How Alcohol Makes Us Drunk and Why Hangovers Headaches: The Science Behind Alcohol Metabolism
- Haobam Pravinsen
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
How Alcohol Makes Us Drunk and Why Hangovers Headaches: The Science Behind Alcohol Metabolism
Alcohol is widely consumed across cultures, whether it's to celebrate, relax, or socialize. But have you ever wondered how alcohol makes us drunk, why hangovers feel awful, or what happens inside the body when you drink too much? The answers lie in how alcohol interacts with our brain and how our liver works to break it down.
How Alcohol Makes Us Drunk
When you take a sip of beer, wine, or whiskey, alcohol (specifically ethanol) enters your bloodstream quickly—often within 10 to 20 minutes. It doesn't need to be digested like food; instead, it’s absorbed directly through the walls of your stomach and small intestine.
Once in the bloodstream:
Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain’s “calm down” chemical. Alcohol enhances its effect, making you feel relaxed and less inhibited.
At the same time, alcohol blocks glutamate, a neurotransmitter responsible for excitement and alertness—slowing down your thinking and reaction time.
It also triggers the release of dopamine, the “pleasure” chemical, which contributes to the initial euphoria.
As you drink more, these effects build up:
Slurred speech
Loss of coordination
Memory lapses
Poor judgment
And eventually, blackouts or unconsciousness in severe cases.
How the Liver Metabolizes Alcohol
The liver plays a central role in clearing alcohol from your system. But it can only process a limited amount per hour—typically about 1 standard drink (14 grams of pure alcohol).
Here’s how alcohol is metabolized:
Ethanol is broken down by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde is then quickly converted into a less harmful substance called acetate by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Acetate is eventually broken down into water and carbon dioxide, which are eliminated through urine, sweat, and breath.
But here's the problem:
Acetaldehyde is 10–30 times more toxic than alcohol itself.
If your liver can’t keep up with the conversion, acetaldehyde builds up, causing nausea, headaches, and flushing.
Some people (especially in East Asian populations) have a genetic variation that makes ALDH less effective. This leads to a condition known as alcohol flush reaction, where even small amounts of alcohol cause intense facial flushing and discomfort.
Why Hangover headache Happen
The dreaded hangover headache is a combination of biological, chemical, and behavioral factors that come into play after drinking too much.
Here's what causes it:
1. Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic—it makes you urinate more. This leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes, causing dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
2. Low Blood Sugar
Alcohol affects the liver's ability to produce glucose, leading to weakness, shakiness, and mood swings.
3. Sleep Disruption
While alcohol might make you fall asleep faster, it disrupts REM sleep, leading to poor-quality rest.
4. Acetaldehyde Buildup
As mentioned earlier, acetaldehyde is highly toxic and contributes to headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
5. Congeners
These are chemical byproducts formed during alcohol fermentation, especially in darker liquors like whiskey, brandy, and red wine. They worsen hangovers compared to clear alcohol like vodka or gin.
6. Stomach Irritation
Alcohol increases stomach acid and slows digestion, which causes bloating, vomiting, or acid reflux.
Why Some People Feel Worse Than Others
Body weight and gender play a role. Women generally have less water in their bodies, so alcohol is less diluted, leading to quicker intoxication.
Genetics can affect how fast or slow alcohol is metabolized.
Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to enter the bloodstream faster.
Mixing different types of alcohol, or drinking too fast, overloads the liver.
Tips to Reduce a Hangover (Prevention & Recovery)
Eat before drinking – Food slows down alcohol absorption.
Drink water between alcoholic drinks – Stay hydrated.
Avoid dark-colored liquors – Fewer congeners = lighter hangover.
Don’t mix – Stick to one type of alcohol.
Rest – Sleep helps the liver catch up and repair.
Electrolytes – Coconut water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration salts help restore balance.
Pain relief – Take paracetamol cautiously. Avoid ibuprofen if you have stomach irritation.
Conclusion: Respect Your Liver
Your liver is a powerful organ—but it has limits. Alcohol might give temporary pleasure, but excessive or chronic drinking leads to long-term damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and ultimately, cirrhosis—a point of no return.
Understanding how alcohol works inside your body helps you make smarter choices, enjoy responsibly, and avoid the unpleasant aftermath. So the next time you raise your glass, remember: moderation isn't just wise—it’s science-backed.
Comentarios