There are a couple of reasons why you can’t get drunk anymore, most times it is nothing serious and you don’t have to worry about it.
The most popular cause of this situation is that such a person has developed a tolerance to alcohol as a result of extended consumption. Tolerance happens when a person’s body adjusts to the presence of alcohol and hence no longer responds to it as it used to.
Tolerance can develop over weeks of regular drinking.
Why I Can’t Get Drunk Anymore
Some reasons why you may no longer get drunk anymore are
- Changes in metabolism
- Health conditions
- Medications
Changes in Metabolism
The way and process the body breaks down food and other substances, is known as metabolism. Metabolism slows down with age, hence one may not be able to process substance as fast and efficiently as it did when younger.
Heavy and prolonged liquor consumption can lead to metabolic intolerance which is the fast elimination of the substance from the body system. Prolonged use can make the liver more effective in the elimination of alcohol.
And this will result in less intoxicant in the body and as a result, reduce the effect of the intoxicant in the body. In other words, your body is quicker at eliminating it and its intoxicating properties.
In such a case to achieve intoxication one would have to drink in high amounts.
On the other hand, when you haven’t had liquor for a while your level of tolerance will reduce and your liver will become less efficient in alcohol “elimination” from the body.
Medications
Some medications can act on and affect how the body absorbs and metabolizes intoxicants and this can prevent or greatly reduce intoxication.
Health Conditions
Some health conditions can affect the ability of the body to process liquor, for example, liver disease.
But you don’t need to worry if you are not able to get intoxicated, you need not be concerned. It’s your body’s way of telling you that it has adapted to alcohol.
However, if you drink more than usual you will get intoxicated. So if you want to get drunk you would have to drink more alcohol to create the usual drunk effect.
But keep in mind that drinking too much can cause you to develop health-related problems.
Also, that you are not intoxicated doesn’t mean you won’t have alcohol-related health issues if you overindulge. You can seek medical attention if you are concerned about addiction.
Is There a Science Behind Why You Can’t Get Drunk Anymore?
You are in a bar having a couple of drinks with friends like you normally do, and you suddenly find out you have taken so much without getting drunk. No matter how many drinks you take you still can’t get intoxicated.
Well, this is the scientific explanation for this scenario, it can happen to anybody, and it is called alcohol tolerance.
This is the science behind it: when one takes alcohol it gets into the bloodstream and then the brain. From there it binds to receptors and the effect is seen in one’s behavior, mood, and cognition. For first-timers, the effect may be high, but the brain will eventually adapt to repeated use and its effects will then be minimal.
The brain adapts and this adaptation shows in the form of tolerance making you not react the same way unless you take in more. That means your brain tends to maintain its normal function even when alcohol is present.
When you’ve established a level of tolerance it may not be possible to get drunk. The only way you can reduce it once it is formed is to stop drinking for a while.
If you take a break for a while your levels may begin to decline. Gradually, your fears and feelings of not being able to get drunk will be relieved and you will be able to enjoy your drink again.
What Does It Mean When You Can’t Get Drunk?
When you can’t get drunk as you used to it is called tolerance. This is a situation whereby a certain amount of liquor that usually intoxicates you no longer does so.
This happens when your brain chemistry is changed by an intoxicant. Tolerance is usually not a serious condition but if you have concerns about addiction you can see your doctor.
Why is it Hard For Some People to Get Drunk?
Although tolerance is the main reason why some people experience intoxication more than others, there are a couple of factors that determine and play a role in the level of tolerance. Some of these factors are genetics, gender, and body weight.
Is There A Condition Called Alcohol Intolerance?
This happens when the body doesn’t possess the enzymes to break down toxins. This condition is usually genetic, these traits are found in some Asians.
In some cases, some ingredients used in the brewing process of these beverages can cause it.
Summary
Generally, tolerance is no cause for concern, it is simply your body chemistry changing to adapt to the effect of alcohol. And to get the usual feeling of intoxication you would have to consume more than you use to.
However, it is advisable to take it in moderation whether you are intoxicated or not. Too much consumption can cause health issues.
It is important to understand tolerance and the role it plays in drinking. If you keep drinking you will develop a certain level of it which would lead to you not being able to get drunk.
However, when you stop drinking for a while you can reset your alcohol tolerance and less amount than usual may intoxicate you. If you have stayed away from drinking for a while then you should drink less than you use to, so as to avoid intoxication.
Tolerance helps the brain function normally, it takes away the immediate side effects of alcohol and enables you to enjoy your drink without getting drunk.
