not trying to fit into an extroverted mold that was never meant for you.
Is it really a problem if I drink to feel more social? Using alcohol to feel more comfortable in social situations is a common strategy, but it can become a crutch that holds you back. When you consistently rely on a drink to lower your inhibitions, you miss out on opportunities to build genuine confidence. It can prevent you from developing your own social skills and reinforces the false idea that your authentic, thoughtful self isn't suited for social events. True connection happens when you're present, not when you're hiding behind a buzz.
Does being an introvert automatically put me at a higher risk for alcohol dependence? No, being an introvert doesn't mean you're destined to struggle with alcohol. The risk isn't in the personality trait itself, but in how you cope with the challenges that can come with it. If an introvert turns to alcohol to manage social anxiety, stress, or loneliness without developing other coping mechanisms, that behavior can create a pathway to dependence. It’s less about who you are and more about the tools you use to handle life's pressures.
I often drink by myself to de-stress. How do I know if this has become a crutch? There's a fine line between enjoying a quiet drink to unwind and relying on it to function. A key sign that it's becoming a crutch is when it shifts from a choice to a perceived need. You might notice that you can't seem to relax without it, or that you're drinking more frequently or in larger amounts to get the same effect. If your solo drinking habit starts to feel like a non-negotiable part of your routine or gets in the way of your responsibilities and goals, it may be time to reassess its role in your life.
What are some immediate, practical things I can do at a social event if I'm not drinking? Instead of focusing on the drink you're not having, shift your focus to your natural strengths. Lean into your ability to be a great listener by asking people open-ended questions. This takes the pressure off you to talk and fosters more meaningful conversations. Also, honor your social battery. It's perfectly fine to step away for a few minutes to a quieter spot to recharge. Most importantly, give yourself permission to leave when you feel drained. A graceful exit is a powerful act of self-care.
The idea of a support group makes me anxious. Are there other ways to get help? Absolutely. Support doesn't have to come from a large group setting, which can feel overwhelming for many introverts. You can start by confiding in a trusted friend or family member who understands your goals. One-on-one therapy is another excellent option that provides personalized guidance in a private setting. For those who prefer to work on their own time, digital programs like Reframe offer evidence-based tools, resources, and community support right from your phone, allowing you to make changes in a way that feels comfortable and safe for you.
Author Criss Jami once wrote, “Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to Hell.” While maybe a little dramatic, it captures a core feeling. Socializing can be draining. So, we reach for a drink. It feels like a shortcut to being more outgoing, answering the question of pourquoi l'alcool désinhibe (why alcohol disinhibits) in real-time. But this temporary confidence has a price. The complex relationship between introverts and alcohol often overlooks the fact that alcohol is a depressant, leading to brutal introvert hangover symptoms that go beyond just a headache.
The drinking habits of introverts — and the connection between introverts and alcohol addiction — can be uniquely challenging. Let’s explore this subject further to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to understand them and, if you're looking to cut back or quit drinking, to do so with science on your side!
Before we dive into the drinking habits of introverts, let’s define what an introvert actually is. Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. These folks often require time alone to recharge and often find socializing to be energy-draining.
When it comes to looking at introversion from a scientific perspective, it might be surprising to learn that the brain of an introvert is actually wired differently! Research suggests that introverts have a higher sensitivity to dopamine compared to extroverts. This doesn't mean they have more dopamine but that their brains respond to it more intensely. As a result, introverts often require less external stimulation to feel satisfied. Think of it like a gourmet chef who can savor the subtle flavors in a dish that others might miss.
Introverts are often deep thinkers and great listeners. They process information more thoroughly than extroverts, mostly because they rely on a different pathway in the brain — the “long pathway,” involving more internal processing. The long pathway is believed to contribute to the introvert’s reflective nature.
Introverts and extroverts also tend to respond differently to rewards. While extroverts might chase high excitement and immediate rewards, introverts tend to be internally motivated. They find joy in personal achievements, quiet reflection, and deep connections with a few close friends.
Imagine each of us has a “social battery.” For introverts, this battery drains quickly in social situations, especially in large groups or highly stimulating environments. It's not that they don't enjoy socializing — they just need more time to recharge in their peaceful havens (whether that’s lounging around and watching reruns of The Office, taking a walk around the block, or zoning out on an audiobook or podcast). No, they’re not bored, they’re not mad at you, and they’re not being antisocial. Their nervous system just reacts to external stimuli, often nudging them toward quieter, more low-key environments when they need to recoup.
Personal space is a sanctuary for introverts. In these moments of solitude, they find their creativity flourishing. Far from being a negative trait, this ability to enjoy and embrace solitude allows for deep reflection, self-awareness, and a rich inner life.
For introverts, alcohol may initially seem like a handy social lubricant, temporarily dismantling barriers, making interactions feel less taxing, and taking a load off their shoulders when it comes to draining or overstimulating social events. But it’s a double-edged sword! The seductive tranquility alcohol provides can lead to a false sense of comfort and reliance, which is where the danger lies.
So, what does science have to say about all this? The connection between our personality and our drinking habits is more complex than you might think. It’s not just about who’s pouring the drinks, but also about how our brains are wired to respond to the world around us — and to alcohol itself. Understanding this can be the first step toward making more conscious choices that align with your well-being, rather than working against it. It’s about getting to know your own operating system so you can give it what it truly needs to thrive.
Let’s clear the air on a common misconception. While some studies suggest that introverts can be more prone to substance misuse, it’s not a simple cause-and-effect situation. As one recovery center explains, the issue is complex and influenced by factors like “social pressure, self-medication, and different negative coping mechanisms.” It’s not that being an introvert automatically means you’ll drink more heavily. Instead, it suggests that the unique challenges introverts face can sometimes lead them down that path if they don’t have healthier coping strategies in place to manage social anxiety or internal stress.
Many introverts also identify as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), meaning their nervous systems are more reactive to stimuli — including alcohol. As one expert notes, HSPs “might drink more than they should because they are sensitive to what others want them to do (‘Have another one!’).” This heightened sensitivity can make it harder to resist social pressure and easier to feel overwhelmed in loud, chaotic environments. When your brain is already working overtime to process everything, adding alcohol to the mix can feel like a way to turn down the volume, even if it ultimately causes more problems in the long run.
If alcohol is a temporary fix, what’s the problem it’s trying to solve? For many introverts, drinking becomes a tool to manage the friction between their inner world and the demands of the outer world. It can feel like a shortcut to feeling more comfortable, sociable, or less stressed. But understanding the specific reasons why you might reach for a drink is key to finding healthier, more sustainable alternatives that truly honor your introverted nature instead of trying to mask it. Let's look at some of the common drivers behind this habit.
Because introverts spend so much time inside their own heads, it can be easy to get stuck in loops of stress, anxiety, or sadness. When those feelings become overwhelming, alcohol can seem like an easy off-ramp. Research shows that feelings of isolation can lead people to “turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.” This pattern of self-medication is a slippery slope, as it numbs the feelings without addressing their root cause. It provides temporary relief but prevents you from developing the emotional resilience to handle life’s challenges head-on, keeping you dependent on an external substance for internal peace.
There’s a big difference between choosing solitude to recharge and feeling the ache of loneliness. For introverts, that line can sometimes get blurry. When solitude tips into isolation, alcohol can become a companion. It fills the quiet and dulls the discomfort, but it’s a false friend. As one psychologist puts it, “Alcohol can make introversion a way to escape, leading to unhealthy behaviors.” This escape prevents you from seeking genuine connection, creating a cycle where drinking deepens the very loneliness you’re trying to avoid. It becomes a barrier to the meaningful relationships that introverts often crave.
We live in a world that often celebrates extroverted qualities — being loud, outgoing, and the life of the party. For an introvert, this can feel like immense pressure to be someone you’re not. Some introverts start drinking because they simply don’t like being introverted and want to act more outgoing. A few drinks can temporarily lower inhibitions, making it easier to chat with strangers or stay out late. But this “liquid courage” comes at the cost of authenticity, reinforcing the idea that your true, thoughtful self isn’t good enough for social situations and needs to be altered to be accepted.
That temporary boost of confidence from a drink or two might feel great in the moment, but it comes with hidden costs that can impact your life in the long run. Relying on alcohol to navigate social scenes or manage your emotions is like building a house on a shaky foundation. Sooner or later, the cracks begin to show. Recognizing these long-term effects is crucial for deciding if the short-term payoff is truly worth it, and for empowering yourself to build a more solid, authentic foundation for your social life and emotional health.
Here’s the catch-22 of using alcohol to be more social: it works, until it doesn’t. When you consistently rely on alcohol to feel comfortable in social settings, you rob yourself of the chance to build real, lasting confidence. As one person insightfully shared, “Relying on alcohol to be social can stop people from learning how to deal with social situations when they are sober.” You never get to prove to yourself that you can handle a party, a date, or a networking event on your own terms, which keeps you stuck in a cycle of needing that crutch to feel capable.
So, how do you know if your drinking habits have crossed a line? It’s important to be honest with yourself. Some common warning signs include not being able to stop at just one drink, frequently regretting things you said or did while drinking, or noticing you need more and more alcohol to feel the same buzz. If any of this sounds familiar, it might be a signal to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Taking a moment to reflect with a tool like a sober days and cost savings calculator can offer a clear, objective look at your habits and their impact on your life and wallet.
On the other hand, drinking can also tap into the introvert’s need for alone time, becoming a way to escape social pressures altogether. Introverts cherish their “me time,” but when alcohol enters the scene, it can turn a sanctuary into a prison. Drinking alone can become a routine, sometimes beyond our conscious control. When the frequency and quantity of alcohol increase, almost imperceptibly, dependency can deepen.
Dependency doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, and for introverts, it can begin as an occasional crutch to endure social engagements. Over time, the brain starts associating alcohol with social ease, potentially creating a dependency. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a villainous role here, reinforcing drinking behavior by registering it as a rewarding experience.
Let's explore the intricate process of how casual drinking could evolve into dependency, especially for introverts.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable, science-proven ability to reorganize itself. For introverts looking to cut back on alcohol, this is great news! With the right actions, the brain can learn new, healthier patterns of behavior that don't rely on alcohol. Here are some steps that can help:
For many of us introverts, alcohol can feel like the perfect social cheat code. It promises to quiet the anxious voice in our head, lower our inhibitions, and help us feel more outgoing and bubbly in situations that normally drain us. As one writer aptly put it, it can seem like a "handy social lubricant" that dismantles barriers at overstimulating events. But this quick fix is a double-edged sword. While it might temporarily make socializing feel easier, it also masks the thoughtful, observant, and genuine person you are underneath. Relying on alcohol to navigate social settings can prevent you from building real confidence and forming the authentic connections you truly crave.
One of the most powerful things you can do is honor your social battery. Instead of pushing through discomfort or turning to a drink to extend your social stamina, give yourself permission to leave when you feel your energy dipping. This isn't rude or antisocial; it's a radical act of self-respect. You don't owe anyone your presence at the expense of your own well-being. Having an exit strategy can make the entire experience feel less daunting. You can go, enjoy connecting for a while, and leave on a high note before you feel completely drained. This is a much healthier escape than using alcohol to numb yourself to the pressure to stay.
Building a toolkit of non-alcoholic coping strategies is key to thriving socially on your own terms. It starts with introspection. As the team at Reframe suggests, you can track your habits in a journal to understand what triggers your desire to drink. Once you’re in a social setting, shift your focus outward. Instead of worrying about what to say, become a great listener—a natural introvert strength! Ask open-ended questions and let your curiosity lead. This fosters deeper, more memorable conversations than the surface-level interactions alcohol often produces. Remember to step away if you need a moment. Find a quiet corner, get some fresh air, or practice a few deep-breathing exercises to reset. These small actions empower you to manage your energy without a drink in hand.
Being an introvert isn’t a handicap, no matter what society might subconsciously tell us. In the words of Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, “Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured … Spend your free [time] the way you like, not the way you think you're supposed to.”
The journey for introverts in reevaluating their relationship with alcohol is personal and profound. It calls for a compassionate approach, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change. Remember, you're not alone, and each step you take is a testament to your resilience and strength. Reframe your habits and reclaim the quiet power of your introversion!
Instead of forcing yourself into situations that drain your social battery, lean into activities that energize you. For many introverts, personal space is a sanctuary where creativity and reflection can truly flourish. Finding hobbies that honor this need for solitude isn’t about hiding; it’s about building a fulfilling life on your own terms. Consider dedicating time to reading, learning an instrument, coding, painting, or hiking. These activities allow you to recharge and engage your mind in ways that large social gatherings might not. By cultivating interests that align with your natural disposition, you create a rich inner world that doesn’t require alcohol to feel complete or entertaining. It’s a powerful way to build self-reliance and find joy in your own company.
Navigating a change in your relationship with alcohol is easier with backup, but for an introvert, the idea of a large support group can be daunting. The good news is that a reliable support system doesn’t require a crowd; it just requires a few trusted individuals you can lean on. Start by connecting with close friends or family members who understand your journey and respect your need for quieter interactions. Sharing your goals with someone who gets you can make all the difference. If you’re open to it, smaller, more intimate support groups can also be incredibly valuable, allowing you to share experiences and learn from others without the pressure of a large, anonymous setting. The key is to find a support structure that feels safe and comfortable for you.
If even small groups feel like too much, online programs can be an ideal solution. Apps like Reframe offer a private, accessible way to get support right from your phone. You can engage with resources and community forums on your own schedule, without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Many of these programs are built on proven methods; for instance, therapists often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to offer tailored strategies for changing drinking patterns, and Reframe incorporates these evidence-based techniques into its daily program. This approach empowers you with tools rooted in neuroscience to build healthier habits, all within a space that respects your introverted nature and need for personal reflection.
A crucial step in this process is to get honest with yourself about your motivations. Understanding *why* you drink is the first step toward changing the behavior. Is it a tool to numb the discomfort of social settings or a way to cope with feeling misunderstood as an introvert? While alcohol can offer what feels like a moment of seductive tranquility, this relief is often a false comfort that can lead to reliance. Changing the narrative means shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing introversion as a problem to be solved with a drink, begin to see it as a core part of who you are. This journey is about embracing your authentic self, not trying to fit into an extroverted mold that was never meant for you.
Is it really a problem if I drink to feel more social? Using alcohol to feel more comfortable in social situations is a common strategy, but it can become a crutch that holds you back. When you consistently rely on a drink to lower your inhibitions, you miss out on opportunities to build genuine confidence. It can prevent you from developing your own social skills and reinforces the false idea that your authentic, thoughtful self isn't suited for social events. True connection happens when you're present, not when you're hiding behind a buzz.
Does being an introvert automatically put me at a higher risk for alcohol dependence? No, being an introvert doesn't mean you're destined to struggle with alcohol. The risk isn't in the personality trait itself, but in how you cope with the challenges that can come with it. If an introvert turns to alcohol to manage social anxiety, stress, or loneliness without developing other coping mechanisms, that behavior can create a pathway to dependence. It’s less about who you are and more about the tools you use to handle life's pressures.
I often drink by myself to de-stress. How do I know if this has become a crutch? There's a fine line between enjoying a quiet drink to unwind and relying on it to function. A key sign that it's becoming a crutch is when it shifts from a choice to a perceived need. You might notice that you can't seem to relax without it, or that you're drinking more frequently or in larger amounts to get the same effect. If your solo drinking habit starts to feel like a non-negotiable part of your routine or gets in the way of your responsibilities and goals, it may be time to reassess its role in your life.
What are some immediate, practical things I can do at a social event if I'm not drinking? Instead of focusing on the drink you're not having, shift your focus to your natural strengths. Lean into your ability to be a great listener by asking people open-ended questions. This takes the pressure off you to talk and fosters more meaningful conversations. Also, honor your social battery. It's perfectly fine to step away for a few minutes to a quieter spot to recharge. Most importantly, give yourself permission to leave when you feel drained. A graceful exit is a powerful act of self-care.
The idea of a support group makes me anxious. Are there other ways to get help? Absolutely. Support doesn't have to come from a large group setting, which can feel overwhelming for many introverts. You can start by confiding in a trusted friend or family member who understands your goals. One-on-one therapy is another excellent option that provides personalized guidance in a private setting. For those who prefer to work on their own time, digital programs like Reframe offer evidence-based tools, resources, and community support right from your phone, allowing you to make changes in a way that feels comfortable and safe for you.
Learn about how dextromethorphan and alcohol affect the body when used together, and why this cocktail can have especially negative effects on your health.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
Feeling sick is no fun. The stuffy sinuses, the runny nose, the headaches, the chills … We know the age-old advice — sleep, drink water, eat chicken soup — but sometimes the misery of a cold or flu just feels like too much. To relieve symptoms and get a good night’s rest, many of us turn to cold medicines to reduce our coughing, clear our sinuses, and knock us out so we can sleep.
But what if you take cold medicine when you’re not sick? Dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient in some of the most widely used cold medicines, is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug. It’s said to induce hallucinations and happiness, and it’s often mixed with other drugs to enhance their effects. So what happens when you mix dextromethorphan and alcohol? Let’s look at how these two drugs work in the body and talk about why mixing DXM and alcohol makes for a particularly dangerous cocktail.
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is a cough suppressant used in many common cough and cold medicines. It works by modifying the way that excitatory neurochemicals behave in the brain and how they travel to the medulla oblongata — the part of your brain that deals with essential subconscious functions like breathing, heartbeat, and sensory input. Not only does it suppress the subconscious cough reflex, but it suppresses the conscious feeling of irritation that causes us to cough when we’re sick.
For cough medicines, dextromethorphan is typically combined with complementary medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers as a formulation to treat multiple symptoms at once.
DXM also affects serotonin — a complex neurochemical best known for its role in mood and cognition. DXM acts as a much weaker version of a common class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) by increasing the amount of serotonin in our bodies. At normal doses, this doesn’t have an immediate effect, but in certain combinations with other antidepressants it has been shown to help treat major depressive disorder.
In recent years, dextromethorphan has also been investigated for its role in treating other psychiatric conditions, such as the pseudobulbar affect and certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its promise, it is not considered the primary course of treatment for any condition other than coughing.
While DXM is a common ingredient in cough syrups, the two are not synonymous. There are cough medications and even cough suppressants that do not use dextromethorphan, and many cough syrups containing dextromethorphan also contain other therapeutic ingredients. On the other hand, some cough syrups contain DXM as the sole active ingredient. When referring to “dextromethorphan” and “DXM” in this article, we will generally be referring to over-the-counter cough syrups and not to combination drug therapies prescribed by a doctor for psychiatric conditions.
DXM suppresses coughing by reducing the activity of our central nervous system — the part of our brain responsible for breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Because it acts on such a critical part of our body, DXM has a wide range of side effects. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.
At normal doses, dextromethorphan puts the brakes on our central nervous system. But at higher doses, particularly at those used recreationally, it starts to have some opposite effects.
Since DXM is common and available over-the-counter, it’s easily accessible for the purpose of misuse, particularly among young adults and teenagers who may find it easier to obtain than other substances. Misuse typically involves consuming DXM in quantities far exceeding the recommended therapeutic dose for cough suppression, seeking a psychoactive experience.
Any sort of substance misuse has serious implications for our health, and dextromethorphan is no different.
In the short term, DXM can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation, impairing our dexterity, balance, reaction time, and mental clarity. Users may experience dizziness, confusion, and impaired motor coordination, increasing their risk of falls and injuries. It can also impair our judgment and decision-making abilities and lead to hallucinations, delusions, or a dissociative state.
Perhaps the most alarming acute effect of DXM is the risk of respiratory depression. When misused at doses high enough to produce psychoactive effects, the central nervous system action of DXM can lead to significantly slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening.
Chronic misuse of DXM can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairments affecting memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It’s also particularly hard on the liver, an effect compounded by the fact that DXM is often misused in combination with other substances that also affect the liver.
Beyond the physical dangers, DXM presents a high risk of psychological dependence when used to cope with stress or emotions. Due to its dissociative properties and action on serotonin, it can cause anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and even lead to psychosis, characterized by delusional thinking and persistent hallucinations.
There are many dextromethorphan warnings to consider, but the most severe ones have to do with combining DXM and other substances, especially alcohol.
Mixing DXM and alcohol has potentially severe consequences and is never a good idea. In some ways, they amplify each other’s effects, but in other ways, they counteract each other and produce unpredictable and inconsistent results. Oddly enough, you may even find some cough syrup with alcohol content. It has no therapeutic effect, but it’s used as a preservative or as a way to include alcohol-soluble ingredients. The amount of alcohol in a single dose of alcohol-containing cough medicine is not enough to cause any serious interactions, but when used at higher doses (and especially when mixed with alcohol), interactions start to take place. Here are some of the biggest dangers:
Clearly, mixing DXM and alcohol comes with a host of risks, most of them serious. Misusing either substance alone can be dangerous enough, but taking them together amplifies this risk and reinforces addictive behaviors.
Another important thing to consider is the interaction between alcohol and other medications present in cough syrups in particular. Many cough medications contain acetaminophen, also known as APAP or by its brand name, Tylenol. Acetaminophen and alcohol are extremely dangerous to mix since they strongly compete for processing in the liver. Cough syrups can also contain certain allergy medications, all of which interact with alcohol metabolism and may magnify some of alcohol’s most negative health impacts.
Beyond medication interactions, drinking alcohol while sick is not a good idea. Even if we use dextromethorphan for completely innocent reasons, like suppressing a cough, it’s best to give our body a rest while getting over any sort of illness. Alcohol puts strain on our body and weakens our immune system while its diuretic effects increase our risk of dehydration. If you’re sick, just skip the sip!
Dextromethorphan misuse is dangerous, and it can lead to long-lasting health effects — much like alcohol can. When we consider the complexities of DXM and its interactions, especially with alcohol, we unravel a narrative filled with potential risks and unintended consequences. While DXM can be a valuable medicinal tool, mixing DXM and alcohol opens the door to a wide range of health hazards. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of misuse, and taking proactive steps for safe use, we can ensure that DXM serves its intended purpose without compromising our health and safety.
Feeling sick is no fun. The stuffy sinuses, the runny nose, the headaches, the chills … We know the age-old advice — sleep, drink water, eat chicken soup — but sometimes the misery of a cold or flu just feels like too much. To relieve symptoms and get a good night’s rest, many of us turn to cold medicines to reduce our coughing, clear our sinuses, and knock us out so we can sleep.
But what if you take cold medicine when you’re not sick? Dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient in some of the most widely used cold medicines, is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug. It’s said to induce hallucinations and happiness, and it’s often mixed with other drugs to enhance their effects. So what happens when you mix dextromethorphan and alcohol? Let’s look at how these two drugs work in the body and talk about why mixing DXM and alcohol makes for a particularly dangerous cocktail.
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is a cough suppressant used in many common cough and cold medicines. It works by modifying the way that excitatory neurochemicals behave in the brain and how they travel to the medulla oblongata — the part of your brain that deals with essential subconscious functions like breathing, heartbeat, and sensory input. Not only does it suppress the subconscious cough reflex, but it suppresses the conscious feeling of irritation that causes us to cough when we’re sick.
For cough medicines, dextromethorphan is typically combined with complementary medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers as a formulation to treat multiple symptoms at once.
DXM also affects serotonin — a complex neurochemical best known for its role in mood and cognition. DXM acts as a much weaker version of a common class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) by increasing the amount of serotonin in our bodies. At normal doses, this doesn’t have an immediate effect, but in certain combinations with other antidepressants it has been shown to help treat major depressive disorder.
In recent years, dextromethorphan has also been investigated for its role in treating other psychiatric conditions, such as the pseudobulbar affect and certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its promise, it is not considered the primary course of treatment for any condition other than coughing.
While DXM is a common ingredient in cough syrups, the two are not synonymous. There are cough medications and even cough suppressants that do not use dextromethorphan, and many cough syrups containing dextromethorphan also contain other therapeutic ingredients. On the other hand, some cough syrups contain DXM as the sole active ingredient. When referring to “dextromethorphan” and “DXM” in this article, we will generally be referring to over-the-counter cough syrups and not to combination drug therapies prescribed by a doctor for psychiatric conditions.
DXM suppresses coughing by reducing the activity of our central nervous system — the part of our brain responsible for breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Because it acts on such a critical part of our body, DXM has a wide range of side effects. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.
At normal doses, dextromethorphan puts the brakes on our central nervous system. But at higher doses, particularly at those used recreationally, it starts to have some opposite effects.
Since DXM is common and available over-the-counter, it’s easily accessible for the purpose of misuse, particularly among young adults and teenagers who may find it easier to obtain than other substances. Misuse typically involves consuming DXM in quantities far exceeding the recommended therapeutic dose for cough suppression, seeking a psychoactive experience.
Any sort of substance misuse has serious implications for our health, and dextromethorphan is no different.
In the short term, DXM can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation, impairing our dexterity, balance, reaction time, and mental clarity. Users may experience dizziness, confusion, and impaired motor coordination, increasing their risk of falls and injuries. It can also impair our judgment and decision-making abilities and lead to hallucinations, delusions, or a dissociative state.
Perhaps the most alarming acute effect of DXM is the risk of respiratory depression. When misused at doses high enough to produce psychoactive effects, the central nervous system action of DXM can lead to significantly slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening.
Chronic misuse of DXM can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairments affecting memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It’s also particularly hard on the liver, an effect compounded by the fact that DXM is often misused in combination with other substances that also affect the liver.
Beyond the physical dangers, DXM presents a high risk of psychological dependence when used to cope with stress or emotions. Due to its dissociative properties and action on serotonin, it can cause anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and even lead to psychosis, characterized by delusional thinking and persistent hallucinations.
There are many dextromethorphan warnings to consider, but the most severe ones have to do with combining DXM and other substances, especially alcohol.
Mixing DXM and alcohol has potentially severe consequences and is never a good idea. In some ways, they amplify each other’s effects, but in other ways, they counteract each other and produce unpredictable and inconsistent results. Oddly enough, you may even find some cough syrup with alcohol content. It has no therapeutic effect, but it’s used as a preservative or as a way to include alcohol-soluble ingredients. The amount of alcohol in a single dose of alcohol-containing cough medicine is not enough to cause any serious interactions, but when used at higher doses (and especially when mixed with alcohol), interactions start to take place. Here are some of the biggest dangers:
Clearly, mixing DXM and alcohol comes with a host of risks, most of them serious. Misusing either substance alone can be dangerous enough, but taking them together amplifies this risk and reinforces addictive behaviors.
Another important thing to consider is the interaction between alcohol and other medications present in cough syrups in particular. Many cough medications contain acetaminophen, also known as APAP or by its brand name, Tylenol. Acetaminophen and alcohol are extremely dangerous to mix since they strongly compete for processing in the liver. Cough syrups can also contain certain allergy medications, all of which interact with alcohol metabolism and may magnify some of alcohol’s most negative health impacts.
Beyond medication interactions, drinking alcohol while sick is not a good idea. Even if we use dextromethorphan for completely innocent reasons, like suppressing a cough, it’s best to give our body a rest while getting over any sort of illness. Alcohol puts strain on our body and weakens our immune system while its diuretic effects increase our risk of dehydration. If you’re sick, just skip the sip!
Dextromethorphan misuse is dangerous, and it can lead to long-lasting health effects — much like alcohol can. When we consider the complexities of DXM and its interactions, especially with alcohol, we unravel a narrative filled with potential risks and unintended consequences. While DXM can be a valuable medicinal tool, mixing DXM and alcohol opens the door to a wide range of health hazards. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of misuse, and taking proactive steps for safe use, we can ensure that DXM serves its intended purpose without compromising our health and safety.
Find out how alcohol affects your ability to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. Discover the effect of alcohol on your senses and what it means for your health.
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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
You’re in a loud bar. At first, your drink is pretty okay — but soon you find yourself saying, “I can barely taste the alcohol in this!” The noise was overwhelming at first, but after a few drinks you barely even notice how loud it is. The place is packed, and you can barely keep track of everyone around you — it’s hard enough to focus on the person in front of you. You make your way to the restroom, bumping into a few people along the way, but you barely register the contact. Once you get there, you find it strange that you can barely smell the nasty restroom smell.
Alcohol has a lot of effects on our senses. When we’re drinking, every drink reduces the richness of our sensory experience. Come along on a sensational journey exploring the world of the five senses — and how alcohol affects each of them.
When alcohol enters our body, it immediately begins working on our central nervous system — the command center for all of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It acts on our neurochemistry, or the balance of chemicals in our brain. Our neurochemicals regulate every process in our body, so when alcohol starts shaking things up, we experience a wide range of effects.
Normally, our nerve impulses travel quickly. Imagine this: you see a cute animal, and then you smile. Behind this simple and unconscious response is a big release of neurochemicals. First, your brain processes the image of the animal. Multiple parts of your brain activate to release dopamine, which makes you feel warm and fuzzy and happy. From there, signals travel to your face, where acetylcholine stimulates your nerves to contract and form a smile. And all of this happens in a fraction of a second!
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so when we have alcohol in our system, this whole process slows down. This is why our senses and reflexes are so dulled when we drink — everything inside of us is working in slow motion.
Remember that cute animal? Drinking alcohol stimulates the same release of dopamine, which is associated with our rewards system. When we do something our brain likes, it releases dopamine as a way to tell us, “See how good this feels? You should do it again!”
This is a principle known as classical conditioning. Basically, it’s our brain’s ability to recognize patterns of stimuli. The iconic example of classical conditioning comes from Russian neurologist and physiologist, Ivan Pavlov. In his famous experiment, he rang a bell every time he fed his dogs. After a while, he could ring his bell, and the dogs would expect food. Classical conditioning is the reason why smelling freshly baked cookies makes us hungry or hearing a certain song reminds us of our middle school dance. Our brains are powerful pattern-recognition systems.
You’ll notice we mentioned smelling cookies and hearing a song. Our senses are how we interact with the world. Alcohol messes with our senses and slows down the process of sensory information. So, what exactly does this slowdown look, feel, taste, smell, and sound like? Let’s explore!
Taste is the first sense affected by alcohol—and this makes sense because alcohol enters our body through our mouth. We are basically pouring alcohol directly on our tongue — our taste organ. This immediately starts to slow down the nerves sending taste information to our brain. That’s why the first sip of the night tends to taste the best, but the more we drink the more ho-hum the flavors become.
Two major nerves transmit taste to the brain: the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve. (We’ll come back to the vagus nerve; it’s one of the most multitasking nerves in the whole body.)
These two nerves, which carry taste information to the brain, are among the first affected by alcohol. A few minutes later, the alcohol enters the bloodstream, and its effects reach the brain, releasing dopamine. Our brain eventually learns to associate the taste of alcohol with the feel-good effects of alcohol. Have you ever heard alcohol described as an “acquired taste”? That’s because it takes time to build this association.
Over time — and even in a single drinking session — we become numb to the taste of alcohol through the dual processes of classical conditioning and nerve desensitization (aka central nervous system depression). When we become intoxicated, our ability to taste slowly diminishes until the alcohol is fully processed out of our system.
Smell and taste are very closely linked. As the 18th-century French culinary writer Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said, "Smell and taste are in fact but a single composite sense, whose laboratory is the mouth and its chimney the nose." These two senses pick up on the same chemical compounds, processing them in different but complementary ways. That’s why food tastes so bland when we have a stuffy nose.
The bond between these two senses is multifaceted. Most obviously, the nose and mouth are close together, meaning they typically get activated at the same time. They’re also both linked to similar parts of the brain involving memory and emotional processing, which strengthens their association.
Alcohol affects our sense of smell as soon as it enters through the front of the nose. Alcohol irritates the nose, causing mild inflammation. In small amounts, alcohol is also a vasodilator — it causes our blood vessels to relax and widen. Greater amounts of alcohol cause vasoconstriction (tightening of our blood vessels), but this early response by our blood vessels is part of the immediate effect of alcohol reducing our sense of smell.
Combined, these inflammatory responses put pressure on the nerves in our nose, making them less sensitive. This is in addition to the effects of central nervous system depression. In the short term, drinking can make us feel a little stuffy. Over time, chronic inflammation and irritation reduce our overall sensitivity to scents.
Have you ever noticed when people have been drinking, they start to talk a little bit louder? When we’re sober, sounds travel into our ear and stimulates the auditory nerve. We process these sounds and use the volume context to decide how loudly we should speak. Damage to the auditory nerve is responsible for why it can be so hard to hear after a loud concert. Alcohol causes acute desensitization of the auditory nerve by depressing the central nervous system. This process is much the same as the hearing damage, although it is temporary and less intense.
Of course, over time, this very mild damage can add up when added to the everyday stresses on hearing.
There’s more to the story than just sound, though. The ear plays a complex role in balance; while the outer ear is the home of sound perception, the inner ear is the home of our vestibular system, the complex system of fluid-filled canals that helps us understand how our body is moving. The vestibular system helps us tell if we are moving forward, backwards, up, or down, even with our eyes closed. Think of these canals as a carpenter’s level with a water bubble in the middle. Our nerves detect that bubble’s movement, and our bodies reflexively respond to keep it right in the center.
When we drink, we may find it harder to keep our balance. When alcohol depresses our central nervous system, we don’t get the feedback we need in a timely manner, so we’re slower to respond to changes in our position.
When we feel dizzy or unsteady, we may want to lie down, but when we’re intoxicated, that often makes us feel worse or can give us “the spins.” Lying down causes all that fluid to shift again. Plus, alcohol causes the ampullary cupula — part of our vestibular system — to become lighter than the fluid surrounding it, making it more sensitive to gravity.
The inner ear isn’t the only factor in our ability to stay balanced. Feedback from our muscles, bones, and tendons helps us orient ourselves in space and understand our body positions. This is called proprioception, and alcohol hinders this essential ability. Maybe you’ve heard of a field sobriety test — walking in a straight line, touching your nose, etc, tests our proprioception. Our proprioceptive system is delicate, so it doesn’t take much alcohol to start affecting us.
Alcohol also diminishes the sensitivity of touch, and it does so in the same way it dulls our other senses. We have millions of nerves receiving input from our skin, making it the most sensitive of our five senses. When alcohol consumption slows our central nervous system, the numbing effect impacts our sense of touch the most.
This is another factor contributing to drunken unsteadiness. We don’t receive nerve impulses from our feet as quickly, so we don’t entirely understand when and where we are stepping. We also may knock into objects (or people) and not realize just how hard the hit is.
In the days before anesthesia, doctors would give people large amounts of high-proof alcohol — something like a very strong whiskey, vodka, or grain alcohol. This helped numb patients and reduce the pain of a surgical or dental procedure.
Sexual dysfunction is also common when someone is intoxicated. The reasons for this are complex, but one factor is reduced sensation of touch when alcohol is in the mix.
Perhaps the most noticeable sense altered by alcohol is our vision. Blurred vision is one of the most common early symptoms of alcohol intoxication. We may also notice that our eyelids start to droop and feel heavy.
When we look at something — say, an apple — our eye takes in the light and conducts the information through the optic nerve to the back of our brain, which interprets the image. All of this happens very quickly. But when we are intoxicated, this process can take a lot longer. Images take longer to get to our brain, and once they’re there, we may have trouble interpreting exactly what we’re seeing.
We may also find it difficult to track moving objects. Our eyes are operated by a highly dexterous series of tiny muscles. Since the little impulses asking our eyes for attention are taking longer to get into our brain, we can’t quite keep track of the world around us. (This is another factor in balance issues resulting from alcohol use.)
The amount of light allowed into your eye is controlled by the pupil, which is controlled by our iris — the colorful part of the eye. When bright lights hit the eye, our pupils dilate to avoid overstimulating the optic nerve. When the eye muscles move slowly, our pupils can’t dilate the way they should.
This can be more than just uncomfortable. When our pupils can’t dilate, bright lights can overwhelm us, and we reflexively close our eyes to protect ourselves. Beyond being uncomfortable, this can be particularly bad news for our balance if we need to keep our eyes open while moving.
The immediate effects of alcohol on our bodies tend to wear off after a day or two. Drinking alcohol heavily and regularly, however, can result in more long-term effects, including a generalized dulling of our senses. But there is hope! Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a journey and a process, and every step we take brings us closer to improving our health and well-being — and that includes sharpening our senses.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to improve our relationship to alcohol and manage our sensory health.
Now that we know how alcohol can affect our senses — in the short and long term — we can make sensible choices to maintain our sensory health. Quitting or cutting back is a great way to improve our overall well-being. Reframe can help you make sense of your relationship with alcohol and help you develop a plan to reach your goals. Together, we can do it!
You’re in a loud bar. At first, your drink is pretty okay — but soon you find yourself saying, “I can barely taste the alcohol in this!” The noise was overwhelming at first, but after a few drinks you barely even notice how loud it is. The place is packed, and you can barely keep track of everyone around you — it’s hard enough to focus on the person in front of you. You make your way to the restroom, bumping into a few people along the way, but you barely register the contact. Once you get there, you find it strange that you can barely smell the nasty restroom smell.
Alcohol has a lot of effects on our senses. When we’re drinking, every drink reduces the richness of our sensory experience. Come along on a sensational journey exploring the world of the five senses — and how alcohol affects each of them.
When alcohol enters our body, it immediately begins working on our central nervous system — the command center for all of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It acts on our neurochemistry, or the balance of chemicals in our brain. Our neurochemicals regulate every process in our body, so when alcohol starts shaking things up, we experience a wide range of effects.
Normally, our nerve impulses travel quickly. Imagine this: you see a cute animal, and then you smile. Behind this simple and unconscious response is a big release of neurochemicals. First, your brain processes the image of the animal. Multiple parts of your brain activate to release dopamine, which makes you feel warm and fuzzy and happy. From there, signals travel to your face, where acetylcholine stimulates your nerves to contract and form a smile. And all of this happens in a fraction of a second!
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so when we have alcohol in our system, this whole process slows down. This is why our senses and reflexes are so dulled when we drink — everything inside of us is working in slow motion.
Remember that cute animal? Drinking alcohol stimulates the same release of dopamine, which is associated with our rewards system. When we do something our brain likes, it releases dopamine as a way to tell us, “See how good this feels? You should do it again!”
This is a principle known as classical conditioning. Basically, it’s our brain’s ability to recognize patterns of stimuli. The iconic example of classical conditioning comes from Russian neurologist and physiologist, Ivan Pavlov. In his famous experiment, he rang a bell every time he fed his dogs. After a while, he could ring his bell, and the dogs would expect food. Classical conditioning is the reason why smelling freshly baked cookies makes us hungry or hearing a certain song reminds us of our middle school dance. Our brains are powerful pattern-recognition systems.
You’ll notice we mentioned smelling cookies and hearing a song. Our senses are how we interact with the world. Alcohol messes with our senses and slows down the process of sensory information. So, what exactly does this slowdown look, feel, taste, smell, and sound like? Let’s explore!
Taste is the first sense affected by alcohol—and this makes sense because alcohol enters our body through our mouth. We are basically pouring alcohol directly on our tongue — our taste organ. This immediately starts to slow down the nerves sending taste information to our brain. That’s why the first sip of the night tends to taste the best, but the more we drink the more ho-hum the flavors become.
Two major nerves transmit taste to the brain: the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve. (We’ll come back to the vagus nerve; it’s one of the most multitasking nerves in the whole body.)
These two nerves, which carry taste information to the brain, are among the first affected by alcohol. A few minutes later, the alcohol enters the bloodstream, and its effects reach the brain, releasing dopamine. Our brain eventually learns to associate the taste of alcohol with the feel-good effects of alcohol. Have you ever heard alcohol described as an “acquired taste”? That’s because it takes time to build this association.
Over time — and even in a single drinking session — we become numb to the taste of alcohol through the dual processes of classical conditioning and nerve desensitization (aka central nervous system depression). When we become intoxicated, our ability to taste slowly diminishes until the alcohol is fully processed out of our system.
Smell and taste are very closely linked. As the 18th-century French culinary writer Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said, "Smell and taste are in fact but a single composite sense, whose laboratory is the mouth and its chimney the nose." These two senses pick up on the same chemical compounds, processing them in different but complementary ways. That’s why food tastes so bland when we have a stuffy nose.
The bond between these two senses is multifaceted. Most obviously, the nose and mouth are close together, meaning they typically get activated at the same time. They’re also both linked to similar parts of the brain involving memory and emotional processing, which strengthens their association.
Alcohol affects our sense of smell as soon as it enters through the front of the nose. Alcohol irritates the nose, causing mild inflammation. In small amounts, alcohol is also a vasodilator — it causes our blood vessels to relax and widen. Greater amounts of alcohol cause vasoconstriction (tightening of our blood vessels), but this early response by our blood vessels is part of the immediate effect of alcohol reducing our sense of smell.
Combined, these inflammatory responses put pressure on the nerves in our nose, making them less sensitive. This is in addition to the effects of central nervous system depression. In the short term, drinking can make us feel a little stuffy. Over time, chronic inflammation and irritation reduce our overall sensitivity to scents.
Have you ever noticed when people have been drinking, they start to talk a little bit louder? When we’re sober, sounds travel into our ear and stimulates the auditory nerve. We process these sounds and use the volume context to decide how loudly we should speak. Damage to the auditory nerve is responsible for why it can be so hard to hear after a loud concert. Alcohol causes acute desensitization of the auditory nerve by depressing the central nervous system. This process is much the same as the hearing damage, although it is temporary and less intense.
Of course, over time, this very mild damage can add up when added to the everyday stresses on hearing.
There’s more to the story than just sound, though. The ear plays a complex role in balance; while the outer ear is the home of sound perception, the inner ear is the home of our vestibular system, the complex system of fluid-filled canals that helps us understand how our body is moving. The vestibular system helps us tell if we are moving forward, backwards, up, or down, even with our eyes closed. Think of these canals as a carpenter’s level with a water bubble in the middle. Our nerves detect that bubble’s movement, and our bodies reflexively respond to keep it right in the center.
When we drink, we may find it harder to keep our balance. When alcohol depresses our central nervous system, we don’t get the feedback we need in a timely manner, so we’re slower to respond to changes in our position.
When we feel dizzy or unsteady, we may want to lie down, but when we’re intoxicated, that often makes us feel worse or can give us “the spins.” Lying down causes all that fluid to shift again. Plus, alcohol causes the ampullary cupula — part of our vestibular system — to become lighter than the fluid surrounding it, making it more sensitive to gravity.
The inner ear isn’t the only factor in our ability to stay balanced. Feedback from our muscles, bones, and tendons helps us orient ourselves in space and understand our body positions. This is called proprioception, and alcohol hinders this essential ability. Maybe you’ve heard of a field sobriety test — walking in a straight line, touching your nose, etc, tests our proprioception. Our proprioceptive system is delicate, so it doesn’t take much alcohol to start affecting us.
Alcohol also diminishes the sensitivity of touch, and it does so in the same way it dulls our other senses. We have millions of nerves receiving input from our skin, making it the most sensitive of our five senses. When alcohol consumption slows our central nervous system, the numbing effect impacts our sense of touch the most.
This is another factor contributing to drunken unsteadiness. We don’t receive nerve impulses from our feet as quickly, so we don’t entirely understand when and where we are stepping. We also may knock into objects (or people) and not realize just how hard the hit is.
In the days before anesthesia, doctors would give people large amounts of high-proof alcohol — something like a very strong whiskey, vodka, or grain alcohol. This helped numb patients and reduce the pain of a surgical or dental procedure.
Sexual dysfunction is also common when someone is intoxicated. The reasons for this are complex, but one factor is reduced sensation of touch when alcohol is in the mix.
Perhaps the most noticeable sense altered by alcohol is our vision. Blurred vision is one of the most common early symptoms of alcohol intoxication. We may also notice that our eyelids start to droop and feel heavy.
When we look at something — say, an apple — our eye takes in the light and conducts the information through the optic nerve to the back of our brain, which interprets the image. All of this happens very quickly. But when we are intoxicated, this process can take a lot longer. Images take longer to get to our brain, and once they’re there, we may have trouble interpreting exactly what we’re seeing.
We may also find it difficult to track moving objects. Our eyes are operated by a highly dexterous series of tiny muscles. Since the little impulses asking our eyes for attention are taking longer to get into our brain, we can’t quite keep track of the world around us. (This is another factor in balance issues resulting from alcohol use.)
The amount of light allowed into your eye is controlled by the pupil, which is controlled by our iris — the colorful part of the eye. When bright lights hit the eye, our pupils dilate to avoid overstimulating the optic nerve. When the eye muscles move slowly, our pupils can’t dilate the way they should.
This can be more than just uncomfortable. When our pupils can’t dilate, bright lights can overwhelm us, and we reflexively close our eyes to protect ourselves. Beyond being uncomfortable, this can be particularly bad news for our balance if we need to keep our eyes open while moving.
The immediate effects of alcohol on our bodies tend to wear off after a day or two. Drinking alcohol heavily and regularly, however, can result in more long-term effects, including a generalized dulling of our senses. But there is hope! Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a journey and a process, and every step we take brings us closer to improving our health and well-being — and that includes sharpening our senses.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to improve our relationship to alcohol and manage our sensory health.
Now that we know how alcohol can affect our senses — in the short and long term — we can make sensible choices to maintain our sensory health. Quitting or cutting back is a great way to improve our overall well-being. Reframe can help you make sense of your relationship with alcohol and help you develop a plan to reach your goals. Together, we can do it!
Is wine drunk different from other types of drunk? Science says no. Learn more about wine and how it can make you feel on 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 through the App Store or Google Play today!
Most of us know at least one wine aficionado. Avid wine fanatics commonly use the term “wine drunk” and swear by the unique drunk feeling they claim wine brings. Feeling left out and wondering if the wine bottle bliss is as good as some people say? Let’s break down what wine drunk means and help you determine if it’s fact or fiction.
From tipsy to wasted, there are many levels of intoxication. Wine is commonly tied to feeling fancy and sophisticated, but the unpleasant aftermath of too many glasses may leave us feeling otherwise. Learning more about drunkenness and the factors that influence intoxication can help guide us on our journey to more mindful drinking. Let’s uncork the science behind the phenomenon of “wine drunk” and shed some light on whether or not wine is as great as some grape nuts claim.
A bottle of vino is a typical pairing with special occasions and a range of culinary delights, and wine seems to be offered as an accompaniment wherever you go. With rave reviews from the wine divas in our life, we may be left wondering if wine can leave us feeling as pleasant as some say.
Although wine is made from grapes, its health properties and effects stray far from its source. (It’s like eating your 5 servings of veggies in french fries — that’s not really what your doctor meant.) Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes, and in some cases, other fruits. Through the fermentation process, the sugars in grape juice are transformed into ethanol, the main component of alcohol.
Like other types of alcohol, wine affects our brain and other bodily systems to make us feel drunk. Wine typically has a lower alcohol content than spirits, making it difficult for first-time wine drinkers to determine their limits. How much wine is needed to get drunk is fairly individualized, but learning how wine causes intoxication and the factors that influence it can help us avoid negative drinking experiences and keep us in control.
From the moment alcohol touches our lips, it travels through the bloodstream and passes through the blood-brain barrier — targeting the brain. This explains how alcohol can hijack our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions.
Unlike other food and drink, alcohol passes through our bloodstream and affects other systems in our bodies. Our livers are the main organ that metabolizes alcohol and filters out toxins. But before it reaches our liver to be processed and metabolized, alcohol travels through different bodily systems, including our lungs and kidneys, adding to the effects of intoxication.
When alcohol enters our brain, it attaches to our gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows brain processes. When neurotransmitters connect with their receptors, they trigger electrical signals that send messages to our brain and other areas of our body. Because the GABA receptors are blocked by alcohol, our brain’s messages take longer to be recognized. This messaging slowdown effectively causes the symptoms of being drunk.
Before getting into the specific experiences that “wine drunk” claims to bring, let’s take a look at the general symptoms of intoxication and the different stages of being drunk.
Being intoxicated is commonly associated with:
There are also varying levels of drunkness. Knowing more about the different stages and the symptoms that accompany them can help us set limits and reduce the severity of an unpleasant aftermath.
According to K.M. Dubowski, a leading expert on the medical aspects of alcohol use in the U.S., there are 7 main stages of alcohol intoxication.
“Wine drunk” refers to the commonly reported feeling that people get when drinking wine in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. Aficionados swear by their vino and describe a calm and cozy type of intoxication. People also report feeling more relaxed, but not drowsy or drained. Does this sound too good to be true? There’s a reason for that! Let’s break down the science behind these claims to shed some light on whether or not wine drunk is different or not.
Looking to “wine down” after a long week? After hearing the sommeliers in our circle rave about the relaxing effects of being “wine drunk,” the question of “Is wine drunk different?” may leave us scouring the internet for answers. Could wine leave us feeling merry and allow us to avoid some of the negative aspects of intoxication?
Turns out, there is little scientific evidence that proves “wine drunk” produces different emotions and experiences than other alcoholic beverages. All alcohol contains the same compound that causes the symptoms of getting drunk: ethanol. Whether we’re sipping on a fancy glass of chardonnay or throwing back shots of tequila, alcohol enters our body and affects the same systems, impacting how we feel and act. While all alcohol is created equal, some of us continue to report different effects. Let’s take a look at some of these differences, then explore other factors that may help to explain the phenomenon of “wine drunk.”
While we’ve discussed the idea of “wine drunk,” beer is also believed to create a unique feeling of drunkenness. Commonly thought of as the “bro” drink of choice, “beer drunk” supposedly brings about a more confident, boisterous persona. Although a glass of wine and a can of beer can have a similar amount of alcohol, wine is more commonly tied with feelings of relaxation and poise.
There are few reported differences between the “wine drunk” that different wines produce. However, different types of wine may cause different levels of hangovers. Due to generally having a higher alcohol content, some wine fans declare that the best wine to get drunk fast is red wine. It may get us to the level we want quicker, but it can also produce a more regrettable aftermath.
Now that we’ve debunked the myth that alcohol type changes the type of “drunk” we feel, let’s get into some of the factors that do have an effect. The impacts of alcohol on the intensity of intoxication and varying symptoms are based on a number of influences:
Ever hear the saying, “Beer before wine and you’ll feel fine?” Although we’ve popped the top off the theory of “wine drunk,” there may actually be a difference between a regular hangover and one you get from drinking wine.
Wine is infamous for causing nasty hangovers. If we're looking to enjoy a glass or two without suffering the day after, it may be helpful to understand what causes hangovers and how to avoid them.
In comparison to other alcoholic beverages, wine has a higher level of congeners. Congeners are products of the fermentation process that impact the taste and appearance of the alcohol. Since our body needs to work harder to break down ethanol and added congeners, the toxins from alcohol take longer to be metabolized and eliminated.
Making intentional choices when drinking can allow us to feel “wine drunk” with a less painful aftermath. Understanding and setting limits can help us reduce the amount of wine we drink. Eating a proper meal and staying hydrated throughout the night can also help combat the symptoms of a hangover.
While there is no foolproof way to avoid hangovers, mindful and responsible drinking can help us develop a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Wine, referred to for centuries as the “drink of the gods,” is said to bring about a merry feeling of drunkenness. However, science says it’s not about the wine itself. Now that we know the actual factors that contribute to “how drunk” and the “type of drunk” we feel, we have the tools to make more responsible drinking choices. Enjoy that relaxing glass of wine — and then call it a night.
Most of us know at least one wine aficionado. Avid wine fanatics commonly use the term “wine drunk” and swear by the unique drunk feeling they claim wine brings. Feeling left out and wondering if the wine bottle bliss is as good as some people say? Let’s break down what wine drunk means and help you determine if it’s fact or fiction.
From tipsy to wasted, there are many levels of intoxication. Wine is commonly tied to feeling fancy and sophisticated, but the unpleasant aftermath of too many glasses may leave us feeling otherwise. Learning more about drunkenness and the factors that influence intoxication can help guide us on our journey to more mindful drinking. Let’s uncork the science behind the phenomenon of “wine drunk” and shed some light on whether or not wine is as great as some grape nuts claim.
A bottle of vino is a typical pairing with special occasions and a range of culinary delights, and wine seems to be offered as an accompaniment wherever you go. With rave reviews from the wine divas in our life, we may be left wondering if wine can leave us feeling as pleasant as some say.
Although wine is made from grapes, its health properties and effects stray far from its source. (It’s like eating your 5 servings of veggies in french fries — that’s not really what your doctor meant.) Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes, and in some cases, other fruits. Through the fermentation process, the sugars in grape juice are transformed into ethanol, the main component of alcohol.
Like other types of alcohol, wine affects our brain and other bodily systems to make us feel drunk. Wine typically has a lower alcohol content than spirits, making it difficult for first-time wine drinkers to determine their limits. How much wine is needed to get drunk is fairly individualized, but learning how wine causes intoxication and the factors that influence it can help us avoid negative drinking experiences and keep us in control.
From the moment alcohol touches our lips, it travels through the bloodstream and passes through the blood-brain barrier — targeting the brain. This explains how alcohol can hijack our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions.
Unlike other food and drink, alcohol passes through our bloodstream and affects other systems in our bodies. Our livers are the main organ that metabolizes alcohol and filters out toxins. But before it reaches our liver to be processed and metabolized, alcohol travels through different bodily systems, including our lungs and kidneys, adding to the effects of intoxication.
When alcohol enters our brain, it attaches to our gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows brain processes. When neurotransmitters connect with their receptors, they trigger electrical signals that send messages to our brain and other areas of our body. Because the GABA receptors are blocked by alcohol, our brain’s messages take longer to be recognized. This messaging slowdown effectively causes the symptoms of being drunk.
Before getting into the specific experiences that “wine drunk” claims to bring, let’s take a look at the general symptoms of intoxication and the different stages of being drunk.
Being intoxicated is commonly associated with:
There are also varying levels of drunkness. Knowing more about the different stages and the symptoms that accompany them can help us set limits and reduce the severity of an unpleasant aftermath.
According to K.M. Dubowski, a leading expert on the medical aspects of alcohol use in the U.S., there are 7 main stages of alcohol intoxication.
“Wine drunk” refers to the commonly reported feeling that people get when drinking wine in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. Aficionados swear by their vino and describe a calm and cozy type of intoxication. People also report feeling more relaxed, but not drowsy or drained. Does this sound too good to be true? There’s a reason for that! Let’s break down the science behind these claims to shed some light on whether or not wine drunk is different or not.
Looking to “wine down” after a long week? After hearing the sommeliers in our circle rave about the relaxing effects of being “wine drunk,” the question of “Is wine drunk different?” may leave us scouring the internet for answers. Could wine leave us feeling merry and allow us to avoid some of the negative aspects of intoxication?
Turns out, there is little scientific evidence that proves “wine drunk” produces different emotions and experiences than other alcoholic beverages. All alcohol contains the same compound that causes the symptoms of getting drunk: ethanol. Whether we’re sipping on a fancy glass of chardonnay or throwing back shots of tequila, alcohol enters our body and affects the same systems, impacting how we feel and act. While all alcohol is created equal, some of us continue to report different effects. Let’s take a look at some of these differences, then explore other factors that may help to explain the phenomenon of “wine drunk.”
While we’ve discussed the idea of “wine drunk,” beer is also believed to create a unique feeling of drunkenness. Commonly thought of as the “bro” drink of choice, “beer drunk” supposedly brings about a more confident, boisterous persona. Although a glass of wine and a can of beer can have a similar amount of alcohol, wine is more commonly tied with feelings of relaxation and poise.
There are few reported differences between the “wine drunk” that different wines produce. However, different types of wine may cause different levels of hangovers. Due to generally having a higher alcohol content, some wine fans declare that the best wine to get drunk fast is red wine. It may get us to the level we want quicker, but it can also produce a more regrettable aftermath.
Now that we’ve debunked the myth that alcohol type changes the type of “drunk” we feel, let’s get into some of the factors that do have an effect. The impacts of alcohol on the intensity of intoxication and varying symptoms are based on a number of influences:
Ever hear the saying, “Beer before wine and you’ll feel fine?” Although we’ve popped the top off the theory of “wine drunk,” there may actually be a difference between a regular hangover and one you get from drinking wine.
Wine is infamous for causing nasty hangovers. If we're looking to enjoy a glass or two without suffering the day after, it may be helpful to understand what causes hangovers and how to avoid them.
In comparison to other alcoholic beverages, wine has a higher level of congeners. Congeners are products of the fermentation process that impact the taste and appearance of the alcohol. Since our body needs to work harder to break down ethanol and added congeners, the toxins from alcohol take longer to be metabolized and eliminated.
Making intentional choices when drinking can allow us to feel “wine drunk” with a less painful aftermath. Understanding and setting limits can help us reduce the amount of wine we drink. Eating a proper meal and staying hydrated throughout the night can also help combat the symptoms of a hangover.
While there is no foolproof way to avoid hangovers, mindful and responsible drinking can help us develop a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Wine, referred to for centuries as the “drink of the gods,” is said to bring about a merry feeling of drunkenness. However, science says it’s not about the wine itself. Now that we know the actual factors that contribute to “how drunk” and the “type of drunk” we feel, we have the tools to make more responsible drinking choices. Enjoy that relaxing glass of wine — and then call it a night.
