In spite of its name, chocolate liquor won’t get you drunk. But it could still get you in trouble. Find out why 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!
If you look at the ingredients in just about any chocolate treat, you might be surprised to find “chocolate liquor” on the list. If you’re trying to cut back on alcohol (or quit altogether), this might give you pause. Is chocolate liquor alcohol? What is chocolate liquor made of? And should we really be handing it out to kids by the bagful on Halloween? To put your mind at ease: no, chocolate liquor doesn’t have alcohol. But, as it turns out, there’s more to the story.
First things first: does chocolate liquor have alcohol in it? In spite of what the name might suggest — no, it doesn’t. The only thing it has in common with liquor is that both are liquids. And while both can lure us into troubled waters, it happens for very different reasons.
So, what is chocolate liquor? It’s a thick, gooey paste of ground cocoa beans composed of equal parts of cocoa solids and cocoa butter that separate during the processing of cocoa nibs from the Theobroma cacao tree. Most cocoa trees grow in Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, West Indies, and the coast of Africa West.
This “liquor” is then made into cocoa powder and combined with sugar, more cocoa butter, and sometimes milk to form the base of the chocolate we all know and love. Why the confusing name? As it turns out, it’s a relic of the linguistic past when “liquor” simply referred to any fluid.
So, to put the question to rest, is chocolate liquor alcohol? No. It’s simply the basic material for making any type of chocolate.
Now, let’s dig a bit deeper to see what chocolate liquor is all about.
The main ingredient is, of course, the cocoa bean. Nibs of cocoa bean are ground into a paste, releasing cocoa solids and cocoa butter to form a thick, gooey mass. It can then be solidified into a block at room temperature or made into a powder.
According to Whatsvegan.app, after the nibs are ground into a paste of chocolate liquor, they’re sometimes processed with alkali to make so-called "Dutch cocoa.” This flavorful variety of chocolate liquor is less acidic and makes for a great cooking and baking ingredient. It tends to be darker in color and has an earthy, nutty flavor perfect for brownies and other baked goods. (Anyone reaching for the pantry yet?)
Yes, chocolate liquor is vegan. With ground cocoa nibs as the only ingredient, it doesn’t call for any animal products to be added to the mix.
That said, other ingredients in the final chocolate product might not be vegan, so it makes sense to always check the label. Any additions — milk, honey, caramel chunks, cream cheese, or any number of other ingredients in our favorite treats — often take chocolate out of the vegan category.
Yes, chocolate liquor is naturally gluten-free. However, once again, components such as sugar or emulsifiers might be added during the production process to enhance the sweetness, make the texture smoother, or improve overall stability. These ingredients are not always gluten-free, so, to be really sure, we need to check with the manufacturer.
On its own, there’s nothing particularly unhealthy about chocolate liquor. Remember that chocolate liquor is made of cacao nibs — which have a ton of benefits!
What’s so great about cacao nibs? Here’s an overview:
Of course, too much of anything is bad news. In a famous storyline on the TV show Brooklyn 99, Sergeant Terry got hooked on cacao nibs and lost his famous chiseled physique for an entire episode. If it can happen to Terry, it can happen to anyone!
It’s also important to note that chocolate liquor is used in a ton of different products, not all of which are equally healthy. While the chocolate nibs themselves (and cocoa powder that chocolate liquor is made into) have the most benefits, many other forms end up being highly processed and loaded with sugar and other additives. Needless to say, many of the benefits end up falling by the wayside as a result. Let’s explore some of the key differences between chocolate at these two very different stages.
While chocolate liquor and chocolate both consist of cocoa as the main component, the two have some key differences.
Finally, if we’re wondering what chocolate liquor would taste like by itself, it’s not like eating cookie dough before it’s made into a baked cookie. It’s basically liquid chocolate — too bitter to satisfy that chocolate craving (there’s a reason tasty chocolate products have so many additives!). So, while the nibs are pretty good to snack on (as long as we don’t overdo it), the liquid form probably isn’t worth trying.
Now this is a pair we don’t want to get confused, especially if we’re trying to reduce our alcohol intake. While chocolate liquor is booze-free, chocolate liqueur is an entirely different story. It does have alcohol and poses some additional risks. Here’s the gist:
What a difference a couple of vowels can make!
While chocolate liqueur is certainly riskier than chocolate liquor, the latter isn’t without a few caveats of its own in spite of the benefits. Neither is chocolate, the final product that’s made from it. Let’s consider the main ones.
While all chocolate will have “chocolate liquor” in it, some could also be infused with actual liquor — the alcoholic kind. Many gourmet varieties might go this route as a way to make their brands appear fancier or more “adult” and set themselves apart from the kid-friendly types. While some will shape the chocolates into miniature edible bottles decked out with the liquor brand logo advertising the contents inside, others can be more subtle. If we’re watching our alcohol intake, always check the label to be sure!
That said, the amount of booze inside is pretty minimal. With typical liquor-infused chocolates, we’d need to eat at least 700 grams to go over the legal alcohol limit. In other words, most of us would probably have to eat about three or four boxes of chocolate miniatures to feel a buzz, and let’s face it, that’s more than even the most hardcore chocolate lover can handle. Still, it could be triggering for those trying to stay away from alcohol (and might be enough to trigger strong cravings if we’re sensitive to alcohol).
Even vanilla extract, another common ingredient, could pose problems for those who have misused alcohol in the past and are trying to stay away from it. In this case, the amount of alcohol is even smaller and certainly won’t get us “drunk.” Still, the mere reminder of alcohol and its flavor could serve as a trigger, landing us in dangerous waters.
Another potential “risk” related to chocolate liquor? Well, this one is more of a mind game than a physical danger. The problem is with the word “liquor” itself, which could trigger unhelpful thought patterns or cravings. It could even make some of us panic, thinking we’d just broken our sober streak, potentially leading us to a “might as well go all out” mindset. and setting us up for a drinking binge.
Finally, there’s the troublesome relationship between alcohol and sugar cravings. In short, both cause dopamine release and tend to go hand-in-hand, fueling one another. Moreover, because our body sees alcohol as a toxin and prioritizes breaking it down, metabolism of other nutrients takes a back seat. The result? A temporary sugar crash, leading to low blood glucose levels and sugar and carb cravings. (Midnight pizza or ice cream? We’ve all been there.) For a closer look, check out “Sugar Cravings and Alcohol: What’s the Connection?”.
Finally, here are some tips to stay safe while navigating the world of chocolate liquors, liqueurs, and the like.
Remember, Reframe is here to help you if you’re struggling with cravings or are ready to cut back or ditch alcohol altogether!
Everything is about moderation, including chocolate liquor. While it doesn’t have alcohol and has many benefits, this is only true if we opt for the varieties of chocolate that don’t have too much added sugar or other diet-busting ingredients. In the end, however, no food is inherently “bad” in moderation. It’s all about being mindful of what we put in our bodies to feel and function at our best.
If you look at the ingredients in just about any chocolate treat, you might be surprised to find “chocolate liquor” on the list. If you’re trying to cut back on alcohol (or quit altogether), this might give you pause. Is chocolate liquor alcohol? What is chocolate liquor made of? And should we really be handing it out to kids by the bagful on Halloween? To put your mind at ease: no, chocolate liquor doesn’t have alcohol. But, as it turns out, there’s more to the story.
First things first: does chocolate liquor have alcohol in it? In spite of what the name might suggest — no, it doesn’t. The only thing it has in common with liquor is that both are liquids. And while both can lure us into troubled waters, it happens for very different reasons.
So, what is chocolate liquor? It’s a thick, gooey paste of ground cocoa beans composed of equal parts of cocoa solids and cocoa butter that separate during the processing of cocoa nibs from the Theobroma cacao tree. Most cocoa trees grow in Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, West Indies, and the coast of Africa West.
This “liquor” is then made into cocoa powder and combined with sugar, more cocoa butter, and sometimes milk to form the base of the chocolate we all know and love. Why the confusing name? As it turns out, it’s a relic of the linguistic past when “liquor” simply referred to any fluid.
So, to put the question to rest, is chocolate liquor alcohol? No. It’s simply the basic material for making any type of chocolate.
Now, let’s dig a bit deeper to see what chocolate liquor is all about.
The main ingredient is, of course, the cocoa bean. Nibs of cocoa bean are ground into a paste, releasing cocoa solids and cocoa butter to form a thick, gooey mass. It can then be solidified into a block at room temperature or made into a powder.
According to Whatsvegan.app, after the nibs are ground into a paste of chocolate liquor, they’re sometimes processed with alkali to make so-called "Dutch cocoa.” This flavorful variety of chocolate liquor is less acidic and makes for a great cooking and baking ingredient. It tends to be darker in color and has an earthy, nutty flavor perfect for brownies and other baked goods. (Anyone reaching for the pantry yet?)
Yes, chocolate liquor is vegan. With ground cocoa nibs as the only ingredient, it doesn’t call for any animal products to be added to the mix.
That said, other ingredients in the final chocolate product might not be vegan, so it makes sense to always check the label. Any additions — milk, honey, caramel chunks, cream cheese, or any number of other ingredients in our favorite treats — often take chocolate out of the vegan category.
Yes, chocolate liquor is naturally gluten-free. However, once again, components such as sugar or emulsifiers might be added during the production process to enhance the sweetness, make the texture smoother, or improve overall stability. These ingredients are not always gluten-free, so, to be really sure, we need to check with the manufacturer.
On its own, there’s nothing particularly unhealthy about chocolate liquor. Remember that chocolate liquor is made of cacao nibs — which have a ton of benefits!
What’s so great about cacao nibs? Here’s an overview:
Of course, too much of anything is bad news. In a famous storyline on the TV show Brooklyn 99, Sergeant Terry got hooked on cacao nibs and lost his famous chiseled physique for an entire episode. If it can happen to Terry, it can happen to anyone!
It’s also important to note that chocolate liquor is used in a ton of different products, not all of which are equally healthy. While the chocolate nibs themselves (and cocoa powder that chocolate liquor is made into) have the most benefits, many other forms end up being highly processed and loaded with sugar and other additives. Needless to say, many of the benefits end up falling by the wayside as a result. Let’s explore some of the key differences between chocolate at these two very different stages.
While chocolate liquor and chocolate both consist of cocoa as the main component, the two have some key differences.
Finally, if we’re wondering what chocolate liquor would taste like by itself, it’s not like eating cookie dough before it’s made into a baked cookie. It’s basically liquid chocolate — too bitter to satisfy that chocolate craving (there’s a reason tasty chocolate products have so many additives!). So, while the nibs are pretty good to snack on (as long as we don’t overdo it), the liquid form probably isn’t worth trying.
Now this is a pair we don’t want to get confused, especially if we’re trying to reduce our alcohol intake. While chocolate liquor is booze-free, chocolate liqueur is an entirely different story. It does have alcohol and poses some additional risks. Here’s the gist:
What a difference a couple of vowels can make!
While chocolate liqueur is certainly riskier than chocolate liquor, the latter isn’t without a few caveats of its own in spite of the benefits. Neither is chocolate, the final product that’s made from it. Let’s consider the main ones.
While all chocolate will have “chocolate liquor” in it, some could also be infused with actual liquor — the alcoholic kind. Many gourmet varieties might go this route as a way to make their brands appear fancier or more “adult” and set themselves apart from the kid-friendly types. While some will shape the chocolates into miniature edible bottles decked out with the liquor brand logo advertising the contents inside, others can be more subtle. If we’re watching our alcohol intake, always check the label to be sure!
That said, the amount of booze inside is pretty minimal. With typical liquor-infused chocolates, we’d need to eat at least 700 grams to go over the legal alcohol limit. In other words, most of us would probably have to eat about three or four boxes of chocolate miniatures to feel a buzz, and let’s face it, that’s more than even the most hardcore chocolate lover can handle. Still, it could be triggering for those trying to stay away from alcohol (and might be enough to trigger strong cravings if we’re sensitive to alcohol).
Even vanilla extract, another common ingredient, could pose problems for those who have misused alcohol in the past and are trying to stay away from it. In this case, the amount of alcohol is even smaller and certainly won’t get us “drunk.” Still, the mere reminder of alcohol and its flavor could serve as a trigger, landing us in dangerous waters.
Another potential “risk” related to chocolate liquor? Well, this one is more of a mind game than a physical danger. The problem is with the word “liquor” itself, which could trigger unhelpful thought patterns or cravings. It could even make some of us panic, thinking we’d just broken our sober streak, potentially leading us to a “might as well go all out” mindset. and setting us up for a drinking binge.
Finally, there’s the troublesome relationship between alcohol and sugar cravings. In short, both cause dopamine release and tend to go hand-in-hand, fueling one another. Moreover, because our body sees alcohol as a toxin and prioritizes breaking it down, metabolism of other nutrients takes a back seat. The result? A temporary sugar crash, leading to low blood glucose levels and sugar and carb cravings. (Midnight pizza or ice cream? We’ve all been there.) For a closer look, check out “Sugar Cravings and Alcohol: What’s the Connection?”.
Finally, here are some tips to stay safe while navigating the world of chocolate liquors, liqueurs, and the like.
Remember, Reframe is here to help you if you’re struggling with cravings or are ready to cut back or ditch alcohol altogether!
Everything is about moderation, including chocolate liquor. While it doesn’t have alcohol and has many benefits, this is only true if we opt for the varieties of chocolate that don’t have too much added sugar or other diet-busting ingredients. In the end, however, no food is inherently “bad” in moderation. It’s all about being mindful of what we put in our bodies to feel and function at our best.
Is your city one of the “drunkest” cities in America? Find out the top 10 and see if your city made the list.
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!
Think about what defines your city. Is it the skyline? The sports team? The special way of making pizza, barbecue, or chili? America is often called a “melting pot,” a place where cultures from all over the world blend together to form a collective national identity. The amalgam of global culture in America is a point of pride for many residents, almost as much as the unique quirks of their local culture.
Each region, city, town, and neighborhood in the country has its own flavor, its own identity, whether that’s a regional cuisine, a particular sports team, rich traditions, or a vibrant nightlife. Today, let’s take a look at America’s cities through the lens of drinking culture and determine which cities have the highest rates of excessive drinking.
Before we look at which cities love their booze the most, it’s important to define “excessive drinking” and social drinking expectations. These concepts inform a city’s drinking culture and explain why certain areas tend to hit the bottle harder.
Excessive drinking describes a pattern of alcohol consumption that significantly increases the risk of alcohol-related illness. All alcohol carries some risk, but public health officials often refer to specific guidelines for balancing risk with enjoyment.
In general, experts recommend sticking to fewer than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. But wait, how is it possible to drink fewer than a drink per day? The idea is that we should not be drinking every day. This may come as a surprise to those of us who like to wind down with a daily glass of wine, but it’s good advice for avoiding some of the most risky consequences of alcohol dependence.
Excessive drinking is primarily associated with two types of drinking behaviors: binge drinking and heavy drinking.
A regional pattern of excessive drinking is often a part of an area’s cultural identity. Many cities pride themselves on local specialties or boozy celebrations after local sports teams win a big game.
There are also influences from social pressure and groupthink, which create a feedback loop that perpetuates and expands local drinking culture — with serious consequences for public health.
Many cities and metro areas implement public safety programs with the aim of reducing the impact of high alcohol consumption. These programs include public awareness campaigns, policy interventions such as alcohol taxes and legal drinking age enforcement, and promotion of responsible drinking behaviors.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) regularly collects data on drinking in the United States. In a 2022 survey by the NIAAA, excessive drinking among American adults is incredibly common:
These numbers have been on the rise, increasing by 12% from 2011 to 2017. According to the 2020 Census, 80% of the American population lives in urban areas. To understand America's drinking habits, let’s look at some of the cities that consume the most alcohol.
With all that out of the way, let’s get down to business.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.4%
Austin is known for being the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It’s home to several major festivals, including the South by Southwest arts festival, where movies, music, food, and drinking take center stage. Austinites are fiercely loyal to the Texas tradition of pairing barbeque with a cold brew, and the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.4%
Portland is known for its slogan “Keep Portland Weird,” and residents certainly take pride in living up to it. Portlanders’ progressive social attitudes have destigmatized the use of drugs and alcohol, leading to wider social acceptance of personal choices to drink. Oregon is known as an ideal region for making wines like pinot grigio, pinot gris, and pinot noir, and many Oregon vineyards operate tasting rooms in Portland, the largest city in Oregon.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.6%
Home to dozens of craft breweries and close to one of the world’s top-producing wine-growing regions, Sacramento takes the prize for the drunkest city in California, beating out Los Angeles — a city 7 times its size. Californians consume more alcohol than any other state in America, with 85.7 million gallons consumed in 2020 (although this is probably because it is by far the most populous state in America). Excessive drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic increased deaths from alcoholic liver disease so dramatically that the condition killed more Californians than car accidents or breast cancer in 2020.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.9%
New Orleans is well-known as a party city, hosting several alcohol-oriented festivals every year. About 1.5 million people attend New Orleans’ world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations each year, and revelers drink an average of 4.5 beverages per person. New Orleans is also home to specialty cocktails synonymous with the city, such as the Sazerac, and unique drinking experiences like drive-through daiquiri shops.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.5%
Pittsburgh’s drinking culture stems from its working-class roots; Pittsburgh has a rich history tied to the steel and manufacturing industries, where drinking after long shifts was a common way for workers to unwind and socialize. Pittsburgh is also home to major sports teams with intensely devoted fans. Sports culture often goes hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption, especially during game days, both in stadiums and at local bars.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.7%
The notorious drinking habits of the Windy City date back to the Prohibition Era, when it was a hub for bootleggers trafficking illegal alcohol. With a heavy roster of professional sports teams, including two major-league baseball teams, sports fans make up the bulk of excessive drinkers. Chicago is also known for its regional specialty spirit, Malört, and a huge variety of craft beers.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.8%
Buffalo is located in Upstate New York on the Canadian border. The harsh northern winters drive people indoors to socialize, and alcohol is often the center of attention. In many areas of the U.S., bars are a so-called “third place,” a location where people can socialize outside of work and home. During the summer, there are more opportunities to hang out outdoors, but options are more limited in the winter. Public events often center around wine to celebrate Upstate New York’s many respected wineries.
Excessive drinking rate: 23.1%
Boston has deep roots in Irish heritage stemming from the many waves of Irish immigration in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many Irish holidays and celebrations center around alcohol. For example, St. Patrick’s Day, a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, is huge in Beantown: city officials estimate that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations bring in around $6.85 billion to the city’s businesses each year. Boston is also home to avid sports fans and several Ivy League colleges with long-standing drinking traditions.
Excessive drinking rate: 23.5%
Drinking picks up during wintertime in Minneapolis for the same reason it does in Buffalo. Bars are a center of socialization when residents are seeking to escape the frigid temperatures. The Midwest is known for its drinking culture, owing in part to the cultural influences of German, Irish, and Scandinavian immigrants who settled there. In the Midwest’s many rural towns, bars are one of the few places to socialize outside of the home. Minneapolis is also home to a vibrant live music scene, and alcohol is often prominently featured at music venues.
Excessive drinking rate: 24.6%
Taking the top spot is Milwaukee, the largest city in the state that consumes the most alcohol. Drinking culture runs deep in Milwaukee, which is home to two of the biggest breweries in the country. Wisconsin also has one of the lowest alcohol tax rates in the nation, resulting in lower retail and wholesale prices of alcoholic beverages. Many of the “drunkest” counties and towns in America are in Wisconsin, and the state has 7 of the 10 U.S. cities with the highest alcohol consumption per capita. Milwaukee, with its sprawling beer gardens, is usually the city that drinks the most year after year.
If you live in one of these cities, you may be well aware of its active drinking culture. Luckily, there are ways to overcome peer pressure and develop healthier drinking habits.
Whether we’re looking to be a good influence or simply improve our personal health, cutting back on drinking is a great way to avoid negative effects on our finances, health, and emotional well-being. Let’s take a look at a few ways to manage our alcohol intake.
By following these tips, we can overcome drinking culture and make the best decisions for our health goals!
When we are surrounded by alcohol or our cultural identity is tied up with alcohol consumption, it takes strength and fortitude to make changes to our drinking habits. Wherever we live, we can rest assured that there is a thriving sober community united in solidarity against the local drinking culture. Whatever our relationship with alcohol, know that we have the biggest say in how much we drink. Now let’s go out there and make good decisions!
Think about what defines your city. Is it the skyline? The sports team? The special way of making pizza, barbecue, or chili? America is often called a “melting pot,” a place where cultures from all over the world blend together to form a collective national identity. The amalgam of global culture in America is a point of pride for many residents, almost as much as the unique quirks of their local culture.
Each region, city, town, and neighborhood in the country has its own flavor, its own identity, whether that’s a regional cuisine, a particular sports team, rich traditions, or a vibrant nightlife. Today, let’s take a look at America’s cities through the lens of drinking culture and determine which cities have the highest rates of excessive drinking.
Before we look at which cities love their booze the most, it’s important to define “excessive drinking” and social drinking expectations. These concepts inform a city’s drinking culture and explain why certain areas tend to hit the bottle harder.
Excessive drinking describes a pattern of alcohol consumption that significantly increases the risk of alcohol-related illness. All alcohol carries some risk, but public health officials often refer to specific guidelines for balancing risk with enjoyment.
In general, experts recommend sticking to fewer than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. But wait, how is it possible to drink fewer than a drink per day? The idea is that we should not be drinking every day. This may come as a surprise to those of us who like to wind down with a daily glass of wine, but it’s good advice for avoiding some of the most risky consequences of alcohol dependence.
Excessive drinking is primarily associated with two types of drinking behaviors: binge drinking and heavy drinking.
A regional pattern of excessive drinking is often a part of an area’s cultural identity. Many cities pride themselves on local specialties or boozy celebrations after local sports teams win a big game.
There are also influences from social pressure and groupthink, which create a feedback loop that perpetuates and expands local drinking culture — with serious consequences for public health.
Many cities and metro areas implement public safety programs with the aim of reducing the impact of high alcohol consumption. These programs include public awareness campaigns, policy interventions such as alcohol taxes and legal drinking age enforcement, and promotion of responsible drinking behaviors.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) regularly collects data on drinking in the United States. In a 2022 survey by the NIAAA, excessive drinking among American adults is incredibly common:
These numbers have been on the rise, increasing by 12% from 2011 to 2017. According to the 2020 Census, 80% of the American population lives in urban areas. To understand America's drinking habits, let’s look at some of the cities that consume the most alcohol.
With all that out of the way, let’s get down to business.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.4%
Austin is known for being the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It’s home to several major festivals, including the South by Southwest arts festival, where movies, music, food, and drinking take center stage. Austinites are fiercely loyal to the Texas tradition of pairing barbeque with a cold brew, and the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.4%
Portland is known for its slogan “Keep Portland Weird,” and residents certainly take pride in living up to it. Portlanders’ progressive social attitudes have destigmatized the use of drugs and alcohol, leading to wider social acceptance of personal choices to drink. Oregon is known as an ideal region for making wines like pinot grigio, pinot gris, and pinot noir, and many Oregon vineyards operate tasting rooms in Portland, the largest city in Oregon.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.6%
Home to dozens of craft breweries and close to one of the world’s top-producing wine-growing regions, Sacramento takes the prize for the drunkest city in California, beating out Los Angeles — a city 7 times its size. Californians consume more alcohol than any other state in America, with 85.7 million gallons consumed in 2020 (although this is probably because it is by far the most populous state in America). Excessive drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic increased deaths from alcoholic liver disease so dramatically that the condition killed more Californians than car accidents or breast cancer in 2020.
Excessive drinking rate: 21.9%
New Orleans is well-known as a party city, hosting several alcohol-oriented festivals every year. About 1.5 million people attend New Orleans’ world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations each year, and revelers drink an average of 4.5 beverages per person. New Orleans is also home to specialty cocktails synonymous with the city, such as the Sazerac, and unique drinking experiences like drive-through daiquiri shops.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.5%
Pittsburgh’s drinking culture stems from its working-class roots; Pittsburgh has a rich history tied to the steel and manufacturing industries, where drinking after long shifts was a common way for workers to unwind and socialize. Pittsburgh is also home to major sports teams with intensely devoted fans. Sports culture often goes hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption, especially during game days, both in stadiums and at local bars.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.7%
The notorious drinking habits of the Windy City date back to the Prohibition Era, when it was a hub for bootleggers trafficking illegal alcohol. With a heavy roster of professional sports teams, including two major-league baseball teams, sports fans make up the bulk of excessive drinkers. Chicago is also known for its regional specialty spirit, Malört, and a huge variety of craft beers.
Excessive drinking rate: 22.8%
Buffalo is located in Upstate New York on the Canadian border. The harsh northern winters drive people indoors to socialize, and alcohol is often the center of attention. In many areas of the U.S., bars are a so-called “third place,” a location where people can socialize outside of work and home. During the summer, there are more opportunities to hang out outdoors, but options are more limited in the winter. Public events often center around wine to celebrate Upstate New York’s many respected wineries.
Excessive drinking rate: 23.1%
Boston has deep roots in Irish heritage stemming from the many waves of Irish immigration in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many Irish holidays and celebrations center around alcohol. For example, St. Patrick’s Day, a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, is huge in Beantown: city officials estimate that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations bring in around $6.85 billion to the city’s businesses each year. Boston is also home to avid sports fans and several Ivy League colleges with long-standing drinking traditions.
Excessive drinking rate: 23.5%
Drinking picks up during wintertime in Minneapolis for the same reason it does in Buffalo. Bars are a center of socialization when residents are seeking to escape the frigid temperatures. The Midwest is known for its drinking culture, owing in part to the cultural influences of German, Irish, and Scandinavian immigrants who settled there. In the Midwest’s many rural towns, bars are one of the few places to socialize outside of the home. Minneapolis is also home to a vibrant live music scene, and alcohol is often prominently featured at music venues.
Excessive drinking rate: 24.6%
Taking the top spot is Milwaukee, the largest city in the state that consumes the most alcohol. Drinking culture runs deep in Milwaukee, which is home to two of the biggest breweries in the country. Wisconsin also has one of the lowest alcohol tax rates in the nation, resulting in lower retail and wholesale prices of alcoholic beverages. Many of the “drunkest” counties and towns in America are in Wisconsin, and the state has 7 of the 10 U.S. cities with the highest alcohol consumption per capita. Milwaukee, with its sprawling beer gardens, is usually the city that drinks the most year after year.
If you live in one of these cities, you may be well aware of its active drinking culture. Luckily, there are ways to overcome peer pressure and develop healthier drinking habits.
Whether we’re looking to be a good influence or simply improve our personal health, cutting back on drinking is a great way to avoid negative effects on our finances, health, and emotional well-being. Let’s take a look at a few ways to manage our alcohol intake.
By following these tips, we can overcome drinking culture and make the best decisions for our health goals!
When we are surrounded by alcohol or our cultural identity is tied up with alcohol consumption, it takes strength and fortitude to make changes to our drinking habits. Wherever we live, we can rest assured that there is a thriving sober community united in solidarity against the local drinking culture. Whatever our relationship with alcohol, know that we have the biggest say in how much we drink. Now let’s go out there and make good decisions!
Say goodbye to New Year's Day hangovers with our latest blog! Discover practical tips for quick recovery and learn how to party smartly to welcome the new year with a smile.
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!
We’ve all been there. Party hats with glitter fringe are scattered around the living room, the empty champagne bottles are littering the floor, the New Year is finally here and — you greet it with the worst hangover of your life. As you pick bits of confetti out of your hair, you might find yourself asking, what’s the best thing for hangover-related headaches, fatigue, and overall discomfort?
When it comes to curing a hangover, sometimes it’s simply a matter of giving it time and riding it out. However, there’s no need to suffer longer than you have to! There are many hangover fixes that have proven to be effective. Let’s explore them in more detail!
Scientifically, a hangover is the unpleasant result of the multipronged attack that alcohol perpetrates on our body. Our body perceives it as a poison and works hard to usher it out as quickly as possible. It’s a combination of dehydration, hormonal alterations, immune system responses, and metabolic changes caused by ingesting alcohol.
One of the main reasons why hangovers are as nasty as they are has to do with acetaldehyde — a toxic byproduct produced in the liver as it breaks down alcohol into acetic acid.
The other culprit is dehydration. As a diuretic, alcohol causes our body to shed water — quickly. It sends us on all those bathroom trips throughout the evening, leading to headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth. Studies have shown that along with depleting hydration, hangovers cause people to lose glucose and electrolytes, both of which are crucial for overall well-being.
The typical symptoms? Headache, nausea, fatigue, and, sometimes, a side of regret. Here’s a breakdown:
Most hangovers last up to 24 hours, but the timeline can vary based on factors such as the amount and rate of alcohol consumption, as well as individual genetics, age, weight, and overall health. Some folks may experience very mild symptoms, while others might find hangovers completely debilitating.
While sometimes it might seem like a hangover is going to last forever, rest assured — it won’t! In the meantime, here are some hangover fixes that can make the first day of the New Year just a little more pleasant. We’ll also sprinkle in some bits of advice for what to do on New Year’s Eve to keep things going as smoothly as possible (with additional tips on hangover prevention at the end).
First and foremost — chug some good ol' H2O. Alcohol is dehydrating, and your cells need it — pronto.
Alcohol's diuretic effect means that for every drink we take, we’re not just losing fluid but also essential minerals and salts. This loss of electrolytes — sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — tends to make our hangover symptoms more pronounced. Consider sipping on coconut water or sports drinks, or grab some Liquid IV at the pharmacy or grocery store.
Chug a large glass of water before the clock strikes 12 (and 11, and 10 for an extra hydration boost). If possible, alternate between alcoholic beverages and water throughout the night to keep dehydration from setting in.
Alcohol can do a number on our metabolism and nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue and weakness. And while eating might be the last thing on your mind, your body needs energy to recover. That said, we’re not talking pizza and leftover cheesecake (though a bit won’t hurt, as long as it’s not the only thing on the menu). It’s all about choosing the right foods to use the power of nutrition to your advantage.
If you know a night of drinking is coming, plan a hangover-friendly meal for January 1st. Most restaurants are closed and — unless you can rely on leftovers — you could be left stranded and end up with whatever is in your pantry or local fast food joint, possibly making your hangover worse. Plan ahead for a solid recovery meal and set yourself up for success!
One of the great things about New Year’s Day is that many of us can take it easy and sleep in — and if we’re trying to cure a hangover, we need as much rest as we can get. It’s like a reset button — we might not wake up as superheroes, but we’ll certainly feel more human.
That said, alcohol tends to disrupt our sleep patterns and interferes with the most restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. Knowing this can help explain why sometimes “sleeping it off” is easier said than done. Still, there are some things we can do to make whatever sleep we do get on January 1st the best it can be.
Some over-the-counter meds can potentially save the day on January 1st, but tread carefully — many can be hard on the stomach, adding to the irritation caused by alcohol.
If the weather permits, going outside can be one of the best hangover cures yet. Fresh air and gentle movement can do wonders when it comes to curing a hangover — even if it feels like a drag at first. Fresh air increases oxygen flow to the brain, helping to clear away the blues, lift fatigue, and restore mental clarity.
This is a common myth, but science — and experience — show that it’s bound to make things worse. It only delays the inevitable and can only do more harm than good, setting off a cycle of drinking more to relieve the aftereffects of the previous night.
So, instead of reaching for a mimosa, grab a smoothie. Your future self will thank you for not prolonging the hangover chapter of your life past New Year’s Day.
Finally, hangovers are not just about the body — they tend to make us uneasy, anxious, and sometimes a bit sad. Here are some ways to lift your spirits and calm your nerves if you find yourself feeling a bit blue as you wake up on New Year’s Day.
As we all know, when it comes to anything going haywire in our bodies, prevention is the best cure. And hangovers are no exception!
Throughout this article, we’ve given you some tips on what to do on December 31st if you think a hangover is likely to be heading your way. While the best prevention is swapping the Champagne for a glass of sparkling cider or festive mocktail, there are some additional steps you can take to make the first day of the year as painless as possible if you know you’ll end up drinking this New Year’s Eve.
Whether or not you plan on drinking this New Year’s Eve, having a plan will help you get the new year off to a great start. While hangovers feel like the body's way of saying, "I told you so," they're also an opportunity to practice self-care and recovery. We've all been there, and with a little mindful planning, we'll all get through it.
New Year’s Eve is also a great opportunity for making larger-scale plans for the upcoming year — or even for the month to come. As Melodie Beattie writes, “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”
If one of your goals is to cut back or stop drinking this year, check out the Dry January challenge at Reframe! Here's to a brighter, headache-free morning and a year of making healthy choices!
We’ve all been there. Party hats with glitter fringe are scattered around the living room, the empty champagne bottles are littering the floor, the New Year is finally here and — you greet it with the worst hangover of your life. As you pick bits of confetti out of your hair, you might find yourself asking, what’s the best thing for hangover-related headaches, fatigue, and overall discomfort?
When it comes to curing a hangover, sometimes it’s simply a matter of giving it time and riding it out. However, there’s no need to suffer longer than you have to! There are many hangover fixes that have proven to be effective. Let’s explore them in more detail!
Scientifically, a hangover is the unpleasant result of the multipronged attack that alcohol perpetrates on our body. Our body perceives it as a poison and works hard to usher it out as quickly as possible. It’s a combination of dehydration, hormonal alterations, immune system responses, and metabolic changes caused by ingesting alcohol.
One of the main reasons why hangovers are as nasty as they are has to do with acetaldehyde — a toxic byproduct produced in the liver as it breaks down alcohol into acetic acid.
The other culprit is dehydration. As a diuretic, alcohol causes our body to shed water — quickly. It sends us on all those bathroom trips throughout the evening, leading to headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth. Studies have shown that along with depleting hydration, hangovers cause people to lose glucose and electrolytes, both of which are crucial for overall well-being.
The typical symptoms? Headache, nausea, fatigue, and, sometimes, a side of regret. Here’s a breakdown:
Most hangovers last up to 24 hours, but the timeline can vary based on factors such as the amount and rate of alcohol consumption, as well as individual genetics, age, weight, and overall health. Some folks may experience very mild symptoms, while others might find hangovers completely debilitating.
While sometimes it might seem like a hangover is going to last forever, rest assured — it won’t! In the meantime, here are some hangover fixes that can make the first day of the New Year just a little more pleasant. We’ll also sprinkle in some bits of advice for what to do on New Year’s Eve to keep things going as smoothly as possible (with additional tips on hangover prevention at the end).
First and foremost — chug some good ol' H2O. Alcohol is dehydrating, and your cells need it — pronto.
Alcohol's diuretic effect means that for every drink we take, we’re not just losing fluid but also essential minerals and salts. This loss of electrolytes — sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — tends to make our hangover symptoms more pronounced. Consider sipping on coconut water or sports drinks, or grab some Liquid IV at the pharmacy or grocery store.
Chug a large glass of water before the clock strikes 12 (and 11, and 10 for an extra hydration boost). If possible, alternate between alcoholic beverages and water throughout the night to keep dehydration from setting in.
Alcohol can do a number on our metabolism and nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue and weakness. And while eating might be the last thing on your mind, your body needs energy to recover. That said, we’re not talking pizza and leftover cheesecake (though a bit won’t hurt, as long as it’s not the only thing on the menu). It’s all about choosing the right foods to use the power of nutrition to your advantage.
If you know a night of drinking is coming, plan a hangover-friendly meal for January 1st. Most restaurants are closed and — unless you can rely on leftovers — you could be left stranded and end up with whatever is in your pantry or local fast food joint, possibly making your hangover worse. Plan ahead for a solid recovery meal and set yourself up for success!
One of the great things about New Year’s Day is that many of us can take it easy and sleep in — and if we’re trying to cure a hangover, we need as much rest as we can get. It’s like a reset button — we might not wake up as superheroes, but we’ll certainly feel more human.
That said, alcohol tends to disrupt our sleep patterns and interferes with the most restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. Knowing this can help explain why sometimes “sleeping it off” is easier said than done. Still, there are some things we can do to make whatever sleep we do get on January 1st the best it can be.
Some over-the-counter meds can potentially save the day on January 1st, but tread carefully — many can be hard on the stomach, adding to the irritation caused by alcohol.
If the weather permits, going outside can be one of the best hangover cures yet. Fresh air and gentle movement can do wonders when it comes to curing a hangover — even if it feels like a drag at first. Fresh air increases oxygen flow to the brain, helping to clear away the blues, lift fatigue, and restore mental clarity.
This is a common myth, but science — and experience — show that it’s bound to make things worse. It only delays the inevitable and can only do more harm than good, setting off a cycle of drinking more to relieve the aftereffects of the previous night.
So, instead of reaching for a mimosa, grab a smoothie. Your future self will thank you for not prolonging the hangover chapter of your life past New Year’s Day.
Finally, hangovers are not just about the body — they tend to make us uneasy, anxious, and sometimes a bit sad. Here are some ways to lift your spirits and calm your nerves if you find yourself feeling a bit blue as you wake up on New Year’s Day.
As we all know, when it comes to anything going haywire in our bodies, prevention is the best cure. And hangovers are no exception!
Throughout this article, we’ve given you some tips on what to do on December 31st if you think a hangover is likely to be heading your way. While the best prevention is swapping the Champagne for a glass of sparkling cider or festive mocktail, there are some additional steps you can take to make the first day of the year as painless as possible if you know you’ll end up drinking this New Year’s Eve.
Whether or not you plan on drinking this New Year’s Eve, having a plan will help you get the new year off to a great start. While hangovers feel like the body's way of saying, "I told you so," they're also an opportunity to practice self-care and recovery. We've all been there, and with a little mindful planning, we'll all get through it.
New Year’s Eve is also a great opportunity for making larger-scale plans for the upcoming year — or even for the month to come. As Melodie Beattie writes, “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”
If one of your goals is to cut back or stop drinking this year, check out the Dry January challenge at Reframe! Here's to a brighter, headache-free morning and a year of making healthy choices!
What does being tipsy feel like? How does it compare to feeling drunk? Find out why the legal definition of "drunk" is a misconception, and learn tips for staying safe.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You're at a friend's dinner party enjoying a light cocktail when you start to feel a pleasant buzz. Conversations seem more engaging, and you feel happier and more relaxed. You’re starting to feel tipsy. But as the evening rolls on and the drinks keep coming, you start to feel heavy. It’s harder to stand and walk, and you find yourself acting in some uncharacteristic ways. This shift from a tipsy buzz to the more intense sensation of being drunk is subtle yet significant with major implications.
In this article, we'll dissect the differences between being tipsy and drunk, focusing on how alcohol affects us at each stage. Understanding these distinctions will help us maintain control over our mental state. Let’s get to it!
Before we can look at different levels of drunkenness — buzzed vs. tipsy vs. drunk — it’s important to understand how alcohol makes us intoxicated in the first place. Let’s take a look at just what happens when we introduce alcohol into the small universe inside our body.
When we take a sip of alcohol, we immediately start feeling the effects it has on our central nervous system (CNS). Unlike food, alcohol doesn’t require digestion, so it affects the body as soon as it touches our tongue, mildly numbing our mouth’s nerves.
Soon, the alcohol lands in our stomach and intestines where most of the alcohol is absorbed into our bloodstream — our body’s central highway system. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol (ethanol) is distributed to various organ systems, including the brain.
Alcohol is a CNS depressant: it slows down how fast our nerves can send signals throughout our body. This is the reason behind many of alcohol’s intoxicating effects. It does this by affecting the normal functioning of our neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers.
Alcohol inhibits the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter called glutamate, a stimulating chemical. It also increases the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter, and stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical responsible for activating our brain’s reward system. The effect? The world slows down, we feel calm, and everything starts to feel kinda warm and fuzzy.
As our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases with more drinking, the depressant effects become more pronounced. This leads to more noticeable cognitive and physical impairment — the transition from being tipsy to drunk.
BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. This metric is used to legally define different levels of intoxication. Factors like age, weight, sex, metabolism, tolerance, metabolism, medications, and rate of consumption influence how a single drink affects our BAC. For instance, smaller people or those with a faster drinking pace may reach higher BAC levels more quickly.
The rate at which the liver metabolizes alcohol also plays a crucial role. The liver can only process one unit of alcohol per hour. When we drink faster than the liver can metabolize, we grow increasingly intoxicated.
Alcohol intoxication doesn't happen all at once; it's a gradual process that happens as we continue to drink. Each stage of intoxication has distinct characteristics (influenced by personal factors). Let’s look at a brief breakdown:
Being tipsy is the middle ground between having a light buzz and being drunk. It's an early stage of intoxication that many people find enjoyable, but it can be the tipping point towards heavier drinking.
While “tipsy” has no standard definition, it generally refers to the period after one or two drinks but before we reach the legal definition of intoxication (more on that in the next section). Many factors can contribute to how many drinks will make us tipsy and even what tipsy symptoms we will experience. In fact, by the time we are tipsy, our judgment and self-awareness are becoming impaired, and we may not even realize where we are on the intoxication spectrum.
Nevertheless, tipsiness has some common signs.
As we keep drinking, we progress from tipsiness to full drunkenness. This is where alcohol's effects become more pronounced and potentially more dangerous. The transition involves a noticeable decline in both physical and mental capacities. Coordination worsens, speech becomes more slurred, and reaction times become delayed.
Once we reach a BAC of 0.08%, we meet the legal definition of intoxicated. In most states, 0.08% is the limit that defines “drunk driving,” although this varies. Some states have lower limits or zero-tolerance laws, especially for people who are underage.
Once we get beyond 0.08% BAC, we enter potentially dangerous territory. We put ourselves at risk of injuring ourselves by lack of coordination, and possibly giving ourselves alcohol poisoning. A BAC above 0.30% is a serious emergency.
Maintaining control while drinking can be challenging, but it's essential for our safety and well-being. Here are some tips to help you manage your alcohol intake — you have the power to choose your own destiny!
By now we’ve learned some of the key differences between being drunk vs. tipsy and even developed some skills for recognizing our level of intoxication. Many people underestimate their level of impairment while tipsy, which can lead to risky decisions. Recognizing the differences in terms of BAC and behavior can help us make safer choices.
It’s important to remember these key differences and keep them in context of our drinking goals. Whether you’re tipsy, drunk, or somewhere in between, you are in control of your own life. With support, encouragement, and a focus on mindfulness, we can take control of our drinking habits and be the person we want to be.
You're at a friend's dinner party enjoying a light cocktail when you start to feel a pleasant buzz. Conversations seem more engaging, and you feel happier and more relaxed. You’re starting to feel tipsy. But as the evening rolls on and the drinks keep coming, you start to feel heavy. It’s harder to stand and walk, and you find yourself acting in some uncharacteristic ways. This shift from a tipsy buzz to the more intense sensation of being drunk is subtle yet significant with major implications.
In this article, we'll dissect the differences between being tipsy and drunk, focusing on how alcohol affects us at each stage. Understanding these distinctions will help us maintain control over our mental state. Let’s get to it!
Before we can look at different levels of drunkenness — buzzed vs. tipsy vs. drunk — it’s important to understand how alcohol makes us intoxicated in the first place. Let’s take a look at just what happens when we introduce alcohol into the small universe inside our body.
When we take a sip of alcohol, we immediately start feeling the effects it has on our central nervous system (CNS). Unlike food, alcohol doesn’t require digestion, so it affects the body as soon as it touches our tongue, mildly numbing our mouth’s nerves.
Soon, the alcohol lands in our stomach and intestines where most of the alcohol is absorbed into our bloodstream — our body’s central highway system. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol (ethanol) is distributed to various organ systems, including the brain.
Alcohol is a CNS depressant: it slows down how fast our nerves can send signals throughout our body. This is the reason behind many of alcohol’s intoxicating effects. It does this by affecting the normal functioning of our neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers.
Alcohol inhibits the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter called glutamate, a stimulating chemical. It also increases the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter, and stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical responsible for activating our brain’s reward system. The effect? The world slows down, we feel calm, and everything starts to feel kinda warm and fuzzy.
As our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases with more drinking, the depressant effects become more pronounced. This leads to more noticeable cognitive and physical impairment — the transition from being tipsy to drunk.
BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. This metric is used to legally define different levels of intoxication. Factors like age, weight, sex, metabolism, tolerance, metabolism, medications, and rate of consumption influence how a single drink affects our BAC. For instance, smaller people or those with a faster drinking pace may reach higher BAC levels more quickly.
The rate at which the liver metabolizes alcohol also plays a crucial role. The liver can only process one unit of alcohol per hour. When we drink faster than the liver can metabolize, we grow increasingly intoxicated.
Alcohol intoxication doesn't happen all at once; it's a gradual process that happens as we continue to drink. Each stage of intoxication has distinct characteristics (influenced by personal factors). Let’s look at a brief breakdown:
Being tipsy is the middle ground between having a light buzz and being drunk. It's an early stage of intoxication that many people find enjoyable, but it can be the tipping point towards heavier drinking.
While “tipsy” has no standard definition, it generally refers to the period after one or two drinks but before we reach the legal definition of intoxication (more on that in the next section). Many factors can contribute to how many drinks will make us tipsy and even what tipsy symptoms we will experience. In fact, by the time we are tipsy, our judgment and self-awareness are becoming impaired, and we may not even realize where we are on the intoxication spectrum.
Nevertheless, tipsiness has some common signs.
As we keep drinking, we progress from tipsiness to full drunkenness. This is where alcohol's effects become more pronounced and potentially more dangerous. The transition involves a noticeable decline in both physical and mental capacities. Coordination worsens, speech becomes more slurred, and reaction times become delayed.
Once we reach a BAC of 0.08%, we meet the legal definition of intoxicated. In most states, 0.08% is the limit that defines “drunk driving,” although this varies. Some states have lower limits or zero-tolerance laws, especially for people who are underage.
Once we get beyond 0.08% BAC, we enter potentially dangerous territory. We put ourselves at risk of injuring ourselves by lack of coordination, and possibly giving ourselves alcohol poisoning. A BAC above 0.30% is a serious emergency.
Maintaining control while drinking can be challenging, but it's essential for our safety and well-being. Here are some tips to help you manage your alcohol intake — you have the power to choose your own destiny!
By now we’ve learned some of the key differences between being drunk vs. tipsy and even developed some skills for recognizing our level of intoxication. Many people underestimate their level of impairment while tipsy, which can lead to risky decisions. Recognizing the differences in terms of BAC and behavior can help us make safer choices.
It’s important to remember these key differences and keep them in context of our drinking goals. Whether you’re tipsy, drunk, or somewhere in between, you are in control of your own life. With support, encouragement, and a focus on mindfulness, we can take control of our drinking habits and be the person we want to be.
What are congeners, and can they really make hangovers worse? Science says yes, they can — but it’s ultimately the total amount of alcohol we drink that matters more.
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 morning-after mystery: you go out and have a few drinks, nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary, but then, out of nowhere, you wake up the next day with a killer hangover. If you’re wondering what’s up (and how to avoid this unpleasant surprise in the future), there are several suspects you need to know about — congeners.
You may have heard of them, but what are congeners exactly? Well, for one thing, these sneaky compounds might be the secret culprits behind our hangover woes. Which types of alcoholic drinks have them, and how did they get there in the first place? And if we’re sensitive to congeners, what’s the best alcohol for no hangover effects? Or, if “no hangover” isn’t an option, what’s the alcohol with the least hangover-inducing properties? Let’s find out!
Congeners, meaning “same kind,” are compounds in alcoholic beverages that add to the flavor and aroma of alcohol (and, yes, hangovers). They result from fermentation — the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol. Congeners are another byproduct of this reaction.
The amount of congeners depends on a few different factors:
Each type of congener is built a little differently, and there are actually lots of different types with different molecular structures:
The amount and types of congeners in alcohol types tends to be unique. In a way, congeners act as a particular drink’s molecular “fingerprint!”
In fact, analysis of the congeners present in a particular drink has been used as part of the so-called “hip flask defense.” Originating in Germany, this defense is an assertion that the alcohol a defendant was intoxicated with at the time of arrest was consumed after an accident rather than before it (i.e., “When the accident happened, the booze was still in my hip flask — I didn’t drink it until later, I promise!”).
Backing this claim up hinges on calculating blood alcohol levels and comparing the exact congener profile in the defendant’s system with that of the alleged drink in order to prove the timing and the type of alcohol consumed. Of course, there are several obvious holes in this type of defense. For one thing, just because our suspect had a gin and tonic 10 minutes after a crash didn’t mean they didn’t also throw one back half an hour before. Plus, if they consumed a mixture of different drinks — and let’s be honest, this isn’t such a stretch — there would be too many compounds in the “congener cocktail” to make sense of which ones corresponded to a particular drink.
Still, the fact that the “hip flask defense” exists at all is testament to the unique nature of a particular drink’s congener profile. But what does any of this have to do with hangovers?
Hangovers — those unfortunate reminders of the night before — come with a characteristic set of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, shakiness, fatigue, and overall malaise (Ugh!). To find out more about the timeline of hangovers and what causes them, check out our blog The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.
So where do congeners come in? In general, the reason congeners make hangovers worse has to do with the fact that the body has to break down the congeners in addition to the alcohol. Both processes release toxic byproducts. However, since the liver can only do so much at a time, the result is a buildup of toxins that are partially responsible for those oh-so-familiar hangover symptoms.
According to a Current Drug Abuse Reviews article, methanol in particular is a congener that can wreak the most havoc on the body. Methanol metabolism releases formic acid and formaldehyde — two highly toxic byproducts that will continue to cause damage in our system even hours later.
Here’s the breakdown of methanol in various alcohol types, according to “Alcohol Congener Analysis and the Source of Alcohol: A Review”:
However, the authors also point out a crucial fact to keep in mind: while it may be true that brandy or rum has more congeners than vodka, the latter is still very high in alcohol content. And when it comes to the intensity of a hangover, the amount of alcohol we consume — no matter what the levels of congeners it may have — is what ultimately makes the biggest difference.
Likewise, while congeners may play a role in hangovers, they don't seem to affect the level of impairment we experience as a result of drinking. The authors mention that “safety-sensitive performance that was affected by alcohol intoxication the previous night (vigilance with reaction time; ataxia) was not differentially affected by bourbon versus vodka.”
That said, if we’re sensitive to congeners, we might want to know exactly which types of alcohol have the most.
The following have the highest levels of congeners:
The following alcohol types rank somewhere in the middle:
These are the “winners,” as far as “least hangover-inducing” alcohol types are concerned:
So what can you do to stay smart about congeners and lower your chances of ending up with a nasty hangover? Here are some ideas:
In the end, it can be helpful to see a frustrating experience like a hangover (whether or not congeners are to blame) as an opportunity. It’s easy to go about our routine on autopilot and forget to listen to our own intuition — specifically, what our body is trying to tell us. Try to see the unpleasant effects as a sign that maybe it’s time to shift gears a bit and change up your weekend routine. Do this in the spirit of curiosity, not judgment — it’s an opportunity to discover what works best for you!
It’s a morning-after mystery: you go out and have a few drinks, nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary, but then, out of nowhere, you wake up the next day with a killer hangover. If you’re wondering what’s up (and how to avoid this unpleasant surprise in the future), there are several suspects you need to know about — congeners.
You may have heard of them, but what are congeners exactly? Well, for one thing, these sneaky compounds might be the secret culprits behind our hangover woes. Which types of alcoholic drinks have them, and how did they get there in the first place? And if we’re sensitive to congeners, what’s the best alcohol for no hangover effects? Or, if “no hangover” isn’t an option, what’s the alcohol with the least hangover-inducing properties? Let’s find out!
Congeners, meaning “same kind,” are compounds in alcoholic beverages that add to the flavor and aroma of alcohol (and, yes, hangovers). They result from fermentation — the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol. Congeners are another byproduct of this reaction.
The amount of congeners depends on a few different factors:
Each type of congener is built a little differently, and there are actually lots of different types with different molecular structures:
The amount and types of congeners in alcohol types tends to be unique. In a way, congeners act as a particular drink’s molecular “fingerprint!”
In fact, analysis of the congeners present in a particular drink has been used as part of the so-called “hip flask defense.” Originating in Germany, this defense is an assertion that the alcohol a defendant was intoxicated with at the time of arrest was consumed after an accident rather than before it (i.e., “When the accident happened, the booze was still in my hip flask — I didn’t drink it until later, I promise!”).
Backing this claim up hinges on calculating blood alcohol levels and comparing the exact congener profile in the defendant’s system with that of the alleged drink in order to prove the timing and the type of alcohol consumed. Of course, there are several obvious holes in this type of defense. For one thing, just because our suspect had a gin and tonic 10 minutes after a crash didn’t mean they didn’t also throw one back half an hour before. Plus, if they consumed a mixture of different drinks — and let’s be honest, this isn’t such a stretch — there would be too many compounds in the “congener cocktail” to make sense of which ones corresponded to a particular drink.
Still, the fact that the “hip flask defense” exists at all is testament to the unique nature of a particular drink’s congener profile. But what does any of this have to do with hangovers?
Hangovers — those unfortunate reminders of the night before — come with a characteristic set of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, shakiness, fatigue, and overall malaise (Ugh!). To find out more about the timeline of hangovers and what causes them, check out our blog The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.
So where do congeners come in? In general, the reason congeners make hangovers worse has to do with the fact that the body has to break down the congeners in addition to the alcohol. Both processes release toxic byproducts. However, since the liver can only do so much at a time, the result is a buildup of toxins that are partially responsible for those oh-so-familiar hangover symptoms.
According to a Current Drug Abuse Reviews article, methanol in particular is a congener that can wreak the most havoc on the body. Methanol metabolism releases formic acid and formaldehyde — two highly toxic byproducts that will continue to cause damage in our system even hours later.
Here’s the breakdown of methanol in various alcohol types, according to “Alcohol Congener Analysis and the Source of Alcohol: A Review”:
However, the authors also point out a crucial fact to keep in mind: while it may be true that brandy or rum has more congeners than vodka, the latter is still very high in alcohol content. And when it comes to the intensity of a hangover, the amount of alcohol we consume — no matter what the levels of congeners it may have — is what ultimately makes the biggest difference.
Likewise, while congeners may play a role in hangovers, they don't seem to affect the level of impairment we experience as a result of drinking. The authors mention that “safety-sensitive performance that was affected by alcohol intoxication the previous night (vigilance with reaction time; ataxia) was not differentially affected by bourbon versus vodka.”
That said, if we’re sensitive to congeners, we might want to know exactly which types of alcohol have the most.
The following have the highest levels of congeners:
The following alcohol types rank somewhere in the middle:
These are the “winners,” as far as “least hangover-inducing” alcohol types are concerned:
So what can you do to stay smart about congeners and lower your chances of ending up with a nasty hangover? Here are some ideas:
In the end, it can be helpful to see a frustrating experience like a hangover (whether or not congeners are to blame) as an opportunity. It’s easy to go about our routine on autopilot and forget to listen to our own intuition — specifically, what our body is trying to tell us. Try to see the unpleasant effects as a sign that maybe it’s time to shift gears a bit and change up your weekend routine. Do this in the spirit of curiosity, not judgment — it’s an opportunity to discover what works best for you!
Do your blue eyes put you at greater risk for alcoholism? Check out our latest blog to find out if it’s a myth!
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!
The root cause of alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a mix of our unique biology, personal history, personality tendencies, and environment. It’s a whole coop of metaphorical chickens and eggs, without a clear way to tell which came first.
However, with the rise of genetic studies, there’s been lots of speculation about what traits may or may not be connected to alcohol use disorder (AUD). One claim? The supposed connection between blue eyes and AUD (and, more specifically, the link to higher alcohol tolerance).
While we can safely say that blue eyes don’t promise AUD in the future, could there be something to this connection? Do people with blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance? And are blue eyes, alcoholism, and tolerance somehow linked? Let’s explore!
To start, let’s take a brief look at what gives rise to eye color in the first place. It comes down to our DNA — the sequence of nucleotide molecules that work as templates for building our body’s proteins. Each stretch of three nucleotides corresponds to amino acids — the molecular building blocks of proteins. Other specialized mechanisms in our cells string these amino acids together according to the DNA template with each “gene” (a sequence of DNA) corresponding to a single protein.
In the case of eye color, the protein in question is located on the OCA2 gene, which codes for a protein that controls the production of melanin — a pigment responsible for dark eye color. Our irises contain organelles called melanosomes, which contain melanin. The more melanosomes (and melanin) we have, the darker our eyes look.
In the most general sense, geneticists consider dark eye color to be a dominant trait and light eye color to be recessive. Recessive traits show up if the offspring receives two copies from each parent, but in the case of a dominant-recessive combo, the dominant trait wins out.
For example, let’s take the flower color of peas — an example used by Gregor Mendel, who first described heritable traits. Purple is dominant, while white is recessive. As a result, a flower with two purple alleles (or with one purple and one white allele) will end up with purple flowers. The only way to get white flowers? Two copies of the white allele — an outcome that will be a lot more rare.
But wait a second, what about that brown-eyed kid your blue-eyed friend had with her blue-eyed husband? Before anyone rushes to any judgments (or calls Dr. Phil to ask for a paternity test), rest assured this doesn’t suggest anything untoward. As a Nature article on the genetics of eye color points out, there’s more than meets the eye here (pun intended). Additional genes play a role as well, making eye color a complex trait. As the authors of the article explain, there are many intermediate color possibilities — for example, green, hazel, and even albino eyes that lack pigment entirely — and many additional “major” and “minor” genes play a role in the process of giving our eyes their unique color.
What we do know, however, is that alcohol misuse has to do with the concepts of tolerance and dependence. While tolerance doesn’t always lead to dependence, the two are connected, and an increased ability to tolerate alcohol can lead to greater intake (possibly to the levels of misuse) and, eventually, a physical reliance (dependence) on the substance.
The mechanism behind tolerance and dependence is based on the way alcohol affects our brain — most notably the way it changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Drinking causes a brief boost in dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that fuels the brain’s reward circuit. It also increases the levels of GABA (a neurological sedative) while down-regulating its counterpart, glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). The result? A brief euphoric boost followed by sedation.
When it comes to what causes AUD, the genetics behind it are even more complex than those of eye color. In general, scientists agree that there are genetic and environmental factors at play, with many variables that make pinpointing an exact “cause” nearly impossible.
That said, there’s a definite genetic side to AUD. There are two major genes associated with it: ADH1B and ALDH2. Both have to do with alcohol metabolism — a process that happens in the liver and involves two main steps. The liver first breaks down ethanol into acetaldehyde — a compound that’s even more toxic than alcohol itself. The next step is breaking down acetaldehyde into harmless acetic acid, which is then ushered out of the body via the kidneys.
How do ADH1B and ALDH2 fit into the picture of alcohol tolerance, misuse, and dependence? Here’s the gist:
In addition to affecting alcohol metabolism, our genes might play a role in the actions of neurotransmitters involved in AUD — in particular, GABA. Some studies have suggested that variants in GABA receptors (proteins involved in neurotransmitter signaling) might make some folks more susceptible to the effects of booze. However, although this mechanism functions more clearly in other disorders (such as epilepsy), its role in AUD isn’t as clear-cut.
So what does any of this have to do with blue eyes? As far as actual genetic evidence is concerned, the connection is unclear. There is no official link between the genes involved in eye color and those responsible for the glitches in alcohol metabolism.
So is it all a myth then? Not quite. Although the link hasn’t been confirmed through genetic studies, it has been suggested in some observational studies, which point to a possible genetic connection that hasn’t been found yet.
A review article in Missouri Medicine titled “More than Meets the Eye: Eye Color and Alcoholism” focuses on research studies conducted on the subject. Here are the main takeaways:
As for the connection between blue eyes, alcohol tolerance, and the greater possibility of dependence as a result, there’s some research backing this theory up as well. In 2000, a group from Georgia State University found that melanin might increase the intensity of alcohol’s effects, making brown-eyed people feel it faster. Why? There are two possibilities:
After reading these studies and looking at your own blue eyes in the mirror — or into the blue eyes of someone you care about — it can be easy to panic. But don’t! It’s important to know how to interpret these types of findings.
For one thing, correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation. It’s true that scientists see a link and have a few theories about the biological mechanism behind it. Still, that’s all it is — a possible link.
Plus, when we’re talking about a complex issue such as AUD, there are many additional factors at play. Sure, there’s a genetic predisposition, and blue eyes might be one sign that something in our genes makes us a bit more likely to respond to alcohol differently, but that’s where it ends.
Many factors predispose us to alcohol misuse, even gender, but predispositions don’t make our choices for us. It makes sense to be aware of the risks, but other than that, we get to determine what role alcohol plays in our lives.
Ultimately, what “causes” AUD is the way we drink. And, if we’re vigilant about it and spot our patterns early on, we can get back in the driver’s seat and take charge of our trajectory.
No matter what your eye color is, here’s what you can do to stay safe:
All in all, AUD is a complex condition that involves genetic and environmental factors alike. Do blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance correlation, and is there a connection between blue eyes, alcohol dependence, and AUD? Possibly — but even if so, it’s only one out of the myriad components, many of which are entirely up to us. So whatever your eye color happens to be, enjoy your unique look and know that the future is entirely in your hands.
The root cause of alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a mix of our unique biology, personal history, personality tendencies, and environment. It’s a whole coop of metaphorical chickens and eggs, without a clear way to tell which came first.
However, with the rise of genetic studies, there’s been lots of speculation about what traits may or may not be connected to alcohol use disorder (AUD). One claim? The supposed connection between blue eyes and AUD (and, more specifically, the link to higher alcohol tolerance).
While we can safely say that blue eyes don’t promise AUD in the future, could there be something to this connection? Do people with blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance? And are blue eyes, alcoholism, and tolerance somehow linked? Let’s explore!
To start, let’s take a brief look at what gives rise to eye color in the first place. It comes down to our DNA — the sequence of nucleotide molecules that work as templates for building our body’s proteins. Each stretch of three nucleotides corresponds to amino acids — the molecular building blocks of proteins. Other specialized mechanisms in our cells string these amino acids together according to the DNA template with each “gene” (a sequence of DNA) corresponding to a single protein.
In the case of eye color, the protein in question is located on the OCA2 gene, which codes for a protein that controls the production of melanin — a pigment responsible for dark eye color. Our irises contain organelles called melanosomes, which contain melanin. The more melanosomes (and melanin) we have, the darker our eyes look.
In the most general sense, geneticists consider dark eye color to be a dominant trait and light eye color to be recessive. Recessive traits show up if the offspring receives two copies from each parent, but in the case of a dominant-recessive combo, the dominant trait wins out.
For example, let’s take the flower color of peas — an example used by Gregor Mendel, who first described heritable traits. Purple is dominant, while white is recessive. As a result, a flower with two purple alleles (or with one purple and one white allele) will end up with purple flowers. The only way to get white flowers? Two copies of the white allele — an outcome that will be a lot more rare.
But wait a second, what about that brown-eyed kid your blue-eyed friend had with her blue-eyed husband? Before anyone rushes to any judgments (or calls Dr. Phil to ask for a paternity test), rest assured this doesn’t suggest anything untoward. As a Nature article on the genetics of eye color points out, there’s more than meets the eye here (pun intended). Additional genes play a role as well, making eye color a complex trait. As the authors of the article explain, there are many intermediate color possibilities — for example, green, hazel, and even albino eyes that lack pigment entirely — and many additional “major” and “minor” genes play a role in the process of giving our eyes their unique color.
What we do know, however, is that alcohol misuse has to do with the concepts of tolerance and dependence. While tolerance doesn’t always lead to dependence, the two are connected, and an increased ability to tolerate alcohol can lead to greater intake (possibly to the levels of misuse) and, eventually, a physical reliance (dependence) on the substance.
The mechanism behind tolerance and dependence is based on the way alcohol affects our brain — most notably the way it changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Drinking causes a brief boost in dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that fuels the brain’s reward circuit. It also increases the levels of GABA (a neurological sedative) while down-regulating its counterpart, glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). The result? A brief euphoric boost followed by sedation.
When it comes to what causes AUD, the genetics behind it are even more complex than those of eye color. In general, scientists agree that there are genetic and environmental factors at play, with many variables that make pinpointing an exact “cause” nearly impossible.
That said, there’s a definite genetic side to AUD. There are two major genes associated with it: ADH1B and ALDH2. Both have to do with alcohol metabolism — a process that happens in the liver and involves two main steps. The liver first breaks down ethanol into acetaldehyde — a compound that’s even more toxic than alcohol itself. The next step is breaking down acetaldehyde into harmless acetic acid, which is then ushered out of the body via the kidneys.
How do ADH1B and ALDH2 fit into the picture of alcohol tolerance, misuse, and dependence? Here’s the gist:
In addition to affecting alcohol metabolism, our genes might play a role in the actions of neurotransmitters involved in AUD — in particular, GABA. Some studies have suggested that variants in GABA receptors (proteins involved in neurotransmitter signaling) might make some folks more susceptible to the effects of booze. However, although this mechanism functions more clearly in other disorders (such as epilepsy), its role in AUD isn’t as clear-cut.
So what does any of this have to do with blue eyes? As far as actual genetic evidence is concerned, the connection is unclear. There is no official link between the genes involved in eye color and those responsible for the glitches in alcohol metabolism.
So is it all a myth then? Not quite. Although the link hasn’t been confirmed through genetic studies, it has been suggested in some observational studies, which point to a possible genetic connection that hasn’t been found yet.
A review article in Missouri Medicine titled “More than Meets the Eye: Eye Color and Alcoholism” focuses on research studies conducted on the subject. Here are the main takeaways:
As for the connection between blue eyes, alcohol tolerance, and the greater possibility of dependence as a result, there’s some research backing this theory up as well. In 2000, a group from Georgia State University found that melanin might increase the intensity of alcohol’s effects, making brown-eyed people feel it faster. Why? There are two possibilities:
After reading these studies and looking at your own blue eyes in the mirror — or into the blue eyes of someone you care about — it can be easy to panic. But don’t! It’s important to know how to interpret these types of findings.
For one thing, correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation. It’s true that scientists see a link and have a few theories about the biological mechanism behind it. Still, that’s all it is — a possible link.
Plus, when we’re talking about a complex issue such as AUD, there are many additional factors at play. Sure, there’s a genetic predisposition, and blue eyes might be one sign that something in our genes makes us a bit more likely to respond to alcohol differently, but that’s where it ends.
Many factors predispose us to alcohol misuse, even gender, but predispositions don’t make our choices for us. It makes sense to be aware of the risks, but other than that, we get to determine what role alcohol plays in our lives.
Ultimately, what “causes” AUD is the way we drink. And, if we’re vigilant about it and spot our patterns early on, we can get back in the driver’s seat and take charge of our trajectory.
No matter what your eye color is, here’s what you can do to stay safe:
All in all, AUD is a complex condition that involves genetic and environmental factors alike. Do blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance correlation, and is there a connection between blue eyes, alcohol dependence, and AUD? Possibly — but even if so, it’s only one out of the myriad components, many of which are entirely up to us. So whatever your eye color happens to be, enjoy your unique look and know that the future is entirely in your hands.
Alcohol in the morning may seem like a great way to start our morning, but it can lead to serious consequences. Read this blog post to learn more about the consequences of morning drinks.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
From time to time, we may like to start our day off with a little buzz. A couple of mimosas or a Bloody Mary might just hit the spot for today. It’s the weekend; it won’t hurt. But then Monday rolls around, and we are craving some spirits to get us ready for the day. If I put a splash of Baileys in my coffee, would anyone know?
Keep reading to understand how an occasional drink can lead us down a dangerous path.
We might enjoy occasional breakfast drinks; alcohol can take the edge off a particularly stressful day, maybe the day of a wedding or funeral. Mimosas with friends may seem like the perfect start to the weekend. If we find ourselves habitually drinking cocktails in the morning, however, it might be a sign of alcohol dependence or misuse (more on that later!).
For now, let’s cover some reasons we might be drinking alcohol in the morning:
There are many reasons why people drink in the morning, so what’s the problem?
An occasional drink in the morning may seem harmless, but alcohol in the morning can have a significant impact on our day:
Drinking alcohol in the morning can impact our entire day, but it depends on the amount we drink and how often we drink in the morning. Not every person who consumes alcohol in the morning will experience all of the things listed above, but it is important to understand the risks of consuming morning alcoholic drinks.
There are several risks associated with drinking alcohol in the morning. Aside from affecting our entire day, morning drinking can lead to serious damage to our overall health and well-being.
Beginning our mornings drinking alcohol can lead to unhealthy habits — like drinking all day. We might drink all day to avoid having a hangover in the middle of the day, but that cycle can just continue to avoid those alcohol side effects. As this cycle of drinking all or most of the day continues, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
AUD is defined as the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite the adverse effects drinking may be having on our social life, occupation, or health. It is important to be aware of the signs of AUD, such as drinking instead of meeting obligations or other responsibilities, drinking alone or in secrecy, or feeling hungover when not drinking. Check out this article from NIH for a more comprehensive list of signs we might be misusing alcohol.
Drinking alcohol to start our day probably means we’re drinking on an empty stomach. When we consume alcohol, it passes through our stomach and is absorbed in the small intestine. When our stomach is empty, the alcohol is absorbed or passed through more quickly. The faster the absorption of the alcohol, the more intense we will feel the effects of drinking. Drinking without food in our stomach can lead to more damage to our stomach, liver, or esophagus.
Morning drinking can easily start a domino effect on our health. First, we have one drink at breakfast. Then one at lunch. Then a few at happy hour. Then one to wind down for the night. Starting in the morning can quickly lead to chronic alcohol use, which can lead to a host of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, cancers, or mental health issues. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt our sleep, and sleep problems can lead to further general and mental health problems. And as much as it affects our health, it also affects our relationships, work, and all other aspects of our life.
Consuming morning alcohol can decrease our alertness and slow our reaction times. With less awareness and mobility, our chances of accidents and injury increase. If we get behind the wheel or have to complete physical labor at work, we are putting ourselves at greater risk of injuring ourselves or others, which puts us at greater risk of losing our job, getting sued, getting a DWI, going to jail, and all the other dominoes that might fall.
The risks associated with morning drinking can negatively affect our lives. Let’s discover some ways to stop our morning drinking and prevent some harmful behaviors.
Stopping drinking is not easy, but there are so many benefits that accompany sobriety. Let’s review some tips on how we can stop drinking in the morning.
Drinking in the morning can lead to unhealthy habits, increase our likelihood of accidents, or start the cycle of alcohol misuse or AUD. No matter the reason we are drinking in the morning, if it becomes a habit, we can put ourselves in harm's way.
From time to time, we may like to start our day off with a little buzz. A couple of mimosas or a Bloody Mary might just hit the spot for today. It’s the weekend; it won’t hurt. But then Monday rolls around, and we are craving some spirits to get us ready for the day. If I put a splash of Baileys in my coffee, would anyone know?
Keep reading to understand how an occasional drink can lead us down a dangerous path.
We might enjoy occasional breakfast drinks; alcohol can take the edge off a particularly stressful day, maybe the day of a wedding or funeral. Mimosas with friends may seem like the perfect start to the weekend. If we find ourselves habitually drinking cocktails in the morning, however, it might be a sign of alcohol dependence or misuse (more on that later!).
For now, let’s cover some reasons we might be drinking alcohol in the morning:
There are many reasons why people drink in the morning, so what’s the problem?
An occasional drink in the morning may seem harmless, but alcohol in the morning can have a significant impact on our day:
Drinking alcohol in the morning can impact our entire day, but it depends on the amount we drink and how often we drink in the morning. Not every person who consumes alcohol in the morning will experience all of the things listed above, but it is important to understand the risks of consuming morning alcoholic drinks.
There are several risks associated with drinking alcohol in the morning. Aside from affecting our entire day, morning drinking can lead to serious damage to our overall health and well-being.
Beginning our mornings drinking alcohol can lead to unhealthy habits — like drinking all day. We might drink all day to avoid having a hangover in the middle of the day, but that cycle can just continue to avoid those alcohol side effects. As this cycle of drinking all or most of the day continues, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
AUD is defined as the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite the adverse effects drinking may be having on our social life, occupation, or health. It is important to be aware of the signs of AUD, such as drinking instead of meeting obligations or other responsibilities, drinking alone or in secrecy, or feeling hungover when not drinking. Check out this article from NIH for a more comprehensive list of signs we might be misusing alcohol.
Drinking alcohol to start our day probably means we’re drinking on an empty stomach. When we consume alcohol, it passes through our stomach and is absorbed in the small intestine. When our stomach is empty, the alcohol is absorbed or passed through more quickly. The faster the absorption of the alcohol, the more intense we will feel the effects of drinking. Drinking without food in our stomach can lead to more damage to our stomach, liver, or esophagus.
Morning drinking can easily start a domino effect on our health. First, we have one drink at breakfast. Then one at lunch. Then a few at happy hour. Then one to wind down for the night. Starting in the morning can quickly lead to chronic alcohol use, which can lead to a host of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, cancers, or mental health issues. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt our sleep, and sleep problems can lead to further general and mental health problems. And as much as it affects our health, it also affects our relationships, work, and all other aspects of our life.
Consuming morning alcohol can decrease our alertness and slow our reaction times. With less awareness and mobility, our chances of accidents and injury increase. If we get behind the wheel or have to complete physical labor at work, we are putting ourselves at greater risk of injuring ourselves or others, which puts us at greater risk of losing our job, getting sued, getting a DWI, going to jail, and all the other dominoes that might fall.
The risks associated with morning drinking can negatively affect our lives. Let’s discover some ways to stop our morning drinking and prevent some harmful behaviors.
Stopping drinking is not easy, but there are so many benefits that accompany sobriety. Let’s review some tips on how we can stop drinking in the morning.
Drinking in the morning can lead to unhealthy habits, increase our likelihood of accidents, or start the cycle of alcohol misuse or AUD. No matter the reason we are drinking in the morning, if it becomes a habit, we can put ourselves in harm's way.
Scientists say hungover drinking can be just as dangerous as drunk driving (yes, really). Discover the drawbacks of driving after drinking in today’s blog post.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds 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 raise a glass to your best friend, toasting another trip around the sun. Everyone cheers and throws back tequila shots. The night becomes a blur of bars, Uber rides, and just-one-more drinks. Yeah, it’s a Thursday, but it’s also your best friend’s birthday. What are you supposed to do?
The next morning, you’ve traded pounding club music for a pounding headache. You groan and drag yourself around the house, going through the motions of getting ready for work. It’s been hours since that last beer, but your head keeps swirling. You start to worry. Today is that huge pitch meeting — you’ve got to get to the office.
You slide behind the wheel and ask yourself: “Can I drive the morning after drinking?”
First, we have to understand that alcohol affects everyone differently. One friend falls asleep after three cocktails, while another seems lucid no matter how much they imbibe. The same is true for how our body processes all those drinks. While some people never experience a hangover, others feel sick all day. We owe these variations to biological and environmental factors.
After a night out, our liver converts those glasses of champagne and whiskey into carbon dioxide and water. (Want more in-depth information on these metabolic processes? Check out the details in our article about how alcohol is metabolized.)
How alcohol affects us is determined by the following individual differences:
In-the-moment decisions like what we eat and how quickly we drink also impact the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol. For example, eating closes the valve between the stomach and small intestine. The fattier the food, the longer the link is severed, slowing digestion, alcohol absorption, and intoxication. Certain medications intensify alcohol’s effects, too, making you feel drunker faster.
These factors will influence your driving ability come morning.
So, let’s talk timeline. As soon as “real life” and responsibilities come back into the picture, you might start to wonder, “How many hours after I drink can I drive?” Our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) hits its peak 30 to 90 minutes after we finish our last drink. After that point, it decreases by around 0.015% each hour. A good rule of thumb is to remember that our body can only metabolize one drink per hour. We define one standard drink as a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce pour of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor. (Some establishments may give you a heavy pour, resulting in more than one unit of alcohol per mixed drink).
When we drink multiple beverages back to back, the excess alcohol circulates in our bloodstream. The result? We experience the effects of intoxication — that is, until our liver filters out enough of the residual alcohol. That process can take up to 12 hours. After the 12-hour mark, we may still find ourselves impaired — this time by severe hangover symptoms.
We do the right thing and get an Uber or cab home after a night of drinking. All that alcohol will wear off in time for work in the morning … right? We ask ourselves, “How many hours after drinking can I drive?” Maybe we’ll feel better after a few hours in bed? Not necessarily. Our liver obeys the one-drink-per-hour rule no matter how we spend our time, so “sleeping it off” is a myth. Coffee won’t help, either.
Even after a full night’s rest, we might still be intoxicated. Our body works hard to expel every trace of alcohol, but it can only do so much. If we drink until 3:00 a.m., for example, there’s not enough time to process a half-dozen beers before we drive to work. We’ll find ourselves under the influence when our alarm goes off. And that can have big implications for our next-day responsibilities.
Alcohol affects our ability to make good decisions, and it also impairs our physical coordination. Before driving under the influence, consider these effects of alcohol on the brain.
Waiting might not be enough to drive safely the morning after drinking. Psychological studies show that we’re just as impaired with a hangover.
Yes, driving hungover can be very similar to driving drunk.
Researchers have documented the effects of hangovers on simulated driving exercises. Study participants who drove the morning after drinking performed poorly. Their attention lapsed more often and for longer than in alcohol-free trials. When asked, those contributors characterized their hungover driving as less safe, predictable, wise, and responsible.
Building on this study, another team of psychologists examined the impact of hangovers on work commutes. Hungover participants struggled to successfully complete the simulation, even without residual alcohol in their systems. They broke traffic laws, lost control, and failed to pay attention. Their impairment was equivalent to intoxication at a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08%.
If you’re hungover, don’t drive! Don’t risk it — give your body more time to recover.
So, how long after drinking can you drive? The answer depends on three factors.
Consider the following before you put the key in the ignition:
Ultimately, the only way to get alcohol out of your system is to wait. You can’t rush the process with a cold plunge, steaming cup of coffee, or long night’s sleep. While intoxication will likely pass within 12 hours, you may be stuck with a hangover for a full 24 (or longer).
You know your body better than anyone, so be honest with yourself: are you ready to drive, or do you just want to get somewhere on time? Always wait until you feel 100% to get behind the wheel again!
Alcohol doesn’t run your life — you do. If you’re tired of nights out affecting your work days, Reframe can help. Our evidence-based platform has everything you need to cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether. Ready to experience world-class coaching, a caring community, and in-app accountability? Download Reframe through the App Store or Google Play today!
You raise a glass to your best friend, toasting another trip around the sun. Everyone cheers and throws back tequila shots. The night becomes a blur of bars, Uber rides, and just-one-more drinks. Yeah, it’s a Thursday, but it’s also your best friend’s birthday. What are you supposed to do?
The next morning, you’ve traded pounding club music for a pounding headache. You groan and drag yourself around the house, going through the motions of getting ready for work. It’s been hours since that last beer, but your head keeps swirling. You start to worry. Today is that huge pitch meeting — you’ve got to get to the office.
You slide behind the wheel and ask yourself: “Can I drive the morning after drinking?”
First, we have to understand that alcohol affects everyone differently. One friend falls asleep after three cocktails, while another seems lucid no matter how much they imbibe. The same is true for how our body processes all those drinks. While some people never experience a hangover, others feel sick all day. We owe these variations to biological and environmental factors.
After a night out, our liver converts those glasses of champagne and whiskey into carbon dioxide and water. (Want more in-depth information on these metabolic processes? Check out the details in our article about how alcohol is metabolized.)
How alcohol affects us is determined by the following individual differences:
In-the-moment decisions like what we eat and how quickly we drink also impact the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol. For example, eating closes the valve between the stomach and small intestine. The fattier the food, the longer the link is severed, slowing digestion, alcohol absorption, and intoxication. Certain medications intensify alcohol’s effects, too, making you feel drunker faster.
These factors will influence your driving ability come morning.
So, let’s talk timeline. As soon as “real life” and responsibilities come back into the picture, you might start to wonder, “How many hours after I drink can I drive?” Our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) hits its peak 30 to 90 minutes after we finish our last drink. After that point, it decreases by around 0.015% each hour. A good rule of thumb is to remember that our body can only metabolize one drink per hour. We define one standard drink as a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce pour of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor. (Some establishments may give you a heavy pour, resulting in more than one unit of alcohol per mixed drink).
When we drink multiple beverages back to back, the excess alcohol circulates in our bloodstream. The result? We experience the effects of intoxication — that is, until our liver filters out enough of the residual alcohol. That process can take up to 12 hours. After the 12-hour mark, we may still find ourselves impaired — this time by severe hangover symptoms.
We do the right thing and get an Uber or cab home after a night of drinking. All that alcohol will wear off in time for work in the morning … right? We ask ourselves, “How many hours after drinking can I drive?” Maybe we’ll feel better after a few hours in bed? Not necessarily. Our liver obeys the one-drink-per-hour rule no matter how we spend our time, so “sleeping it off” is a myth. Coffee won’t help, either.
Even after a full night’s rest, we might still be intoxicated. Our body works hard to expel every trace of alcohol, but it can only do so much. If we drink until 3:00 a.m., for example, there’s not enough time to process a half-dozen beers before we drive to work. We’ll find ourselves under the influence when our alarm goes off. And that can have big implications for our next-day responsibilities.
Alcohol affects our ability to make good decisions, and it also impairs our physical coordination. Before driving under the influence, consider these effects of alcohol on the brain.
Waiting might not be enough to drive safely the morning after drinking. Psychological studies show that we’re just as impaired with a hangover.
Yes, driving hungover can be very similar to driving drunk.
Researchers have documented the effects of hangovers on simulated driving exercises. Study participants who drove the morning after drinking performed poorly. Their attention lapsed more often and for longer than in alcohol-free trials. When asked, those contributors characterized their hungover driving as less safe, predictable, wise, and responsible.
Building on this study, another team of psychologists examined the impact of hangovers on work commutes. Hungover participants struggled to successfully complete the simulation, even without residual alcohol in their systems. They broke traffic laws, lost control, and failed to pay attention. Their impairment was equivalent to intoxication at a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08%.
If you’re hungover, don’t drive! Don’t risk it — give your body more time to recover.
So, how long after drinking can you drive? The answer depends on three factors.
Consider the following before you put the key in the ignition:
Ultimately, the only way to get alcohol out of your system is to wait. You can’t rush the process with a cold plunge, steaming cup of coffee, or long night’s sleep. While intoxication will likely pass within 12 hours, you may be stuck with a hangover for a full 24 (or longer).
You know your body better than anyone, so be honest with yourself: are you ready to drive, or do you just want to get somewhere on time? Always wait until you feel 100% to get behind the wheel again!
Alcohol doesn’t run your life — you do. If you’re tired of nights out affecting your work days, Reframe can help. Our evidence-based platform has everything you need to cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether. Ready to experience world-class coaching, a caring community, and in-app accountability? Download Reframe through the App Store or Google Play today!
Ever wonder just how much your dog understands about you? Check out our latest blog to find out if your dog knows when you’ve been drinking (and if they have opinions)!
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 hundreds 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 come home later than expected after a Sunday funday, and your dog gives you a funny look. You apologize to your furry friend for making her wait this long for a walk. As you head out the door with her pulling at the leash, a thought dawns on you, “Does my dog know that I’ve been drinking? Does she recognize the smell of alcohol or notice any changes in my behavior?”
If you’ve wondered this, you’re not alone. Let’s dive in together to learn how our drinking can affect our furry friends.
It may come as a surprise to find out that yes, dogs can tell if we’ve been drinking! Our canine companions are actually very sensitive when it comes to detecting if we had a few beers at happy hour.
How can our dog tell if we’ve quaffed one or two too many?
Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. That’s pretty impressive, right? Dogs can detect the faintest of odors, including those produced by alcohol metabolites in our body and those lingering on our breath. In other words, if we can smell a faint hint of alcohol on our own breath, imagine how much this smell is heightened for our scent-sensitive dog.
Furthermore, when we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolize it into various byproducts, including compounds like ethanol and acetaldehyde. These compounds are excreted through breath, sweat, and skin, creating detectable odors that dogs can pick up.
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in our behavior and body language. Ever notice how dogs seem to intuitively know when we’re upset or sad? The same goes for our acting differently when we’re drinking or drunk.
Dogs may notice subtle differences in our movements, speech patterns, and interactions after we’ve consumed alcohol, clueing them in to our altered state. Perhaps we’re a bit uncoordinated with our movements, we’re talking louder than usual, or we absentmindedly leave the TV or radio blaring all night. Remember that our dogs are also sharing the environment we create, whether good or bad.
Keep in mind that many dogs have gone through some type of training — some of which may be specialized. For example, some dogs are specifically trained to detect the scent of alcohol as part of their roles in law enforcement or search and rescue operations. Although not all dogs go through such rigorous training, those that are trained to smell alcohol may show signs of concern, curiosity, or even avoidance when they sense the presence of alcohol around them. Rescue dogs or adopted pets may also have a history related to alcohol that we may not be aware of.
Dogs are typically very detail-oriented, and they grow accustomed to a certain daily ritual and sense of order. For example, if we typically feed our dog in the morning around 9 and walk our dog in the afternoon around 5, they will notice something is off when we deviate from this routine. Did we sleep in later than expected because we were hungover from a late night of drinking? Did we forget to refill their water bowl before we passed out? Oops. Our dog will notice and may wonder whether something’s wrong.
We certainly don’t want to upset our furry friends, but we all make mistakes once in a while. Yet we may find ourselves wondering if we are a neglectful dog owner because of our drinking habits. Let’s look at some signs that our dog may be feeling neglected.
Being a conscientious pet parent means we should always be aware of how our behavior could affect our pets. Here are some common signs that our pet might be feeling neglected due to our drinking patterns.
If you’re relating to any of these points, you may want to take a look at switching up your drinking habits. Check out this blog for some motivational tips on how to get started on making healthy changes.
Speaking of healthy changes, if you’re ready to make some better choices to ensure you’re an amazing pet parent, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Being a better pet owner is one of many benefits to cutting back on alcohol. If you’re curious about reexamining your drinking habits, it’s never too late to start.
Although our dog isn’t judging us for getting drunk, our drinking habits do affect our canine companion. Now that we’re aware of the impact a tipsy evening can have on our four-legged friend, we have some extra motivation to be a more conscientious pet parent when it comes to our drinking habits. Our dog will definitely thank us for it!
You come home later than expected after a Sunday funday, and your dog gives you a funny look. You apologize to your furry friend for making her wait this long for a walk. As you head out the door with her pulling at the leash, a thought dawns on you, “Does my dog know that I’ve been drinking? Does she recognize the smell of alcohol or notice any changes in my behavior?”
If you’ve wondered this, you’re not alone. Let’s dive in together to learn how our drinking can affect our furry friends.
It may come as a surprise to find out that yes, dogs can tell if we’ve been drinking! Our canine companions are actually very sensitive when it comes to detecting if we had a few beers at happy hour.
How can our dog tell if we’ve quaffed one or two too many?
Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. That’s pretty impressive, right? Dogs can detect the faintest of odors, including those produced by alcohol metabolites in our body and those lingering on our breath. In other words, if we can smell a faint hint of alcohol on our own breath, imagine how much this smell is heightened for our scent-sensitive dog.
Furthermore, when we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolize it into various byproducts, including compounds like ethanol and acetaldehyde. These compounds are excreted through breath, sweat, and skin, creating detectable odors that dogs can pick up.
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in our behavior and body language. Ever notice how dogs seem to intuitively know when we’re upset or sad? The same goes for our acting differently when we’re drinking or drunk.
Dogs may notice subtle differences in our movements, speech patterns, and interactions after we’ve consumed alcohol, clueing them in to our altered state. Perhaps we’re a bit uncoordinated with our movements, we’re talking louder than usual, or we absentmindedly leave the TV or radio blaring all night. Remember that our dogs are also sharing the environment we create, whether good or bad.
Keep in mind that many dogs have gone through some type of training — some of which may be specialized. For example, some dogs are specifically trained to detect the scent of alcohol as part of their roles in law enforcement or search and rescue operations. Although not all dogs go through such rigorous training, those that are trained to smell alcohol may show signs of concern, curiosity, or even avoidance when they sense the presence of alcohol around them. Rescue dogs or adopted pets may also have a history related to alcohol that we may not be aware of.
Dogs are typically very detail-oriented, and they grow accustomed to a certain daily ritual and sense of order. For example, if we typically feed our dog in the morning around 9 and walk our dog in the afternoon around 5, they will notice something is off when we deviate from this routine. Did we sleep in later than expected because we were hungover from a late night of drinking? Did we forget to refill their water bowl before we passed out? Oops. Our dog will notice and may wonder whether something’s wrong.
We certainly don’t want to upset our furry friends, but we all make mistakes once in a while. Yet we may find ourselves wondering if we are a neglectful dog owner because of our drinking habits. Let’s look at some signs that our dog may be feeling neglected.
Being a conscientious pet parent means we should always be aware of how our behavior could affect our pets. Here are some common signs that our pet might be feeling neglected due to our drinking patterns.
If you’re relating to any of these points, you may want to take a look at switching up your drinking habits. Check out this blog for some motivational tips on how to get started on making healthy changes.
Speaking of healthy changes, if you’re ready to make some better choices to ensure you’re an amazing pet parent, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Being a better pet owner is one of many benefits to cutting back on alcohol. If you’re curious about reexamining your drinking habits, it’s never too late to start.
Although our dog isn’t judging us for getting drunk, our drinking habits do affect our canine companion. Now that we’re aware of the impact a tipsy evening can have on our four-legged friend, we have some extra motivation to be a more conscientious pet parent when it comes to our drinking habits. Our dog will definitely thank us for it!
