Do your blue eyes put you at greater risk for alcoholism? Check out our latest blog to find out if it’s a myth!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
The root cause of alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a mix of our unique biology, personal history, personality tendencies, and environment. It’s a whole coop of metaphorical chickens and eggs, without a clear way to tell which came first.
However, with the rise of genetic studies, there’s been lots of speculation about what traits may or may not be connected to alcohol use disorder (AUD). One claim? The supposed connection between blue eyes and AUD (and, more specifically, the link to higher alcohol tolerance).
While we can safely say that blue eyes don’t promise AUD in the future, could there be something to this connection? Do people with blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance? And are blue eyes, alcoholism, and tolerance somehow linked? Let’s explore!
To start, let’s take a brief look at what gives rise to eye color in the first place. It comes down to our DNA — the sequence of nucleotide molecules that work as templates for building our body’s proteins. Each stretch of three nucleotides corresponds to amino acids — the molecular building blocks of proteins. Other specialized mechanisms in our cells string these amino acids together according to the DNA template with each “gene” (a sequence of DNA) corresponding to a single protein.
In the case of eye color, the protein in question is located on the OCA2 gene, which codes for a protein that controls the production of melanin — a pigment responsible for dark eye color. Our irises contain organelles called melanosomes, which contain melanin. The more melanosomes (and melanin) we have, the darker our eyes look.
In the most general sense, geneticists consider dark eye color to be a dominant trait and light eye color to be recessive. Recessive traits show up if the offspring receives two copies from each parent, but in the case of a dominant-recessive combo, the dominant trait wins out.
For example, let’s take the flower color of peas — an example used by Gregor Mendel, who first described heritable traits. Purple is dominant, while white is recessive. As a result, a flower with two purple alleles (or with one purple and one white allele) will end up with purple flowers. The only way to get white flowers? Two copies of the white allele — an outcome that will be a lot more rare.
But wait a second, what about that brown-eyed kid your blue-eyed friend had with her blue-eyed husband? Before anyone rushes to any judgments (or calls Dr. Phil to ask for a paternity test), rest assured this doesn’t suggest anything untoward. As a Nature article on the genetics of eye color points out, there’s more than meets the eye here (pun intended). Additional genes play a role as well, making eye color a complex trait. As the authors of the article explain, there are many intermediate color possibilities — for example, green, hazel, and even albino eyes that lack pigment entirely — and many additional “major” and “minor” genes play a role in the process of giving our eyes their unique color.
What we do know, however, is that alcohol misuse has to do with the concepts of tolerance and dependence. While tolerance doesn’t always lead to dependence, the two are connected, and an increased ability to tolerate alcohol can lead to greater intake (possibly to the levels of misuse) and, eventually, a physical reliance (dependence) on the substance.
The mechanism behind tolerance and dependence is based on the way alcohol affects our brain — most notably the way it changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Drinking causes a brief boost in dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that fuels the brain’s reward circuit. It also increases the levels of GABA (a neurological sedative) while down-regulating its counterpart, glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). The result? A brief euphoric boost followed by sedation.
When it comes to what causes AUD, the genetics behind it are even more complex than those of eye color. In general, scientists agree that there are genetic and environmental factors at play, with many variables that make pinpointing an exact “cause” nearly impossible.
That said, there’s a definite genetic side to AUD. There are two major genes associated with it: ADH1B and ALDH2. Both have to do with alcohol metabolism — a process that happens in the liver and involves two main steps. The liver first breaks down ethanol into acetaldehyde — a compound that’s even more toxic than alcohol itself. The next step is breaking down acetaldehyde into harmless acetic acid, which is then ushered out of the body via the kidneys.
How do ADH1B and ALDH2 fit into the picture of alcohol tolerance, misuse, and dependence? Here’s the gist:
In addition to affecting alcohol metabolism, our genes might play a role in the actions of neurotransmitters involved in AUD — in particular, GABA. Some studies have suggested that variants in GABA receptors (proteins involved in neurotransmitter signaling) might make some folks more susceptible to the effects of booze. However, although this mechanism functions more clearly in other disorders (such as epilepsy), its role in AUD isn’t as clear-cut.
So what does any of this have to do with blue eyes? As far as actual genetic evidence is concerned, the connection is unclear. There is no official link between the genes involved in eye color and those responsible for the glitches in alcohol metabolism.
So is it all a myth then? Not quite. Although the link hasn’t been confirmed through genetic studies, it has been suggested in some observational studies, which point to a possible genetic connection that hasn’t been found yet.
A review article in Missouri Medicine titled “More than Meets the Eye: Eye Color and Alcoholism” focuses on research studies conducted on the subject. Here are the main takeaways:
As for the connection between blue eyes, alcohol tolerance, and the greater possibility of dependence as a result, there’s some research backing this theory up as well. In 2000, a group from Georgia State University found that melanin might increase the intensity of alcohol’s effects, making brown-eyed people feel it faster. Why? There are two possibilities:
After reading these studies and looking at your own blue eyes in the mirror — or into the blue eyes of someone you care about — it can be easy to panic. But don’t! It’s important to know how to interpret these types of findings.
For one thing, correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation. It’s true that scientists see a link and have a few theories about the biological mechanism behind it. Still, that’s all it is — a possible link.
Plus, when we’re talking about a complex issue such as AUD, there are many additional factors at play. Sure, there’s a genetic predisposition, and blue eyes might be one sign that something in our genes makes us a bit more likely to respond to alcohol differently, but that’s where it ends.
Many factors predispose us to alcohol misuse, even gender, but predispositions don’t make our choices for us. It makes sense to be aware of the risks, but other than that, we get to determine what role alcohol plays in our lives.
Ultimately, what “causes” AUD is the way we drink. And, if we’re vigilant about it and spot our patterns early on, we can get back in the driver’s seat and take charge of our trajectory.
No matter what your eye color is, here’s what you can do to stay safe:
All in all, AUD is a complex condition that involves genetic and environmental factors alike. Do blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance correlation, and is there a connection between blue eyes, alcohol dependence, and AUD? Possibly — but even if so, it’s only one out of the myriad components, many of which are entirely up to us. So whatever your eye color happens to be, enjoy your unique look and know that the future is entirely in your hands.
The root cause of alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a mix of our unique biology, personal history, personality tendencies, and environment. It’s a whole coop of metaphorical chickens and eggs, without a clear way to tell which came first.
However, with the rise of genetic studies, there’s been lots of speculation about what traits may or may not be connected to alcohol use disorder (AUD). One claim? The supposed connection between blue eyes and AUD (and, more specifically, the link to higher alcohol tolerance).
While we can safely say that blue eyes don’t promise AUD in the future, could there be something to this connection? Do people with blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance? And are blue eyes, alcoholism, and tolerance somehow linked? Let’s explore!
To start, let’s take a brief look at what gives rise to eye color in the first place. It comes down to our DNA — the sequence of nucleotide molecules that work as templates for building our body’s proteins. Each stretch of three nucleotides corresponds to amino acids — the molecular building blocks of proteins. Other specialized mechanisms in our cells string these amino acids together according to the DNA template with each “gene” (a sequence of DNA) corresponding to a single protein.
In the case of eye color, the protein in question is located on the OCA2 gene, which codes for a protein that controls the production of melanin — a pigment responsible for dark eye color. Our irises contain organelles called melanosomes, which contain melanin. The more melanosomes (and melanin) we have, the darker our eyes look.
In the most general sense, geneticists consider dark eye color to be a dominant trait and light eye color to be recessive. Recessive traits show up if the offspring receives two copies from each parent, but in the case of a dominant-recessive combo, the dominant trait wins out.
For example, let’s take the flower color of peas — an example used by Gregor Mendel, who first described heritable traits. Purple is dominant, while white is recessive. As a result, a flower with two purple alleles (or with one purple and one white allele) will end up with purple flowers. The only way to get white flowers? Two copies of the white allele — an outcome that will be a lot more rare.
But wait a second, what about that brown-eyed kid your blue-eyed friend had with her blue-eyed husband? Before anyone rushes to any judgments (or calls Dr. Phil to ask for a paternity test), rest assured this doesn’t suggest anything untoward. As a Nature article on the genetics of eye color points out, there’s more than meets the eye here (pun intended). Additional genes play a role as well, making eye color a complex trait. As the authors of the article explain, there are many intermediate color possibilities — for example, green, hazel, and even albino eyes that lack pigment entirely — and many additional “major” and “minor” genes play a role in the process of giving our eyes their unique color.
What we do know, however, is that alcohol misuse has to do with the concepts of tolerance and dependence. While tolerance doesn’t always lead to dependence, the two are connected, and an increased ability to tolerate alcohol can lead to greater intake (possibly to the levels of misuse) and, eventually, a physical reliance (dependence) on the substance.
The mechanism behind tolerance and dependence is based on the way alcohol affects our brain — most notably the way it changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Drinking causes a brief boost in dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that fuels the brain’s reward circuit. It also increases the levels of GABA (a neurological sedative) while down-regulating its counterpart, glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). The result? A brief euphoric boost followed by sedation.
When it comes to what causes AUD, the genetics behind it are even more complex than those of eye color. In general, scientists agree that there are genetic and environmental factors at play, with many variables that make pinpointing an exact “cause” nearly impossible.
That said, there’s a definite genetic side to AUD. There are two major genes associated with it: ADH1B and ALDH2. Both have to do with alcohol metabolism — a process that happens in the liver and involves two main steps. The liver first breaks down ethanol into acetaldehyde — a compound that’s even more toxic than alcohol itself. The next step is breaking down acetaldehyde into harmless acetic acid, which is then ushered out of the body via the kidneys.
How do ADH1B and ALDH2 fit into the picture of alcohol tolerance, misuse, and dependence? Here’s the gist:
In addition to affecting alcohol metabolism, our genes might play a role in the actions of neurotransmitters involved in AUD — in particular, GABA. Some studies have suggested that variants in GABA receptors (proteins involved in neurotransmitter signaling) might make some folks more susceptible to the effects of booze. However, although this mechanism functions more clearly in other disorders (such as epilepsy), its role in AUD isn’t as clear-cut.
So what does any of this have to do with blue eyes? As far as actual genetic evidence is concerned, the connection is unclear. There is no official link between the genes involved in eye color and those responsible for the glitches in alcohol metabolism.
So is it all a myth then? Not quite. Although the link hasn’t been confirmed through genetic studies, it has been suggested in some observational studies, which point to a possible genetic connection that hasn’t been found yet.
A review article in Missouri Medicine titled “More than Meets the Eye: Eye Color and Alcoholism” focuses on research studies conducted on the subject. Here are the main takeaways:
As for the connection between blue eyes, alcohol tolerance, and the greater possibility of dependence as a result, there’s some research backing this theory up as well. In 2000, a group from Georgia State University found that melanin might increase the intensity of alcohol’s effects, making brown-eyed people feel it faster. Why? There are two possibilities:
After reading these studies and looking at your own blue eyes in the mirror — or into the blue eyes of someone you care about — it can be easy to panic. But don’t! It’s important to know how to interpret these types of findings.
For one thing, correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation. It’s true that scientists see a link and have a few theories about the biological mechanism behind it. Still, that’s all it is — a possible link.
Plus, when we’re talking about a complex issue such as AUD, there are many additional factors at play. Sure, there’s a genetic predisposition, and blue eyes might be one sign that something in our genes makes us a bit more likely to respond to alcohol differently, but that’s where it ends.
Many factors predispose us to alcohol misuse, even gender, but predispositions don’t make our choices for us. It makes sense to be aware of the risks, but other than that, we get to determine what role alcohol plays in our lives.
Ultimately, what “causes” AUD is the way we drink. And, if we’re vigilant about it and spot our patterns early on, we can get back in the driver’s seat and take charge of our trajectory.
No matter what your eye color is, here’s what you can do to stay safe:
All in all, AUD is a complex condition that involves genetic and environmental factors alike. Do blue eyes have a higher alcohol tolerance correlation, and is there a connection between blue eyes, alcohol dependence, and AUD? Possibly — but even if so, it’s only one out of the myriad components, many of which are entirely up to us. So whatever your eye color happens to be, enjoy your unique look and know that the future is entirely in your hands.
What are congeners, and can they really make hangovers worse? Science says yes, they can — but it’s ultimately the total amount of alcohol we drink that matters more.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
It’s a morning-after mystery: you go out and have a few drinks, nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary, but then, out of nowhere, you wake up the next day with a killer hangover. If you’re wondering what’s up (and how to avoid this unpleasant surprise in the future), there are several suspects you need to know about — congeners.
You may have heard of them, but what are congeners exactly? Well, for one thing, these sneaky compounds might be the secret culprits behind our hangover woes. Which types of alcoholic drinks have them, and how did they get there in the first place? And if we’re sensitive to congeners, what’s the best alcohol for no hangover effects? Or, if “no hangover” isn’t an option, what’s the alcohol with the least hangover-inducing properties? Let’s find out!
Congeners, meaning “same kind,” are compounds in alcoholic beverages that add to the flavor and aroma of alcohol (and, yes, hangovers). They result from fermentation — the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol. Congeners are another byproduct of this reaction.
The amount of congeners depends on a few different factors:
Each type of congener is built a little differently, and there are actually lots of different types with different molecular structures:
The amount and types of congeners in alcohol types tends to be unique. In a way, congeners act as a particular drink’s molecular “fingerprint!”
In fact, analysis of the congeners present in a particular drink has been used as part of the so-called “hip flask defense.” Originating in Germany, this defense is an assertion that the alcohol a defendant was intoxicated with at the time of arrest was consumed after an accident rather than before it (i.e., “When the accident happened, the booze was still in my hip flask — I didn’t drink it until later, I promise!”).
Backing this claim up hinges on calculating blood alcohol levels and comparing the exact congener profile in the defendant’s system with that of the alleged drink in order to prove the timing and the type of alcohol consumed. Of course, there are several obvious holes in this type of defense. For one thing, just because our suspect had a gin and tonic 10 minutes after a crash didn’t mean they didn’t also throw one back half an hour before. Plus, if they consumed a mixture of different drinks — and let’s be honest, this isn’t such a stretch — there would be too many compounds in the “congener cocktail” to make sense of which ones corresponded to a particular drink.
Still, the fact that the “hip flask defense” exists at all is testament to the unique nature of a particular drink’s congener profile. But what does any of this have to do with hangovers?
Hangovers — those unfortunate reminders of the night before — come with a characteristic set of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, shakiness, fatigue, and overall malaise (Ugh!). To find out more about the timeline of hangovers and what causes them, check out our blog The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.
So where do congeners come in? In general, the reason congeners make hangovers worse has to do with the fact that the body has to break down the congeners in addition to the alcohol. Both processes release toxic byproducts. However, since the liver can only do so much at a time, the result is a buildup of toxins that are partially responsible for those oh-so-familiar hangover symptoms.
According to a Current Drug Abuse Reviews article, methanol in particular is a congener that can wreak the most havoc on the body. Methanol metabolism releases formic acid and formaldehyde — two highly toxic byproducts that will continue to cause damage in our system even hours later.
Here’s the breakdown of methanol in various alcohol types, according to “Alcohol Congener Analysis and the Source of Alcohol: A Review”:
However, the authors also point out a crucial fact to keep in mind: while it may be true that brandy or rum has more congeners than vodka, the latter is still very high in alcohol content. And when it comes to the intensity of a hangover, the amount of alcohol we consume — no matter what the levels of congeners it may have — is what ultimately makes the biggest difference.
Likewise, while congeners may play a role in hangovers, they don't seem to affect the level of impairment we experience as a result of drinking. The authors mention that “safety-sensitive performance that was affected by alcohol intoxication the previous night (vigilance with reaction time; ataxia) was not differentially affected by bourbon versus vodka.”
That said, if we’re sensitive to congeners, we might want to know exactly which types of alcohol have the most.
The following have the highest levels of congeners:
The following alcohol types rank somewhere in the middle:
These are the “winners,” as far as “least hangover-inducing” alcohol types are concerned:
So what can you do to stay smart about congeners and lower your chances of ending up with a nasty hangover? Here are some ideas:
In the end, it can be helpful to see a frustrating experience like a hangover (whether or not congeners are to blame) as an opportunity. It’s easy to go about our routine on autopilot and forget to listen to our own intuition — specifically, what our body is trying to tell us. Try to see the unpleasant effects as a sign that maybe it’s time to shift gears a bit and change up your weekend routine. Do this in the spirit of curiosity, not judgment — it’s an opportunity to discover what works best for you!
It’s a morning-after mystery: you go out and have a few drinks, nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary, but then, out of nowhere, you wake up the next day with a killer hangover. If you’re wondering what’s up (and how to avoid this unpleasant surprise in the future), there are several suspects you need to know about — congeners.
You may have heard of them, but what are congeners exactly? Well, for one thing, these sneaky compounds might be the secret culprits behind our hangover woes. Which types of alcoholic drinks have them, and how did they get there in the first place? And if we’re sensitive to congeners, what’s the best alcohol for no hangover effects? Or, if “no hangover” isn’t an option, what’s the alcohol with the least hangover-inducing properties? Let’s find out!
Congeners, meaning “same kind,” are compounds in alcoholic beverages that add to the flavor and aroma of alcohol (and, yes, hangovers). They result from fermentation — the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol. Congeners are another byproduct of this reaction.
The amount of congeners depends on a few different factors:
Each type of congener is built a little differently, and there are actually lots of different types with different molecular structures:
The amount and types of congeners in alcohol types tends to be unique. In a way, congeners act as a particular drink’s molecular “fingerprint!”
In fact, analysis of the congeners present in a particular drink has been used as part of the so-called “hip flask defense.” Originating in Germany, this defense is an assertion that the alcohol a defendant was intoxicated with at the time of arrest was consumed after an accident rather than before it (i.e., “When the accident happened, the booze was still in my hip flask — I didn’t drink it until later, I promise!”).
Backing this claim up hinges on calculating blood alcohol levels and comparing the exact congener profile in the defendant’s system with that of the alleged drink in order to prove the timing and the type of alcohol consumed. Of course, there are several obvious holes in this type of defense. For one thing, just because our suspect had a gin and tonic 10 minutes after a crash didn’t mean they didn’t also throw one back half an hour before. Plus, if they consumed a mixture of different drinks — and let’s be honest, this isn’t such a stretch — there would be too many compounds in the “congener cocktail” to make sense of which ones corresponded to a particular drink.
Still, the fact that the “hip flask defense” exists at all is testament to the unique nature of a particular drink’s congener profile. But what does any of this have to do with hangovers?
Hangovers — those unfortunate reminders of the night before — come with a characteristic set of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, shakiness, fatigue, and overall malaise (Ugh!). To find out more about the timeline of hangovers and what causes them, check out our blog The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.
So where do congeners come in? In general, the reason congeners make hangovers worse has to do with the fact that the body has to break down the congeners in addition to the alcohol. Both processes release toxic byproducts. However, since the liver can only do so much at a time, the result is a buildup of toxins that are partially responsible for those oh-so-familiar hangover symptoms.
According to a Current Drug Abuse Reviews article, methanol in particular is a congener that can wreak the most havoc on the body. Methanol metabolism releases formic acid and formaldehyde — two highly toxic byproducts that will continue to cause damage in our system even hours later.
Here’s the breakdown of methanol in various alcohol types, according to “Alcohol Congener Analysis and the Source of Alcohol: A Review”:
However, the authors also point out a crucial fact to keep in mind: while it may be true that brandy or rum has more congeners than vodka, the latter is still very high in alcohol content. And when it comes to the intensity of a hangover, the amount of alcohol we consume — no matter what the levels of congeners it may have — is what ultimately makes the biggest difference.
Likewise, while congeners may play a role in hangovers, they don't seem to affect the level of impairment we experience as a result of drinking. The authors mention that “safety-sensitive performance that was affected by alcohol intoxication the previous night (vigilance with reaction time; ataxia) was not differentially affected by bourbon versus vodka.”
That said, if we’re sensitive to congeners, we might want to know exactly which types of alcohol have the most.
The following have the highest levels of congeners:
The following alcohol types rank somewhere in the middle:
These are the “winners,” as far as “least hangover-inducing” alcohol types are concerned:
So what can you do to stay smart about congeners and lower your chances of ending up with a nasty hangover? Here are some ideas:
In the end, it can be helpful to see a frustrating experience like a hangover (whether or not congeners are to blame) as an opportunity. It’s easy to go about our routine on autopilot and forget to listen to our own intuition — specifically, what our body is trying to tell us. Try to see the unpleasant effects as a sign that maybe it’s time to shift gears a bit and change up your weekend routine. Do this in the spirit of curiosity, not judgment — it’s an opportunity to discover what works best for you!
Alcohol in the morning may seem like a great way to start our morning, but it can lead to serious consequences. Read this blog post to learn more about the consequences of morning drinks.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
From time to time, we may like to start our day off with a little buzz. A couple of mimosas or a Bloody Mary might just hit the spot for today. It’s the weekend; it won’t hurt. But then Monday rolls around, and we are craving some spirits to get us ready for the day. If I put a splash of Baileys in my coffee, would anyone know?
Keep reading to understand how an occasional drink can lead us down a dangerous path.
We might enjoy occasional breakfast drinks; alcohol can take the edge off a particularly stressful day, maybe the day of a wedding or funeral. Mimosas with friends may seem like the perfect start to the weekend. If we find ourselves habitually drinking cocktails in the morning, however, it might be a sign of alcohol dependence or misuse (more on that later!).
For now, let’s cover some reasons we might be drinking alcohol in the morning:
There are many reasons why people drink in the morning, so what’s the problem?
An occasional drink in the morning may seem harmless, but alcohol in the morning can have a significant impact on our day:
Drinking alcohol in the morning can impact our entire day, but it depends on the amount we drink and how often we drink in the morning. Not every person who consumes alcohol in the morning will experience all of the things listed above, but it is important to understand the risks of consuming morning alcoholic drinks.
There are several risks associated with drinking alcohol in the morning. Aside from affecting our entire day, morning drinking can lead to serious damage to our overall health and well-being.
Beginning our mornings drinking alcohol can lead to unhealthy habits — like drinking all day. We might drink all day to avoid having a hangover in the middle of the day, but that cycle can just continue to avoid those alcohol side effects. As this cycle of drinking all or most of the day continues, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
AUD is defined as the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite the adverse effects drinking may be having on our social life, occupation, or health. It is important to be aware of the signs of AUD, such as drinking instead of meeting obligations or other responsibilities, drinking alone or in secrecy, or feeling hungover when not drinking. Check out this article from NIH for a more comprehensive list of signs we might be misusing alcohol.
Drinking alcohol to start our day probably means we’re drinking on an empty stomach. When we consume alcohol, it passes through our stomach and is absorbed in the small intestine. When our stomach is empty, the alcohol is absorbed or passed through more quickly. The faster the absorption of the alcohol, the more intense we will feel the effects of drinking. Drinking without food in our stomach can lead to more damage to our stomach, liver, or esophagus.
Morning drinking can easily start a domino effect on our health. First, we have one drink at breakfast. Then one at lunch. Then a few at happy hour. Then one to wind down for the night. Starting in the morning can quickly lead to chronic alcohol use, which can lead to a host of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, cancers, or mental health issues. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt our sleep, and sleep problems can lead to further general and mental health problems. And as much as it affects our health, it also affects our relationships, work, and all other aspects of our life.
Consuming morning alcohol can decrease our alertness and slow our reaction times. With less awareness and mobility, our chances of accidents and injury increase. If we get behind the wheel or have to complete physical labor at work, we are putting ourselves at greater risk of injuring ourselves or others, which puts us at greater risk of losing our job, getting sued, getting a DWI, going to jail, and all the other dominoes that might fall.
The risks associated with morning drinking can negatively affect our lives. Let’s discover some ways to stop our morning drinking and prevent some harmful behaviors.
Stopping drinking is not easy, but there are so many benefits that accompany sobriety. Let’s review some tips on how we can stop drinking in the morning.
Drinking in the morning can lead to unhealthy habits, increase our likelihood of accidents, or start the cycle of alcohol misuse or AUD. No matter the reason we are drinking in the morning, if it becomes a habit, we can put ourselves in harm's way.
From time to time, we may like to start our day off with a little buzz. A couple of mimosas or a Bloody Mary might just hit the spot for today. It’s the weekend; it won’t hurt. But then Monday rolls around, and we are craving some spirits to get us ready for the day. If I put a splash of Baileys in my coffee, would anyone know?
Keep reading to understand how an occasional drink can lead us down a dangerous path.
We might enjoy occasional breakfast drinks; alcohol can take the edge off a particularly stressful day, maybe the day of a wedding or funeral. Mimosas with friends may seem like the perfect start to the weekend. If we find ourselves habitually drinking cocktails in the morning, however, it might be a sign of alcohol dependence or misuse (more on that later!).
For now, let’s cover some reasons we might be drinking alcohol in the morning:
There are many reasons why people drink in the morning, so what’s the problem?
An occasional drink in the morning may seem harmless, but alcohol in the morning can have a significant impact on our day:
Drinking alcohol in the morning can impact our entire day, but it depends on the amount we drink and how often we drink in the morning. Not every person who consumes alcohol in the morning will experience all of the things listed above, but it is important to understand the risks of consuming morning alcoholic drinks.
There are several risks associated with drinking alcohol in the morning. Aside from affecting our entire day, morning drinking can lead to serious damage to our overall health and well-being.
Beginning our mornings drinking alcohol can lead to unhealthy habits — like drinking all day. We might drink all day to avoid having a hangover in the middle of the day, but that cycle can just continue to avoid those alcohol side effects. As this cycle of drinking all or most of the day continues, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
AUD is defined as the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite the adverse effects drinking may be having on our social life, occupation, or health. It is important to be aware of the signs of AUD, such as drinking instead of meeting obligations or other responsibilities, drinking alone or in secrecy, or feeling hungover when not drinking. Check out this article from NIH for a more comprehensive list of signs we might be misusing alcohol.
Drinking alcohol to start our day probably means we’re drinking on an empty stomach. When we consume alcohol, it passes through our stomach and is absorbed in the small intestine. When our stomach is empty, the alcohol is absorbed or passed through more quickly. The faster the absorption of the alcohol, the more intense we will feel the effects of drinking. Drinking without food in our stomach can lead to more damage to our stomach, liver, or esophagus.
Morning drinking can easily start a domino effect on our health. First, we have one drink at breakfast. Then one at lunch. Then a few at happy hour. Then one to wind down for the night. Starting in the morning can quickly lead to chronic alcohol use, which can lead to a host of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, cancers, or mental health issues. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt our sleep, and sleep problems can lead to further general and mental health problems. And as much as it affects our health, it also affects our relationships, work, and all other aspects of our life.
Consuming morning alcohol can decrease our alertness and slow our reaction times. With less awareness and mobility, our chances of accidents and injury increase. If we get behind the wheel or have to complete physical labor at work, we are putting ourselves at greater risk of injuring ourselves or others, which puts us at greater risk of losing our job, getting sued, getting a DWI, going to jail, and all the other dominoes that might fall.
The risks associated with morning drinking can negatively affect our lives. Let’s discover some ways to stop our morning drinking and prevent some harmful behaviors.
Stopping drinking is not easy, but there are so many benefits that accompany sobriety. Let’s review some tips on how we can stop drinking in the morning.
Drinking in the morning can lead to unhealthy habits, increase our likelihood of accidents, or start the cycle of alcohol misuse or AUD. No matter the reason we are drinking in the morning, if it becomes a habit, we can put ourselves in harm's way.
Scientists say hungover drinking can be just as dangerous as drunk driving (yes, really). Discover the drawbacks of driving after drinking in today’s blog post.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You raise a glass to your best friend, toasting another trip around the sun. Everyone cheers and throws back tequila shots. The night becomes a blur of bars, Uber rides, and just-one-more drinks. Yeah, it’s a Thursday, but it’s also your best friend’s birthday. What are you supposed to do?
The next morning, you’ve traded pounding club music for a pounding headache. You groan and drag yourself around the house, going through the motions of getting ready for work. It’s been hours since that last beer, but your head keeps swirling. You start to worry. Today is that huge pitch meeting — you’ve got to get to the office.
You slide behind the wheel and ask yourself: “Can I drive the morning after drinking?”
First, we have to understand that alcohol affects everyone differently. One friend falls asleep after three cocktails, while another seems lucid no matter how much they imbibe. The same is true for how our body processes all those drinks. While some people never experience a hangover, others feel sick all day. We owe these variations to biological and environmental factors.
After a night out, our liver converts those glasses of champagne and whiskey into carbon dioxide and water. (Want more in-depth information on these metabolic processes? Check out the details in our article about how alcohol is metabolized.)
How alcohol affects us is determined by the following individual differences:
In-the-moment decisions like what we eat and how quickly we drink also impact the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol. For example, eating closes the valve between the stomach and small intestine. The fattier the food, the longer the link is severed, slowing digestion, alcohol absorption, and intoxication. Certain medications intensify alcohol’s effects, too, making you feel drunker faster.
These factors will influence your driving ability come morning.
So, let’s talk timeline. As soon as “real life” and responsibilities come back into the picture, you might start to wonder, “How many hours after I drink can I drive?” Our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) hits its peak 30 to 90 minutes after we finish our last drink. After that point, it decreases by around 0.015% each hour. A good rule of thumb is to remember that our body can only metabolize one drink per hour. We define one standard drink as a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce pour of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor. (Some establishments may give you a heavy pour, resulting in more than one unit of alcohol per mixed drink).
When we drink multiple beverages back to back, the excess alcohol circulates in our bloodstream. The result? We experience the effects of intoxication — that is, until our liver filters out enough of the residual alcohol. That process can take up to 12 hours. After the 12-hour mark, we may still find ourselves impaired — this time by severe hangover symptoms.
We do the right thing and get an Uber or cab home after a night of drinking. All that alcohol will wear off in time for work in the morning … right? We ask ourselves, “How many hours after drinking can I drive?” Maybe we’ll feel better after a few hours in bed? Not necessarily. Our liver obeys the one-drink-per-hour rule no matter how we spend our time, so “sleeping it off” is a myth. Coffee won’t help, either.
Even after a full night’s rest, we might still be intoxicated. Our body works hard to expel every trace of alcohol, but it can only do so much. If we drink until 3:00 a.m., for example, there’s not enough time to process a half-dozen beers before we drive to work. We’ll find ourselves under the influence when our alarm goes off. And that can have big implications for our next-day responsibilities.
Alcohol affects our ability to make good decisions, and it also impairs our physical coordination. Before driving under the influence, consider these effects of alcohol on the brain.
Waiting might not be enough to drive safely the morning after drinking. Psychological studies show that we’re just as impaired with a hangover.
Yes, driving hungover can be very similar to driving drunk.
Researchers have documented the effects of hangovers on simulated driving exercises. Study participants who drove the morning after drinking performed poorly. Their attention lapsed more often and for longer than in alcohol-free trials. When asked, those contributors characterized their hungover driving as less safe, predictable, wise, and responsible.
Building on this study, another team of psychologists examined the impact of hangovers on work commutes. Hungover participants struggled to successfully complete the simulation, even without residual alcohol in their systems. They broke traffic laws, lost control, and failed to pay attention. Their impairment was equivalent to intoxication at a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08%.
If you’re hungover, don’t drive! Don’t risk it — give your body more time to recover.
So, how long after drinking can you drive? The answer depends on three factors.
Consider the following before you put the key in the ignition:
Ultimately, the only way to get alcohol out of your system is to wait. You can’t rush the process with a cold plunge, steaming cup of coffee, or long night’s sleep. While intoxication will likely pass within 12 hours, you may be stuck with a hangover for a full 24 (or longer).
You know your body better than anyone, so be honest with yourself: are you ready to drive, or do you just want to get somewhere on time? Always wait until you feel 100% to get behind the wheel again!
Alcohol doesn’t run your life — you do. If you’re tired of nights out affecting your work days, Reframe can help. Our evidence-based platform has everything you need to cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether. Ready to experience world-class coaching, a caring community, and in-app accountability? Download Reframe through the App Store or Google Play today!
You raise a glass to your best friend, toasting another trip around the sun. Everyone cheers and throws back tequila shots. The night becomes a blur of bars, Uber rides, and just-one-more drinks. Yeah, it’s a Thursday, but it’s also your best friend’s birthday. What are you supposed to do?
The next morning, you’ve traded pounding club music for a pounding headache. You groan and drag yourself around the house, going through the motions of getting ready for work. It’s been hours since that last beer, but your head keeps swirling. You start to worry. Today is that huge pitch meeting — you’ve got to get to the office.
You slide behind the wheel and ask yourself: “Can I drive the morning after drinking?”
First, we have to understand that alcohol affects everyone differently. One friend falls asleep after three cocktails, while another seems lucid no matter how much they imbibe. The same is true for how our body processes all those drinks. While some people never experience a hangover, others feel sick all day. We owe these variations to biological and environmental factors.
After a night out, our liver converts those glasses of champagne and whiskey into carbon dioxide and water. (Want more in-depth information on these metabolic processes? Check out the details in our article about how alcohol is metabolized.)
How alcohol affects us is determined by the following individual differences:
In-the-moment decisions like what we eat and how quickly we drink also impact the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol. For example, eating closes the valve between the stomach and small intestine. The fattier the food, the longer the link is severed, slowing digestion, alcohol absorption, and intoxication. Certain medications intensify alcohol’s effects, too, making you feel drunker faster.
These factors will influence your driving ability come morning.
So, let’s talk timeline. As soon as “real life” and responsibilities come back into the picture, you might start to wonder, “How many hours after I drink can I drive?” Our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) hits its peak 30 to 90 minutes after we finish our last drink. After that point, it decreases by around 0.015% each hour. A good rule of thumb is to remember that our body can only metabolize one drink per hour. We define one standard drink as a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce pour of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor. (Some establishments may give you a heavy pour, resulting in more than one unit of alcohol per mixed drink).
When we drink multiple beverages back to back, the excess alcohol circulates in our bloodstream. The result? We experience the effects of intoxication — that is, until our liver filters out enough of the residual alcohol. That process can take up to 12 hours. After the 12-hour mark, we may still find ourselves impaired — this time by severe hangover symptoms.
We do the right thing and get an Uber or cab home after a night of drinking. All that alcohol will wear off in time for work in the morning … right? We ask ourselves, “How many hours after drinking can I drive?” Maybe we’ll feel better after a few hours in bed? Not necessarily. Our liver obeys the one-drink-per-hour rule no matter how we spend our time, so “sleeping it off” is a myth. Coffee won’t help, either.
Even after a full night’s rest, we might still be intoxicated. Our body works hard to expel every trace of alcohol, but it can only do so much. If we drink until 3:00 a.m., for example, there’s not enough time to process a half-dozen beers before we drive to work. We’ll find ourselves under the influence when our alarm goes off. And that can have big implications for our next-day responsibilities.
Alcohol affects our ability to make good decisions, and it also impairs our physical coordination. Before driving under the influence, consider these effects of alcohol on the brain.
Waiting might not be enough to drive safely the morning after drinking. Psychological studies show that we’re just as impaired with a hangover.
Yes, driving hungover can be very similar to driving drunk.
Researchers have documented the effects of hangovers on simulated driving exercises. Study participants who drove the morning after drinking performed poorly. Their attention lapsed more often and for longer than in alcohol-free trials. When asked, those contributors characterized their hungover driving as less safe, predictable, wise, and responsible.
Building on this study, another team of psychologists examined the impact of hangovers on work commutes. Hungover participants struggled to successfully complete the simulation, even without residual alcohol in their systems. They broke traffic laws, lost control, and failed to pay attention. Their impairment was equivalent to intoxication at a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08%.
If you’re hungover, don’t drive! Don’t risk it — give your body more time to recover.
So, how long after drinking can you drive? The answer depends on three factors.
Consider the following before you put the key in the ignition:
Ultimately, the only way to get alcohol out of your system is to wait. You can’t rush the process with a cold plunge, steaming cup of coffee, or long night’s sleep. While intoxication will likely pass within 12 hours, you may be stuck with a hangover for a full 24 (or longer).
You know your body better than anyone, so be honest with yourself: are you ready to drive, or do you just want to get somewhere on time? Always wait until you feel 100% to get behind the wheel again!
Alcohol doesn’t run your life — you do. If you’re tired of nights out affecting your work days, Reframe can help. Our evidence-based platform has everything you need to cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether. Ready to experience world-class coaching, a caring community, and in-app accountability? Download Reframe through the App Store or Google Play today!
Have you heard the rumor that people with red hair have a higher alcohol tolerance? Let’s dive into the science and bust some myths along the way.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
What do your genes say about you? Think about the tone of your skin, whether or not you have your father’s nose, or if you inherited your family’s creaky knees.
Our genes are the blueprint for our body, and they influence every part of us. Certain genetic makeups produce strikingly different appearances in humans — as is the case with redheaded people.
There are a lot of misconceptions about redheads. Maybe you’ve heard of some stereotypes and wondered, “Are they true?” In this article, we’ll dive into a few common beliefs and solve the mystery of whether redheads react differently to alcohol.
Our genes act as blueprints for who we are. They produce proteins that serve as building material and control just about every process in our body. During the embryonic stage, they are responsible for building our physical organs and tissues. Throughout our life, they determine our looks and influence many aspects of our physical and mental health.
Human genetics is extremely complex. Genes can undergo countless mutations, and the interplay of our 20,000-25,000 genes can produce nearly an infinite number of combinations. As a result, it should come as no surprise that no two people are exactly alike. Even identical twins develop genetic variations throughout their lives as environmental factors trigger mutations in their genes, and epigenetics influences which genes get expressed and which ones get silenced.
For example, the MC1R gene is responsible for determining our skin, eye, and hair color. MC1R instructs pigment-producing cells in our body on how to produce melanin. There are several types of melanin that function in different ways throughout our body, but two are responsible for our pigmentation:
People with red hair carry a certain combination of MC1R mutations that results in low amounts of eumelanin and higher amounts of pheomelanin, producing orange hair, which is often referred to as “red” or (for better or worse) “ginger.” This same ratio usually applies to a redhead’s skin, although this isn’t always the case.
In the United States, about 25% of the population carries the genetic mutation responsible for red hair. The chance of two genetic carriers having a child who inherits it is about 2%. Unsurprisingly, around 2% to 6% of Americans have red hair, and the U.S. is home to the largest redhead population in the world.
The MC1R gene influences a wide variety of functions in our body, including the predisposition to infections, certain types of cancer, and some kidney diseases. For those with red hair, there are some special considerations that result from the way their MC1R gene functions.
Besides determining our skin, hair, and eye color, the MC1R gene also plays a role in pain perception and the effectiveness of certain medications, specifically anesthetics. Those with red hair may have unexpected reactions to pain (they can be more or less sensitive) and often require about 20% more local and general anesthetic.
Redheads have long been the target of myths and superstitions, likely owing to their distinct appearance and the rarity of their coloring. Unfortunately, redheads have also faced hate and discrimination stemming from these incorrect beliefs.
Let’s debunk a few of them!
Another major misconception involves redheads and alcohol tolerance. We know that genetics are responsible for redheads being resistant to anesthetics, but does this extend to alcohol? Do redheads have a higher alcohol tolerance? Let’s look at how our genes influence the effects of alcohol.
Genetic factors certainly do play a role in alcohol’s impact on our body. Genetic differences can affect everything from how we metabolize booze to our susceptibility to alcohol-related health issues. Let's explore some key genetic factors that determine how alcohol affects different people.
If genes influence alcohol’s effects so much, does the gene responsible for the striking appearance of redheads have anything to do with alcohol tolerance?
It may seem reasonable to assume that redheads have a unique tolerance to alcohol because they are often resistant to pain medications and anesthetics. The key to debunking this myth lies in the difference between tolerance and resistance.
Tolerance refers to the ability to metabolize and adapt to the effects of a substance over time. When we drink regularly, we find ourselves having to drink more to achieve the same effect. Resistance, on the other hand, is the inherent ability to withstand the effects of a substance.
Redheads are often more resistant to anesthetics, but they do not have a higher tolerance to them. Current research shows no correlation between the MC1R gene and alcohol tolerance or resistance. In other words, the notion of redheads having a different alcohol tolerance solely due to their hair color gene is more myth than reality.
Do redheads react differently to medications? Certain ones, yes. But the same isn’t true for alcohol. There’s no connection between people with red hair and alcohol tolerance!
A number of factors influence how alcohol affects our body, including age, weight, biological sex, diet, metabolism, and health status. People with red hair develop alcohol tolerance the same way as everyone else, and their coloring does not influence their reaction to alcohol.
Still, redheads — and everyone else — can follow a few simple rules to drink safely and avoid building tolerance.
Personal health and safety should always be considered when drinking alcohol. Our genetics play a big role in how alcohol affects us, but our everyday behavior defines the role alcohol plays in our life. Let's consider some tips for developing responsible drinking habits.
Alcohol can be a part of our life, but it's vital to prioritize health and safety. Understanding individual tolerance levels, considering our genetic makeup, and practicing mindful drinking allows us to make smarter decisions about drinking.
There are many factors that inform our response to alcohol, but hair color is not one of them! The biggest influences are age, weight, height, biological sex, diet, health status, and tolerance.
Our relationship with alcohol is as unique as our hair color — what works for one person may not work for another, and our relationship with booze may change over time. Stay informed, stay curious, and, if you do choose to drink, always be responsible and safe.
What do your genes say about you? Think about the tone of your skin, whether or not you have your father’s nose, or if you inherited your family’s creaky knees.
Our genes are the blueprint for our body, and they influence every part of us. Certain genetic makeups produce strikingly different appearances in humans — as is the case with redheaded people.
There are a lot of misconceptions about redheads. Maybe you’ve heard of some stereotypes and wondered, “Are they true?” In this article, we’ll dive into a few common beliefs and solve the mystery of whether redheads react differently to alcohol.
Our genes act as blueprints for who we are. They produce proteins that serve as building material and control just about every process in our body. During the embryonic stage, they are responsible for building our physical organs and tissues. Throughout our life, they determine our looks and influence many aspects of our physical and mental health.
Human genetics is extremely complex. Genes can undergo countless mutations, and the interplay of our 20,000-25,000 genes can produce nearly an infinite number of combinations. As a result, it should come as no surprise that no two people are exactly alike. Even identical twins develop genetic variations throughout their lives as environmental factors trigger mutations in their genes, and epigenetics influences which genes get expressed and which ones get silenced.
For example, the MC1R gene is responsible for determining our skin, eye, and hair color. MC1R instructs pigment-producing cells in our body on how to produce melanin. There are several types of melanin that function in different ways throughout our body, but two are responsible for our pigmentation:
People with red hair carry a certain combination of MC1R mutations that results in low amounts of eumelanin and higher amounts of pheomelanin, producing orange hair, which is often referred to as “red” or (for better or worse) “ginger.” This same ratio usually applies to a redhead’s skin, although this isn’t always the case.
In the United States, about 25% of the population carries the genetic mutation responsible for red hair. The chance of two genetic carriers having a child who inherits it is about 2%. Unsurprisingly, around 2% to 6% of Americans have red hair, and the U.S. is home to the largest redhead population in the world.
The MC1R gene influences a wide variety of functions in our body, including the predisposition to infections, certain types of cancer, and some kidney diseases. For those with red hair, there are some special considerations that result from the way their MC1R gene functions.
Besides determining our skin, hair, and eye color, the MC1R gene also plays a role in pain perception and the effectiveness of certain medications, specifically anesthetics. Those with red hair may have unexpected reactions to pain (they can be more or less sensitive) and often require about 20% more local and general anesthetic.
Redheads have long been the target of myths and superstitions, likely owing to their distinct appearance and the rarity of their coloring. Unfortunately, redheads have also faced hate and discrimination stemming from these incorrect beliefs.
Let’s debunk a few of them!
Another major misconception involves redheads and alcohol tolerance. We know that genetics are responsible for redheads being resistant to anesthetics, but does this extend to alcohol? Do redheads have a higher alcohol tolerance? Let’s look at how our genes influence the effects of alcohol.
Genetic factors certainly do play a role in alcohol’s impact on our body. Genetic differences can affect everything from how we metabolize booze to our susceptibility to alcohol-related health issues. Let's explore some key genetic factors that determine how alcohol affects different people.
If genes influence alcohol’s effects so much, does the gene responsible for the striking appearance of redheads have anything to do with alcohol tolerance?
It may seem reasonable to assume that redheads have a unique tolerance to alcohol because they are often resistant to pain medications and anesthetics. The key to debunking this myth lies in the difference between tolerance and resistance.
Tolerance refers to the ability to metabolize and adapt to the effects of a substance over time. When we drink regularly, we find ourselves having to drink more to achieve the same effect. Resistance, on the other hand, is the inherent ability to withstand the effects of a substance.
Redheads are often more resistant to anesthetics, but they do not have a higher tolerance to them. Current research shows no correlation between the MC1R gene and alcohol tolerance or resistance. In other words, the notion of redheads having a different alcohol tolerance solely due to their hair color gene is more myth than reality.
Do redheads react differently to medications? Certain ones, yes. But the same isn’t true for alcohol. There’s no connection between people with red hair and alcohol tolerance!
A number of factors influence how alcohol affects our body, including age, weight, biological sex, diet, metabolism, and health status. People with red hair develop alcohol tolerance the same way as everyone else, and their coloring does not influence their reaction to alcohol.
Still, redheads — and everyone else — can follow a few simple rules to drink safely and avoid building tolerance.
Personal health and safety should always be considered when drinking alcohol. Our genetics play a big role in how alcohol affects us, but our everyday behavior defines the role alcohol plays in our life. Let's consider some tips for developing responsible drinking habits.
Alcohol can be a part of our life, but it's vital to prioritize health and safety. Understanding individual tolerance levels, considering our genetic makeup, and practicing mindful drinking allows us to make smarter decisions about drinking.
There are many factors that inform our response to alcohol, but hair color is not one of them! The biggest influences are age, weight, height, biological sex, diet, health status, and tolerance.
Our relationship with alcohol is as unique as our hair color — what works for one person may not work for another, and our relationship with booze may change over time. Stay informed, stay curious, and, if you do choose to drink, always be responsible and safe.
Bread can be a nutritious supplement to alcohol consumption, but does it actually sober you up? Dive in and learn about the science behind this storied sobriety hack.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Has a friend ever suggested you go grab a bagel and a coffee after a night out partying, claiming that “bread helps you sober up”? Sure, we’ve all heard of this supposed antidote to alcohol, but is it true? Does bread soak up alcohol?
In this article, we’ll investigate the interaction between bread and alcohol and discover how bread impacts alcohol absorption. First, we need to understand how alcohol impacts our system and dive into the science behind metabolism. Keep reading to find out how true these magical claims about bread really are!
Alcohol impacts the body head to toe (and everything in between). When we drink, the signals in our nerve pathways slow down, and our heart rate can drastically change. Our mood and behavior also change when we drink, and our thinking starts to slow — these are the effects we may recognize as being “drunk” or “intoxicated.”
Gut health is an important component to consider when consuming alcoholic beverages. How is our gut microbiome altered by alcohol, and how should we care for our gut before and after drinking? The three major macronutrients — carbohydrates, protein, and fats — are the building blocks of all food (including alcohol), and they are all vital for recovery after a night out drinking.
How does our metabolism break down these culinary building blocks, and where does alcohol fit into the picture?
While alcohol itself is not a carbohydrate, we often consume lots of carbohydrates when we drink. For instance, most wine contains carbohydrates; beer is almost entirely carbohydrates, and any sugary drink mixer starts adding up as well. Eating bread or toast while drinking (or after) contributes to this carb overload. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it can be for some of us!
Alcohol is not a protein, and alcoholic drinks generally do not contain any protein. Alcohol depletes the body’s amino acids, so protein must be replenished for a full recovery. Bread contains a small amount of protein called gluten, although not enough to meet the body’s nutritional needs on its own.
Alcohol generally doesn’t contain fat (except in drinks with added milk or cream). Healthy fats are important for joint health and blood sugar regulation, and should be consumed as we recover from a night of drinking. The important part is sticking with healthy unsaturated fats rather than loading up on processed comfort foods.
Bread is a high-carbohydrate food that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of us have a favorite bread-based dish, from bagels, jelly and toast, sandwiches, warm buttermilk biscuits, or hearty deli sandwiches. Bread is a staple food because of its generally cheap ingredients and stomach-filling nature.
In fact, it’s so important to culinary anthropology that bread has historically been heavily regulated all the way back to the Roman Empire when laws determined a loaf’s contents, weight, size, and price. But does bread really have an impact on alcohol metabolism?
Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract, where it travels throughout our body. Almost immediately, the liver sends out enzymes to begin breaking down ethanol — the pure form of alcohol responsible for intoxicating effects. As the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, the gnarly chemical responsible for that icky-all-over unpleasant feeling during a hangover.
While bread does slow the rate of alcohol absorption in the bloodstream, it doesn’t make alcohol less potent. Bread also doesn’t decrease the amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream — all the alcohol we drink still makes its way into our bodily systems. This change in absorption rate, however, can make alcohol feel a little weaker, and different breads can have different effects when it comes to slowing down alcohol absorption.
So we know that bread can reduce the effects of alcohol slightly, but can it actually reverse them? Does bread help us sober up?
Bread as a sober-up-quick scheme is more of a myth than a reality. As we saw above, bread doesn’t contribute to a decrease in our blood alcohol content (BAC), so where did this myth come from?
Though bread doesn’t make us sober up faster, its slowdown effect on the metabolism process means that the toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism (like acetaldehyde) are produced more slowly, which flattens the spike in hangover symptoms and allows our body to have a more steady recovery period. Depending on the type of bread product consumed, it can also be rich in macronutrients, which are important to replenish after drinking.
Alcohol is a depressant, a “downer” on our nervous system, meaning it slows our brain function and body systems and causes drowsiness. Nervous system depressants are known to cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, and alcohol does just that.
Fiber — an important component of carbohydrates — can come in large numbers when we consume whole grain or sprouted grain bread. After drinking, eating these types of bread will help us restore our fiber and blood sugar levels as our body gets rid of the toxins.
Bread can be an excellent choice when it comes to easing a hangover. No magic pill will fix a hangover immediately, but steps can be taken to minimize the symptoms and get back to our best self. Let’s look at the building blocks of a solid bread-based hangover meal that will check all the nutrient boxes: a sandwich.
If you aren’t feeling up to a sandwich or don’t have the stomach for solid foods, there are plenty of other healthy food choices to aid hangover recovery.
While it might not be easy, the best way to sober up safely is to give yourself time to recover and get the alcohol out of your bloodstream. That being said, here are a few tips for sobering up safely:
Although no “cure-all” exists for the side effects of alcohol consumption (nor the dreaded hangover), bread can be a good recovery food after alcohol use by providing us with fiber and other nutrients depleted by alcohol. We can all benefit from knowing a few extra foods to help us restore our body to its healthy state!
Has a friend ever suggested you go grab a bagel and a coffee after a night out partying, claiming that “bread helps you sober up”? Sure, we’ve all heard of this supposed antidote to alcohol, but is it true? Does bread soak up alcohol?
In this article, we’ll investigate the interaction between bread and alcohol and discover how bread impacts alcohol absorption. First, we need to understand how alcohol impacts our system and dive into the science behind metabolism. Keep reading to find out how true these magical claims about bread really are!
Alcohol impacts the body head to toe (and everything in between). When we drink, the signals in our nerve pathways slow down, and our heart rate can drastically change. Our mood and behavior also change when we drink, and our thinking starts to slow — these are the effects we may recognize as being “drunk” or “intoxicated.”
Gut health is an important component to consider when consuming alcoholic beverages. How is our gut microbiome altered by alcohol, and how should we care for our gut before and after drinking? The three major macronutrients — carbohydrates, protein, and fats — are the building blocks of all food (including alcohol), and they are all vital for recovery after a night out drinking.
How does our metabolism break down these culinary building blocks, and where does alcohol fit into the picture?
While alcohol itself is not a carbohydrate, we often consume lots of carbohydrates when we drink. For instance, most wine contains carbohydrates; beer is almost entirely carbohydrates, and any sugary drink mixer starts adding up as well. Eating bread or toast while drinking (or after) contributes to this carb overload. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it can be for some of us!
Alcohol is not a protein, and alcoholic drinks generally do not contain any protein. Alcohol depletes the body’s amino acids, so protein must be replenished for a full recovery. Bread contains a small amount of protein called gluten, although not enough to meet the body’s nutritional needs on its own.
Alcohol generally doesn’t contain fat (except in drinks with added milk or cream). Healthy fats are important for joint health and blood sugar regulation, and should be consumed as we recover from a night of drinking. The important part is sticking with healthy unsaturated fats rather than loading up on processed comfort foods.
Bread is a high-carbohydrate food that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of us have a favorite bread-based dish, from bagels, jelly and toast, sandwiches, warm buttermilk biscuits, or hearty deli sandwiches. Bread is a staple food because of its generally cheap ingredients and stomach-filling nature.
In fact, it’s so important to culinary anthropology that bread has historically been heavily regulated all the way back to the Roman Empire when laws determined a loaf’s contents, weight, size, and price. But does bread really have an impact on alcohol metabolism?
Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract, where it travels throughout our body. Almost immediately, the liver sends out enzymes to begin breaking down ethanol — the pure form of alcohol responsible for intoxicating effects. As the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, the gnarly chemical responsible for that icky-all-over unpleasant feeling during a hangover.
While bread does slow the rate of alcohol absorption in the bloodstream, it doesn’t make alcohol less potent. Bread also doesn’t decrease the amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream — all the alcohol we drink still makes its way into our bodily systems. This change in absorption rate, however, can make alcohol feel a little weaker, and different breads can have different effects when it comes to slowing down alcohol absorption.
So we know that bread can reduce the effects of alcohol slightly, but can it actually reverse them? Does bread help us sober up?
Bread as a sober-up-quick scheme is more of a myth than a reality. As we saw above, bread doesn’t contribute to a decrease in our blood alcohol content (BAC), so where did this myth come from?
Though bread doesn’t make us sober up faster, its slowdown effect on the metabolism process means that the toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism (like acetaldehyde) are produced more slowly, which flattens the spike in hangover symptoms and allows our body to have a more steady recovery period. Depending on the type of bread product consumed, it can also be rich in macronutrients, which are important to replenish after drinking.
Alcohol is a depressant, a “downer” on our nervous system, meaning it slows our brain function and body systems and causes drowsiness. Nervous system depressants are known to cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, and alcohol does just that.
Fiber — an important component of carbohydrates — can come in large numbers when we consume whole grain or sprouted grain bread. After drinking, eating these types of bread will help us restore our fiber and blood sugar levels as our body gets rid of the toxins.
Bread can be an excellent choice when it comes to easing a hangover. No magic pill will fix a hangover immediately, but steps can be taken to minimize the symptoms and get back to our best self. Let’s look at the building blocks of a solid bread-based hangover meal that will check all the nutrient boxes: a sandwich.
If you aren’t feeling up to a sandwich or don’t have the stomach for solid foods, there are plenty of other healthy food choices to aid hangover recovery.
While it might not be easy, the best way to sober up safely is to give yourself time to recover and get the alcohol out of your bloodstream. That being said, here are a few tips for sobering up safely:
Although no “cure-all” exists for the side effects of alcohol consumption (nor the dreaded hangover), bread can be a good recovery food after alcohol use by providing us with fiber and other nutrients depleted by alcohol. We can all benefit from knowing a few extra foods to help us restore our body to its healthy state!
Ever wonder just how much your dog understands about you? Check out our latest blog to find out if your dog knows when you’ve been drinking (and if they have opinions)!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You come home later than expected after a Sunday funday, and your dog gives you a funny look. You apologize to your furry friend for making her wait this long for a walk. As you head out the door with her pulling at the leash, a thought dawns on you, “Does my dog know that I’ve been drinking? Does she recognize the smell of alcohol or notice any changes in my behavior?”
If you’ve wondered this, you’re not alone. Let’s dive in together to learn how our drinking can affect our furry friends.
It may come as a surprise to find out that yes, dogs can tell if we’ve been drinking! Our canine companions are actually very sensitive when it comes to detecting if we had a few beers at happy hour.
How can our dog tell if we’ve quaffed one or two too many?
Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. That’s pretty impressive, right? Dogs can detect the faintest of odors, including those produced by alcohol metabolites in our body and those lingering on our breath. In other words, if we can smell a faint hint of alcohol on our own breath, imagine how much this smell is heightened for our scent-sensitive dog.
Furthermore, when we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolize it into various byproducts, including compounds like ethanol and acetaldehyde. These compounds are excreted through breath, sweat, and skin, creating detectable odors that dogs can pick up.
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in our behavior and body language. Ever notice how dogs seem to intuitively know when we’re upset or sad? The same goes for our acting differently when we’re drinking or drunk.
Dogs may notice subtle differences in our movements, speech patterns, and interactions after we’ve consumed alcohol, clueing them in to our altered state. Perhaps we’re a bit uncoordinated with our movements, we’re talking louder than usual, or we absentmindedly leave the TV or radio blaring all night. Remember that our dogs are also sharing the environment we create, whether good or bad.
Keep in mind that many dogs have gone through some type of training — some of which may be specialized. For example, some dogs are specifically trained to detect the scent of alcohol as part of their roles in law enforcement or search and rescue operations. Although not all dogs go through such rigorous training, those that are trained to smell alcohol may show signs of concern, curiosity, or even avoidance when they sense the presence of alcohol around them. Rescue dogs or adopted pets may also have a history related to alcohol that we may not be aware of.
Dogs are typically very detail-oriented, and they grow accustomed to a certain daily ritual and sense of order. For example, if we typically feed our dog in the morning around 9 and walk our dog in the afternoon around 5, they will notice something is off when we deviate from this routine. Did we sleep in later than expected because we were hungover from a late night of drinking? Did we forget to refill their water bowl before we passed out? Oops. Our dog will notice and may wonder whether something’s wrong.
We certainly don’t want to upset our furry friends, but we all make mistakes once in a while. Yet we may find ourselves wondering if we are a neglectful dog owner because of our drinking habits. Let’s look at some signs that our dog may be feeling neglected.
Being a conscientious pet parent means we should always be aware of how our behavior could affect our pets. Here are some common signs that our pet might be feeling neglected due to our drinking patterns.
If you’re relating to any of these points, you may want to take a look at switching up your drinking habits. Check out this blog for some motivational tips on how to get started on making healthy changes.
Speaking of healthy changes, if you’re ready to make some better choices to ensure you’re an amazing pet parent, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Being a better pet owner is one of many benefits to cutting back on alcohol. If you’re curious about reexamining your drinking habits, it’s never too late to start.
Although our dog isn’t judging us for getting drunk, our drinking habits do affect our canine companion. Now that we’re aware of the impact a tipsy evening can have on our four-legged friend, we have some extra motivation to be a more conscientious pet parent when it comes to our drinking habits. Our dog will definitely thank us for it!
You come home later than expected after a Sunday funday, and your dog gives you a funny look. You apologize to your furry friend for making her wait this long for a walk. As you head out the door with her pulling at the leash, a thought dawns on you, “Does my dog know that I’ve been drinking? Does she recognize the smell of alcohol or notice any changes in my behavior?”
If you’ve wondered this, you’re not alone. Let’s dive in together to learn how our drinking can affect our furry friends.
It may come as a surprise to find out that yes, dogs can tell if we’ve been drinking! Our canine companions are actually very sensitive when it comes to detecting if we had a few beers at happy hour.
How can our dog tell if we’ve quaffed one or two too many?
Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. That’s pretty impressive, right? Dogs can detect the faintest of odors, including those produced by alcohol metabolites in our body and those lingering on our breath. In other words, if we can smell a faint hint of alcohol on our own breath, imagine how much this smell is heightened for our scent-sensitive dog.
Furthermore, when we drink alcohol, our bodies metabolize it into various byproducts, including compounds like ethanol and acetaldehyde. These compounds are excreted through breath, sweat, and skin, creating detectable odors that dogs can pick up.
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in our behavior and body language. Ever notice how dogs seem to intuitively know when we’re upset or sad? The same goes for our acting differently when we’re drinking or drunk.
Dogs may notice subtle differences in our movements, speech patterns, and interactions after we’ve consumed alcohol, clueing them in to our altered state. Perhaps we’re a bit uncoordinated with our movements, we’re talking louder than usual, or we absentmindedly leave the TV or radio blaring all night. Remember that our dogs are also sharing the environment we create, whether good or bad.
Keep in mind that many dogs have gone through some type of training — some of which may be specialized. For example, some dogs are specifically trained to detect the scent of alcohol as part of their roles in law enforcement or search and rescue operations. Although not all dogs go through such rigorous training, those that are trained to smell alcohol may show signs of concern, curiosity, or even avoidance when they sense the presence of alcohol around them. Rescue dogs or adopted pets may also have a history related to alcohol that we may not be aware of.
Dogs are typically very detail-oriented, and they grow accustomed to a certain daily ritual and sense of order. For example, if we typically feed our dog in the morning around 9 and walk our dog in the afternoon around 5, they will notice something is off when we deviate from this routine. Did we sleep in later than expected because we were hungover from a late night of drinking? Did we forget to refill their water bowl before we passed out? Oops. Our dog will notice and may wonder whether something’s wrong.
We certainly don’t want to upset our furry friends, but we all make mistakes once in a while. Yet we may find ourselves wondering if we are a neglectful dog owner because of our drinking habits. Let’s look at some signs that our dog may be feeling neglected.
Being a conscientious pet parent means we should always be aware of how our behavior could affect our pets. Here are some common signs that our pet might be feeling neglected due to our drinking patterns.
If you’re relating to any of these points, you may want to take a look at switching up your drinking habits. Check out this blog for some motivational tips on how to get started on making healthy changes.
Speaking of healthy changes, if you’re ready to make some better choices to ensure you’re an amazing pet parent, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Being a better pet owner is one of many benefits to cutting back on alcohol. If you’re curious about reexamining your drinking habits, it’s never too late to start.
Although our dog isn’t judging us for getting drunk, our drinking habits do affect our canine companion. Now that we’re aware of the impact a tipsy evening can have on our four-legged friend, we have some extra motivation to be a more conscientious pet parent when it comes to our drinking habits. Our dog will definitely thank us for it!
Milk is packed with nutrients, but can it cure hangovers? Dive in and find out the facts about how milk affects hangovers, and whether it can sober you up.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Have you ever woken up after a party feeling like your head is in a vice and your stomach is on a rollercoaster? Welcome to the world of hangovers! In this article, we’ll dissect the hangover, develop an understanding of the science behind it, and explore remedies, all the while focusing on the claim that a glass of milk can make the pain go away.
Can a glass of milk really be the elixir to your morning-after woes? Stay tuned!
First, let's dive into the science of hangovers and why they turn our mornings upside down.
Hangovers are morning-after messengers, reminding us of our indulgences from the night before. They don't just disrupt our physical well-being; they turn our plans for a productive day into a struggle for basic comfort. But why does our body react this way?
Understanding the science behind a hangover is key to navigating the aftermath of a night out. They’re a blend of dehydration, chemical reactions, and the body's attempts to restore balance after being bombarded with more alcohol than it can handle. While everyone's experience might differ slightly, the common thread is that our body is working overtime to recover from a temporary onslaught of booze.
So, what does a hangover bring to the party? Here's the not-so-fun guest list:
Hangovers are no fun, as anyone who’s ever had one can attest to. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have desperately searched for hangover cures. Over the years, some pretty absurd remedies have popped up — maybe we’ve even tried one or two of them!
Let’s zoom in on milk as a hangover cure. Some people swear by it, but is there any truth behind it?
The origins of the milk-as-a-cure belief are somewhat nebulous. Milk has long been important for humans. In ancient times, it was viewed as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It’s obviously associated with breastfeeding, which contributes to the perception of milk as a nourishing comfort food.
And milk is certainly nourishing! Thanks to modern dietary science, we know that it’s a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. Let’s get specific about milk’s wholesome nutritional offerings:
The nutrients in milk contribute to overall well-being and might alleviate some indirect effects of a hangover, but its primary benefit is rehydration and replenishment of depleted nutrients. Its capacity to directly counteract a hangover is more folklore than fact.
But what about preventing hangovers? Beyond its nutritional profile, there’s a common belief that milk can “coat the stomach” and slow the absorption of certain foods and drinks — especially alcohol. Scientifically, this is a bit of a stretch.
Let’s dive deeper deeper into milk's supposed ability to diminish the effects of being drunk or high. Is there any truth to these claims, or are they just old wives’ tales?
Some people swear that milk sobers them up when they’ve been drinking, but what does science have to say? To understand this, we first need to examine how the body metabolizes alcohol — then we can explore where milk might fit into the picture.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. From there, it's primarily metabolized in the liver with the help of alcohol dehydrogenase (ALDH). This key enzyme converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, the toxic compound responsible for most icky hangover symptoms.
While it's true that eating a meal before drinking alcohol can slow its absorption slightly, it doesn't prevent intoxication or help us sober up. Furthermore, milk doesn't contain any magical ingredients that can alter the body's metabolic processes to break down alcohol faster.
The alcohol elimination process in the body is a fixed biological function, and no amount of milk consumption will change this. There’s only one magic ingredient for sobering up from alcohol — time!
But what if you need to sober up from something else?
While milk won’t “cure” a hangover, it might make you feel a bit better. Substances can alter our chemical balance quickly, but it often takes much longer for the body to restore balance. Unfortunately, there is usually no quick fix for a hangover. While some people might report feeling better or less intoxicated after drinking milk, this is likely a placebo effect from consuming a soothing, familiar beverage.
So, if there’s no magic elixir for kicking our hangover to the curb, what can we do for relief when we’re feeling less than great?
The best way to avoid hangovers is to drink in moderation or practice mindful drinking. If we’re already in the hangover phase, we can use this opportunity to reflect on our relationship to alcohol and consider making a hangover prevention plan for next time.
While milk can be a helpful tool in the hangover recovery process, it’s not a cure-all. Milk is rich in nutrients that nourish our body during the detox phase, and it’s an excellent supplement to water. While prevention is the best cure, our next best options are to rest, eat a good meal, and hydrate!
Have you ever woken up after a party feeling like your head is in a vice and your stomach is on a rollercoaster? Welcome to the world of hangovers! In this article, we’ll dissect the hangover, develop an understanding of the science behind it, and explore remedies, all the while focusing on the claim that a glass of milk can make the pain go away.
Can a glass of milk really be the elixir to your morning-after woes? Stay tuned!
First, let's dive into the science of hangovers and why they turn our mornings upside down.
Hangovers are morning-after messengers, reminding us of our indulgences from the night before. They don't just disrupt our physical well-being; they turn our plans for a productive day into a struggle for basic comfort. But why does our body react this way?
Understanding the science behind a hangover is key to navigating the aftermath of a night out. They’re a blend of dehydration, chemical reactions, and the body's attempts to restore balance after being bombarded with more alcohol than it can handle. While everyone's experience might differ slightly, the common thread is that our body is working overtime to recover from a temporary onslaught of booze.
So, what does a hangover bring to the party? Here's the not-so-fun guest list:
Hangovers are no fun, as anyone who’s ever had one can attest to. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have desperately searched for hangover cures. Over the years, some pretty absurd remedies have popped up — maybe we’ve even tried one or two of them!
Let’s zoom in on milk as a hangover cure. Some people swear by it, but is there any truth behind it?
The origins of the milk-as-a-cure belief are somewhat nebulous. Milk has long been important for humans. In ancient times, it was viewed as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It’s obviously associated with breastfeeding, which contributes to the perception of milk as a nourishing comfort food.
And milk is certainly nourishing! Thanks to modern dietary science, we know that it’s a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. Let’s get specific about milk’s wholesome nutritional offerings:
The nutrients in milk contribute to overall well-being and might alleviate some indirect effects of a hangover, but its primary benefit is rehydration and replenishment of depleted nutrients. Its capacity to directly counteract a hangover is more folklore than fact.
But what about preventing hangovers? Beyond its nutritional profile, there’s a common belief that milk can “coat the stomach” and slow the absorption of certain foods and drinks — especially alcohol. Scientifically, this is a bit of a stretch.
Let’s dive deeper deeper into milk's supposed ability to diminish the effects of being drunk or high. Is there any truth to these claims, or are they just old wives’ tales?
Some people swear that milk sobers them up when they’ve been drinking, but what does science have to say? To understand this, we first need to examine how the body metabolizes alcohol — then we can explore where milk might fit into the picture.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. From there, it's primarily metabolized in the liver with the help of alcohol dehydrogenase (ALDH). This key enzyme converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, the toxic compound responsible for most icky hangover symptoms.
While it's true that eating a meal before drinking alcohol can slow its absorption slightly, it doesn't prevent intoxication or help us sober up. Furthermore, milk doesn't contain any magical ingredients that can alter the body's metabolic processes to break down alcohol faster.
The alcohol elimination process in the body is a fixed biological function, and no amount of milk consumption will change this. There’s only one magic ingredient for sobering up from alcohol — time!
But what if you need to sober up from something else?
While milk won’t “cure” a hangover, it might make you feel a bit better. Substances can alter our chemical balance quickly, but it often takes much longer for the body to restore balance. Unfortunately, there is usually no quick fix for a hangover. While some people might report feeling better or less intoxicated after drinking milk, this is likely a placebo effect from consuming a soothing, familiar beverage.
So, if there’s no magic elixir for kicking our hangover to the curb, what can we do for relief when we’re feeling less than great?
The best way to avoid hangovers is to drink in moderation or practice mindful drinking. If we’re already in the hangover phase, we can use this opportunity to reflect on our relationship to alcohol and consider making a hangover prevention plan for next time.
While milk can be a helpful tool in the hangover recovery process, it’s not a cure-all. Milk is rich in nutrients that nourish our body during the detox phase, and it’s an excellent supplement to water. While prevention is the best cure, our next best options are to rest, eat a good meal, and hydrate!
Wondering what the Australian drinking age or drinking laws are? Check out our latest blog for a detailed guide on all the alcohol-related laws in Australia!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Australia is known for its unique wildlife and lush landscapes. From close-ups with cuddly koalas to lounging on pristine beaches, the Land Down Under is a coveted place to be. And if you’re familiar with Australia, then you’ve most likely heard of its active drinking culture.
While there may be some Aussies who live it up at the pubs, there are plenty who drink in moderation. With Australia’s prevalent drinking customs, state and local governments have been implementing stricter regulations, including laws about sobriety checkpoint vehicles known as Booze Buses.
To help us make informed decisions, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of Oz’s alcohol-related laws so we can stay out of trouble and drink responsibly while visiting.
In order to understand Australia’s drinking culture and the laws that govern it, let’s explore the early days of alcohol use in Australia.
While Aboriginal peoples of Australia had long used alcoholic beverages in certain ceremonies, high-proof alcohol wasn’t widely popularized in Australia until 1788 when the first fleet of British ships arrived. They brought along enough rum to satisfy British naval officers for four years, and it quickly became a form of currency. Rum was used to purchase anything and everything in the new colony, from land to prisoners. Over time, spirits came to be an integral aspect of the culture. Settlers and Aboriginal peoples alike began to produce bootleg spirits, and many got sick or died from the crude concoctions.
As time went on, alcohol consumption continued to increase. Prohibition laws were passed in the early 19th century as the government began to acknowledge the health and economic impacts alcohol was having on its citizens.
These laws produced mixed results. In 1916, several territories enacted laws requiring bars to close by 6 p.m. in an attempt to curb alcohol consumption. This unintentionally induced an excessive drinking culture that some say still persists today. Since bars closed by 6 p.m., workers would head to the pubs and drink as much as they could from clock out to closing — causing what is colloquially known as the “six o’clock swill.” This trend started to die down in the 1960s when entertainment and sports culture took off.
During the ‘70s in Australia, drinking age laws changed, and the legal drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18. To this day, alcohol remains a large part of Australia’s politics and culture. Public policy throughout the decades has promoted excessive drinking, which researchers say has contributed to today’s boozy workplace culture.
Fortunately, public health officials are increasingly acknowledging alcohol’s harmful effects on health. Today, there are many regulations that seek to control consumption of alcohol.
Now let’s take a look at the variety of laws related to alcohol in Australia. Keep in mind that alcohol-related laws and legal consequences of alcohol use vary from state to state and territory to territory, but these national laws generally apply everywhere.
The legal drinking age across all territories in Australia is 18 years old. This topic is widely debated among residents and politicians — previously, some states set the drinking age at 21 or even as high as 26. Officials amended laws in the 19th century to reduce the drinking age, and these laws have remained unchanged since then.
An 18-year-old Australian citizen is considered a legal adult. Advocates of drinking law changes argued that if an adult is allowed to vote, they should also be allowed to drink. However, a recent increase in alcohol-related driving incidents has sparked debate among Aussies, and many are pushing for an increase in the legal drinking age.
Blood alcohol content refers to the level of alcohol present in our system. It’s used as a measure to determine how intoxicated we are after drinking. Alcohol impairs our driving abilities by affecting areas of our brain that control coordination, perception, and motor function. There are strict regulations on a driver’s BAC to help reduce alcohol-related accidents.
Across all territories in Australia, the legal driving BAC level is 0.05%. Specific licenses and occupations require a BAC of 0.00%. This includes those with a provisional driving license, truck drivers, bus drivers, driving instructors, and those previously convicted of driving under the influence.
Downing “one for the road” was a common behavior until stricter measures were taken to enforce the legal driving BAC limit. In recent years, Booze Buses (mobile breathalyzer stations found at roadside sobriety checkpoints) have been implemented to dissuade drivers from drinking and driving. Driving under the influence remains one of the most commonly committed crimes related to alcohol consumption.
Public drinking refers to drinking alcohol outside of designated areas, often in places such as parks, roads, and public transport. Specific public drinking laws and no-alcohol zones vary by territory and state. In general, public drinking is not allowed in Australia.
Let’s break down the specific public drinking regulations by territory and state.
Aboriginal communities have been disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption since Australia was colonized by the British Royal Navy in 1788. Citing crime and poor social conditions, colonial governments banned alcohol for First Nations people from 1837 until the end of the 1960s.
When these bans were lifted, there was a surge in excessive alcohol consumption. Once again, increased alcohol-related crime prompted alcohol management plans and bans to be reinstated for Aboriginal communities. Alcohol is widely restricted in areas deemed Aboriginal lands, and in 2007 the Northern Territory government enacted a 15-year outright ban on possession and consumption of alcohol inside lands designated for Aboriginal peoples. This ban was reaffirmed upon its expiration in 2023.
The ethicality and efficacy of alcohol bans continue to be debated; despite the prohibition of alcohol in Aboriginal towns, crime, and other alcohol-related consequences continue to disproportionately affect the communities.
Across Australia, it’s illegal to sell alcohol to minors and those who are already intoxicated. Section 5 of the Liquor Act 2007 defines “intoxication” as when “a person’s speech, balance, coordination, or behaviour is noticeably affected,” and it is “reasonable in the circumstances to believe [these behaviors are] the result of the consumption of liquor.”
Alcohol labeling laws ensure that we as consumers are informed about the alcohol content in an item and that we are aware of its potential harmful effects. For instance, all alcoholic beverages in Australia must have printed pregnancy warnings, as alcohol poses major risks to fetal health and development.
Across Australia, all alcohol products must clearly display alcohol content and how many standard drinks they contain. There are also restrictions on labeling beverages as low-alcohol, non-intoxicating, and non-alcoholic. These restrictions are based on a beverage’s alcohol by volume (ABV), a measure of the alcohol content.
These labels ensure that we understand what we are purchasing and how it may affect us. Similar to how misleading food labels like “heart-healthy” Cheerios or “natural” peanut butter can trick us into thinking we’re making a healthy choice, deceptive alcohol packaging and advertisements are not always as straightforward as they seem.
“Secondary supply” is the act of providing alcohol to a minor in a private home. Laws vary by state and territory. In some areas, it’s legal only if the providing adult is the minor’s legal parent or guardian. In other areas, it’s legal if a parent or guardian grants permission.
Studies show that alcohol has particularly negative impacts on developing brains, which generally refers to those under the age of 25. Although secondary supply is generally legal across Australia, it’s important to consider the consequences of alcohol use for young people.
Legal consequences of alcohol-related crimes vary depending on the crime and the degree to which the law was broken. There are three major legal consequences for breaking alcohol-related laws.
While laws and legal consequences help reinforce Australia’s many regulations, alcohol continues to have detrimental impacts on the public health and safety. Alcohol-related statistics highlight the extent of these impacts and support the need for continued regulation. It’s advantageous to see what effects alcohol has in order to understand the importance of these alcohol-related laws.
These facts remind us of the severe consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption. Laws and regulations vary from region to region, but altogether they aim to limit alcohol consumption for our health and safety.
Alcohol has been ingrained in Australian culture since its days as a colony. A strong drinking culture persists today, but laws and legislation have been put in place to mitigate the negative effects that alcohol has on public health. Breaking these laws leads not only to legal ramifications but also to an increased risk of alcohol-related diseases and accidents. Alcohol laws exist to encourage responsible drinking — if you’re going to drink, be safe and do it legally!
Australia is known for its unique wildlife and lush landscapes. From close-ups with cuddly koalas to lounging on pristine beaches, the Land Down Under is a coveted place to be. And if you’re familiar with Australia, then you’ve most likely heard of its active drinking culture.
While there may be some Aussies who live it up at the pubs, there are plenty who drink in moderation. With Australia’s prevalent drinking customs, state and local governments have been implementing stricter regulations, including laws about sobriety checkpoint vehicles known as Booze Buses.
To help us make informed decisions, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of Oz’s alcohol-related laws so we can stay out of trouble and drink responsibly while visiting.
In order to understand Australia’s drinking culture and the laws that govern it, let’s explore the early days of alcohol use in Australia.
While Aboriginal peoples of Australia had long used alcoholic beverages in certain ceremonies, high-proof alcohol wasn’t widely popularized in Australia until 1788 when the first fleet of British ships arrived. They brought along enough rum to satisfy British naval officers for four years, and it quickly became a form of currency. Rum was used to purchase anything and everything in the new colony, from land to prisoners. Over time, spirits came to be an integral aspect of the culture. Settlers and Aboriginal peoples alike began to produce bootleg spirits, and many got sick or died from the crude concoctions.
As time went on, alcohol consumption continued to increase. Prohibition laws were passed in the early 19th century as the government began to acknowledge the health and economic impacts alcohol was having on its citizens.
These laws produced mixed results. In 1916, several territories enacted laws requiring bars to close by 6 p.m. in an attempt to curb alcohol consumption. This unintentionally induced an excessive drinking culture that some say still persists today. Since bars closed by 6 p.m., workers would head to the pubs and drink as much as they could from clock out to closing — causing what is colloquially known as the “six o’clock swill.” This trend started to die down in the 1960s when entertainment and sports culture took off.
During the ‘70s in Australia, drinking age laws changed, and the legal drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18. To this day, alcohol remains a large part of Australia’s politics and culture. Public policy throughout the decades has promoted excessive drinking, which researchers say has contributed to today’s boozy workplace culture.
Fortunately, public health officials are increasingly acknowledging alcohol’s harmful effects on health. Today, there are many regulations that seek to control consumption of alcohol.
Now let’s take a look at the variety of laws related to alcohol in Australia. Keep in mind that alcohol-related laws and legal consequences of alcohol use vary from state to state and territory to territory, but these national laws generally apply everywhere.
The legal drinking age across all territories in Australia is 18 years old. This topic is widely debated among residents and politicians — previously, some states set the drinking age at 21 or even as high as 26. Officials amended laws in the 19th century to reduce the drinking age, and these laws have remained unchanged since then.
An 18-year-old Australian citizen is considered a legal adult. Advocates of drinking law changes argued that if an adult is allowed to vote, they should also be allowed to drink. However, a recent increase in alcohol-related driving incidents has sparked debate among Aussies, and many are pushing for an increase in the legal drinking age.
Blood alcohol content refers to the level of alcohol present in our system. It’s used as a measure to determine how intoxicated we are after drinking. Alcohol impairs our driving abilities by affecting areas of our brain that control coordination, perception, and motor function. There are strict regulations on a driver’s BAC to help reduce alcohol-related accidents.
Across all territories in Australia, the legal driving BAC level is 0.05%. Specific licenses and occupations require a BAC of 0.00%. This includes those with a provisional driving license, truck drivers, bus drivers, driving instructors, and those previously convicted of driving under the influence.
Downing “one for the road” was a common behavior until stricter measures were taken to enforce the legal driving BAC limit. In recent years, Booze Buses (mobile breathalyzer stations found at roadside sobriety checkpoints) have been implemented to dissuade drivers from drinking and driving. Driving under the influence remains one of the most commonly committed crimes related to alcohol consumption.
Public drinking refers to drinking alcohol outside of designated areas, often in places such as parks, roads, and public transport. Specific public drinking laws and no-alcohol zones vary by territory and state. In general, public drinking is not allowed in Australia.
Let’s break down the specific public drinking regulations by territory and state.
Aboriginal communities have been disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption since Australia was colonized by the British Royal Navy in 1788. Citing crime and poor social conditions, colonial governments banned alcohol for First Nations people from 1837 until the end of the 1960s.
When these bans were lifted, there was a surge in excessive alcohol consumption. Once again, increased alcohol-related crime prompted alcohol management plans and bans to be reinstated for Aboriginal communities. Alcohol is widely restricted in areas deemed Aboriginal lands, and in 2007 the Northern Territory government enacted a 15-year outright ban on possession and consumption of alcohol inside lands designated for Aboriginal peoples. This ban was reaffirmed upon its expiration in 2023.
The ethicality and efficacy of alcohol bans continue to be debated; despite the prohibition of alcohol in Aboriginal towns, crime, and other alcohol-related consequences continue to disproportionately affect the communities.
Across Australia, it’s illegal to sell alcohol to minors and those who are already intoxicated. Section 5 of the Liquor Act 2007 defines “intoxication” as when “a person’s speech, balance, coordination, or behaviour is noticeably affected,” and it is “reasonable in the circumstances to believe [these behaviors are] the result of the consumption of liquor.”
Alcohol labeling laws ensure that we as consumers are informed about the alcohol content in an item and that we are aware of its potential harmful effects. For instance, all alcoholic beverages in Australia must have printed pregnancy warnings, as alcohol poses major risks to fetal health and development.
Across Australia, all alcohol products must clearly display alcohol content and how many standard drinks they contain. There are also restrictions on labeling beverages as low-alcohol, non-intoxicating, and non-alcoholic. These restrictions are based on a beverage’s alcohol by volume (ABV), a measure of the alcohol content.
These labels ensure that we understand what we are purchasing and how it may affect us. Similar to how misleading food labels like “heart-healthy” Cheerios or “natural” peanut butter can trick us into thinking we’re making a healthy choice, deceptive alcohol packaging and advertisements are not always as straightforward as they seem.
“Secondary supply” is the act of providing alcohol to a minor in a private home. Laws vary by state and territory. In some areas, it’s legal only if the providing adult is the minor’s legal parent or guardian. In other areas, it’s legal if a parent or guardian grants permission.
Studies show that alcohol has particularly negative impacts on developing brains, which generally refers to those under the age of 25. Although secondary supply is generally legal across Australia, it’s important to consider the consequences of alcohol use for young people.
Legal consequences of alcohol-related crimes vary depending on the crime and the degree to which the law was broken. There are three major legal consequences for breaking alcohol-related laws.
While laws and legal consequences help reinforce Australia’s many regulations, alcohol continues to have detrimental impacts on the public health and safety. Alcohol-related statistics highlight the extent of these impacts and support the need for continued regulation. It’s advantageous to see what effects alcohol has in order to understand the importance of these alcohol-related laws.
These facts remind us of the severe consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption. Laws and regulations vary from region to region, but altogether they aim to limit alcohol consumption for our health and safety.
Alcohol has been ingrained in Australian culture since its days as a colony. A strong drinking culture persists today, but laws and legislation have been put in place to mitigate the negative effects that alcohol has on public health. Breaking these laws leads not only to legal ramifications but also to an increased risk of alcohol-related diseases and accidents. Alcohol laws exist to encourage responsible drinking — if you’re going to drink, be safe and do it legally!
