What Does Being Drunk Feel Like?

Drinking alcohol is a popular social activity, but its impact on the body and mind is complex. The experience of being drunk involves a mix of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. This article explains how alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, outlines the stages of intoxication, and describes how blood alcohol concentration (BAC) influences drunkenness.

Key Takeaways

• Varied Experience: How being drunk feels differs from person to person.
• Stages of Intoxication: There are clear stages of drunkenness, each with unique emotional and physical effects.
• Health Risks: Drinking too much can cause serious health problems, including alcohol poisoning and long-term conditions.

Understanding the Experience of Being Drunk

The Science Behind Alcohol and the Brain

When alcohol enters your bloodstream, it travels to the brain and affects neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that help nerve cells communicate. Alcohol mainly influences GABA, which slows down brain activity, and glutamate, which excites it. By boosting GABA and blocking glutamate, alcohol produces relaxing and sedative effects.

The Stages of Intoxication

Drunkenness can be divided into stages, each tied to your BAC—the amount of alcohol in your blood.

• Sobriety or Low-Level Intoxication (BAC: 0.01–0.05%): You feel normal or slightly relaxed, with full control over your actions.
• Euphoria (BAC: 0.03–0.12%): You may feel more confident, talkative, and less reserved. This often happens after 1–3 drinks for women and 2–3 for men.
• Excitement (BAC: 0.09–0.25%): Emotions can become unstable, and coordination declines. Walking and speaking clearly become harder.
• Confusion (BAC: 0.18–0.30%): Memory blackouts and severe coordination loss are common. You might not remember events clearly.
• Stupor (BAC: 0.25–0.4%): You become unresponsive and face a high risk of choking or injury.
• Coma (BAC: 0.35–0.45%): Body functions slow dangerously, requiring immediate medical help.
• Death (BAC: 0.45% and above): This BAC level is often fatal due to organ failure.

Emotional and Physical Effects

At first, being drunk can feel euphoric and social, thanks to the release of dopamine and serotonin. But as you drink more, you may experience:

• Loss of coordination, slurred speech, and poor judgment
• Emotional swings, such as aggression or sadness
• Physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or alcohol poisoning

Duration of Effects

How long you feel drunk depends on your body size, age, sex, and health. Alcohol's effects usually peak within 15–45 minutes of drinking. Your liver processes about one unit of alcohol per hour—roughly 10 ml or 8 grams.

The Role of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

BAC measures the percentage of alcohol in your blood and is influenced by how much you drink, how fast, and personal factors like weight and metabolism. A higher BAC means stronger effects and greater impairment.

Social Context

Drinking in social settings can boost feelings of happiness and reduce anxiety. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making people feel more relaxed and outgoing. However, social pressure can also lead to risky behaviors like binge drinking or driving under the influence.

Health Risks of Excessive Drinking

Drinking too much can cause serious health problems, both immediately and over time.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition from drinking large amounts quickly. Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and unconsciousness. Get medical help right away if you suspect alcohol poisoning.

Long-Term Health Issues

Regular heavy drinking increases the risk of:

• Liver disease, including hepatitis and cirrhosis
• Cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and heart disease
• Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety

Building Healthier Drinking Habits

Knowing the effects and risks of alcohol can help you make safer choices. Try these tips:

• Set a drink limit and stick to it
• Drink water between alcoholic beverages
• Eat before you drink to slow alcohol absorption
• Avoid binge drinking by spacing out your drinks
• Know your tolerance and don’t exceed it

FAQs about Being Drunk

• What does being drunk feel like? It often starts with euphoria and sociability but can lead to confusion, poor coordination, and mood swings.
• What are the stages of being drunk? Stages range from sobriety to coma or death, each with specific symptoms linked to BAC.
• How long does drunkenness last? Effects can last a few hours or longer, depending on how much you drink and your body’s metabolism.
• What are the health risks of drinking? Risks include poor judgment, accidents, alcohol poisoning, and long-term issues like liver damage and mental health disorders.
• How can I build healthier drinking habits? Set limits, stay hydrated, eat before drinking, avoid binge drinking, and know your tolerance.

Understanding how alcohol affects you and recognizing the stages of intoxication can help you make smarter decisions about drinking and support healthier habits.