Why do I get so drunk?

Ever find yourself on your third drink and already sloshed? You might be frustrated by your low-tolerance but there are so many different factors that go behind the effects alcohol has on your body. These include you sex, age and even genetics. So there’s another thing you can thank mum and dad for. Let’s go through the different factors to answer the age old question - ‘why am I so drunk?’

Alcohol affects girls more 

We’re not just being sexist, there’s science to back it up. The average adult male is made up of 66% fluid, compared to 55% for women. This means any alcohol intake ends up being more diluted in the bloke’s body. As a result, women are likely to get so drunk while their male counterparts are still chugging. Unfortunately, one of the answers to ‘How to get more drunk’ is just be born a female.

You’re younger than 18 

Sensible drinking guidelines are aimed at people aged 18 and above. This is because we all mature at different rates, which includes your liver development, the organ that processes all the giggle juice you’re putting in your body. If you want to find out more about that process and the way alcohol affects your body, click here!

Your physical shape 

Your size, weight and height influence the effect of alcohol on your body. The bigger you are, the more blood you have in your body. This means that as you drink, the alcohol concentration in your bloodstream will rise at a slower rate than it does for your shorter boozing buddy.

You get so drunk because you don’t drink that often 

Drinking on a regular basis will let your mind and body become increasingly tolerant to alcohol. This means it gets used to the presence of booze and encourages you to drink more to feel the same effect. So if you’re drinking with someone who’s never had a pint before, chances are they’ll hit the floor before you can say: ‘same again, then?’ 

It might be all fun and games if you go out a couple of times a week, but if you’re binge drinking there is some serious cause for concern. Read more about it here.

You’re drinking alcohol which works fast 

Some alcoholic drinks work faster than others. For example, the body absorbs fizzy drinks such as alcopops, champagne or cider, quicker than the hard stuff like wine or whiskey. Also consider the percentage alcohol per volume of your chosen poison. The greater the percentage, the less you need to feel the effects.

You drink really quickly 

How to get more drunk? Down it. It’s pretty basic, the faster you drink, the quicker the effects kick in. But it may also take you by surprise. One minute you’re in a corner sipping and the next you’re on the table dancing. So pace yourself and avoid any embarrassment.

You haven’t eaten food 

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream via the stomach. So if you haven’t eaten, the drink could go straight to your head. Our advice? If you know you’re going to be drinking, eat a decent meal first to help slow down the absorption rate.

You’re in a bad mood 

Alcohol is a depressant drug, so if you’re down when you’re drinking then chances are you’ll wind up feeling worse. It can lead you to feel really low and do / say things you wouldn’t normally. If you want to find out more about depression and alcohol, you can click you can click here. 

On a serious note, when you feel down, even if your mates have planned a mad one, stay away from the booze and opt for a heart-to-heart instead.

Who you’re with 

The effects of drinking alcohol are more likely to be apparent if you’re mingling and drinking. This is because we tend to be more outwardly expressive around others. Just make sure you don’t end up saying anything you regret. 

Your menstrual cycle 

A lot of people will get more drunk a couple of days before they start their period. This is because it often takes longer for your body to deal with the alcohol in your system, along with all the other shit that’s going on.