Everyone is different, and we all have different tolerances when it comes to eating and drinking items. One tolerance that is often discussed is alcohol tolerance. In this blog, we’re answering the question, how does increased alcohol tolerance affect a person?
What is alcohol tolerance?
Put simply, alcohol tolerance is the level at which alcohol affects a person. For some people, the tolerance is low, meaning that it might only take a couple of alcoholic drinks for them to feel the effects. In contrast, some people have a higher tolerance, so they may be able to consume more alcohol before it begins to have a significant impact on them.
Alcohol tolerances can change over time based on different factors, such as the amount you regularly drink and your age.
The drinking culture in the UK means that many people see a high alcohol tolerance as a good thing; however, it can actually be the opposite.
Alcohol tolerance is different to dependence. Tolerance refers to needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effects, whereas dependence refers to someone who has a psychological or physical need for alcohol. It’s vital that you seek support for excessive alcohol use.
What are the risks of a higher tolerance?
A high alcohol tolerance comes with risks, as does drinking alcohol regardless of your tolerance levels. Alcohol consumption can change the way we think and behave, meaning that we may be more likely to make risky decisions, which can impact ourselves and others. Here are some of the risks of a high alcohol tolerance.
- It can encourage people to drink more alcohol
- It can lead to alcohol dependence
- It can affect how we perform physically and emotionally
- It can cause medication to be ineffective
- It can cause damage to organs
- It can increase the risk of side effects from other drugs
- It can increase the risk of alcoholism
How does a tolerance to alcohol develop?
There are many ways that a person can end up with a higher alcohol tolerance. When a person frequently drinks more alcohol, their brain functions change to accommodate this. After excessive alcohol consumption, it’s common for a person to feel different and maybe act a little more confident. However, someone with a high tolerance may drink excessively and not display these same behaviours. This occurs as their brain function has adjusted. Read our blog on high-functioning alcoholism.
What are the different types of functional tolerance?
When people develop a higher alcohol tolerance, they often experience fewer of the negative symptoms. For example, they may be unlikely to experience as severe hangover symptoms. Here are the different types of tolerance.
- Acute tolerance
- Functional tolerance
- Learned tolerance
- Metabolic tolerance
Is a higher tolerance linked to alcohol use disorders?
Having a higher alcohol tolerance can lead to people drinking more alcohol, as their bodies do not display the same negative side effects as quickly or even at all.
Drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can be extremely dangerous. It can cause physical dependence, organ damage, and even cause issues within your relationships and job.
How much alcohol can you drink?
According to Drinkaware, women and men should not exceed 14 units per week; if they do, this should be spread over three or more days. They should also avoid binge drinking alcohol. Binge drinking refers to drinking a lot during a single drinking session. This can lead to a high blood alcohol level and often can increase the risks of alcohol related problems. Read more about grey area drinking.
What are the risks of drinking too much alcohol?
- Liver damage as the liver enzymes change
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol poisoning
- Slower reaction times
- Brain damage
- Digestive issues
- Weakened immune system
- Heart disease
What can I do about my tolerance?
The best advice depends on your personal circumstances. If you are not alcohol dependent, you should try to cut down on your alcohol use. This can reduce the risk of damage to your organs and reduce the chances of you developing an alcohol addiction.
For someone who suspects a physical dependence on alcohol, it’s vital that you seek professional advice. It would not be a good idea for you to stop drinking altogether, as this can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Instead, speak to a professional who can provide medical supervision.
How do I know if I have a dependence on alcohol?
There are some symptoms to look out for that may indicate a dependence on alcohol. Some of these can include the following.
- Thinking about alcohol a lot and planning activities around it
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as the shakes if you do not have alcohol
- Feeling as though you need a drink to get through the day
- Getting yourself into trouble because of drinking, eg saying things you don’t mean or participating in risky behaviours
- Having family members and friends talk to you about your drinking habits
- Experiencing problems in life that can be attributed to your alcohol consumption
Although it might be scary to ask for help with an alcohol addiction, it is the right thing to do. You will not be alone during the process. If necessary, we can organise a detox for you at one of our partner centres.
At Acquiesce, we use a range of proven techniques to help you identify your triggers and overcome your addiction. With our tools and techniques, you can live a healthier and happier life without alcohol.
We have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and have a fantastic success rate of 98%. Contact our admissions team today to see how we can help you.
