Why Do I Get Drunk So Quickly?

[Tom9348]

I am a 25 year old, relatively big guy from years of heavy weightlifting, however, alcohol seems to make me drunk quicker than guys way skinnier than myself. Now if I have got quite a lot of food on my stomach, I can drink about 4 pints before I feel really tipsy, but if I’ve only got a normal amount of food on my stomach I’ll feel buzzed after two pints. How come I get drunk so quick?

[andy-hughes]

Alcohol tolerance is not necessarily influenced by physical size, or always by food intake.

Physiology varies, and tolerance to toxins varies with it.

[Buenchico]

A useful starting point:
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=understanding-alcohols-effects-1-2860

[Hopkirk]

Think of it as a bonus, cheaper to get the buzz.

[bobbinwales]

That sounds no diffrent to me. If you need the volume then drink tapwater aswelll.... or throw in the odd alcohol free. ... I drunk a lovely of Guiness the other day until someone pointed out it was 0%

[andy-hughes]

Just on the subject of alcohol-free - does it taste as good, or do people put up with it to avoid the taunting of their fellow drinkers who don't approve of their abstinence?

[Peter Pedant]

well this is on the internet.

Muscle has more water than fat, so alcohol will be diluted more in a person with more muscle tissue. Women are also thought to have less of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks down alcohol, so they will get drunk more easily. Dr Nick Knight told Newsbeat: "Age can affect how you process alcohol too.

BUT

I am sure there is an opinion oout there that says weightlifter can drink a bottle or two and walk in a straight line.

[douglas9401]

Re alcohol free, it's come on a great deal since the days of Hemeling. :-)

[andy-hughes]

Fair enough - but do people drink it as a choice, or is it mostly to 'pretend', and save being taunted?

[douglas9401]

If 'people' are like me they like the taste and they're driving, otherwise it's the real thing.

[bobbinwales]

no, but now id be happy to do mty turn as designated driver and drinka good 0% guiness or peroni drink rather than put up with lemonades or tonics

[andy-hughes]

Ok, thanks.

I know it's an individual choice, just curious.

[bobbinwales]

taunting never comes into it for my group but maybe its diffrent in your circle andy

[royfromaus]

What do you feel like after, say 12 pints?

[fiveleaves]

Alcohol tolerance varies enormously from person to person. When I was your age I would usually be ok up to 5 or 6 pints, nowadays I would be stewed after 3. All sorts of other factors come into play eg speed of alcohol consumption, food intake, your mood at the time, your general health, your metabolism, whether you are taking any medication.

[DTCwordfan]

Just give up, really it isn't necessary and think of the dosh you will save....focus on bonking instead....

[Tilly2]

Do you not drink now. DTC?

[DTCwordfan]

I don't drink, Tilly, I gulp - seriously in moderation.....

[andy-hughes]

Bob, I am going back over forty years, when all 'real men' drank beer, and those who didn't pretended to, to save face.

I am confident the world has moved on, but since I don't socialise in pubs, I just wanted some input from those who do.

I have always been teetotal, and strangers who tried to taunt me quickly came off worse - verbally of course.

[DTCwordfan]

and those who are suspended.....

I'll agree that pubs are not all that they are cracked up to be - give me a really good dinner at home and craic around the table to a bottle or three....

[andy-hughes]

DTC - I have no idea what your reference to suspension means.

But since it is on your mind - and hopefully retrocop will read thus in view of his recent barbs on the subject -

In all my years as a Moderator, I have only ever suspended one AB'er in the early hours when he was the worse for alcohol, and in danger of getting himself banned. He was reinstated by the Editor a couple of days later.

Ok. Back to the OP ...