Genetics and Alcohol Metabolism Rates

Alcohol metabolism rates dictate how quickly alcohol is processed and removed from a person’s body. Alcohol metabolism rates differ among individuals, affected by factors such as gender, weight, age and existing alcohol tolerance. When alcohol dependent individuals fail to consider the effects of alcohol metabolism rates on drinking, they can often end up more intoxicated, over the legal limit for driving, or at risk for alcohol poisoning due to higher concentrations of ethanol in the bloodstream.

Gender, Genetics and Alcohol Metabolism Rates

While alcohol dependency is not solely dictated by genetics, genetically determined physical traits certainly have an effect on how quickly alcohol becomes processed in the body. For instance, among men and women of the exact same height and weight, females process alcohol more slowly in their systems. Because women tend to have lower muscle to fat ratios, less alcohol becomes absorbed, leading to blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels up to 30 percent higher than men. Women also naturally tend to be of smaller weight and stature than men, creating a higher level of intoxication per drink.

Women produce fewer gastric enzymes, important for breaking down alcohol. In fact, women will on average receive double the intoxication effects for each beverage. Even the menstrual cycle can affect alcohol metabolism rates, lowering the body’s ability to process alcohol and thus increasing its impact. These factors often lead to increased risk for liver damage, adverse social situations such as date rape due to heavy intoxication of females, or the beginnings of dependency as alcohol affects the brain.

Other Genetic Factors Affecting Alcohol Metabolism Rates

Alcohol metabolism rates can also be affected by size, age, and alcohol tolerance. Young drinkers become more affected by alcohol than those who consume it later in life. Physical size matters, as less muscle presence leads to higher blood alcohol levels.

Prior alcohol consumption can also affect metabolism rates, as the liver and kidneys work harder to rid the body of alcohol’s toxins. Over time, the body becomes more efficient, allowing alcohol dependent individuals to consume greater amounts of alcohol without feeling overintoxicated. Unfortunately, while the intoxicating effects of alcohol become lessened by tolerance, the damage alcohol causes to the organs does not diminish as alcohol metabolism rates increase.

ADH and ALDH Enzymes and Alcohol Metabolism Rates

Sometimes, two people of identical weight, gender, age and tolerance consume the same amount of alcohol, but one ends up more intoxicated due to varying alcohol metabolism rates. Genetic factors predetermine the amount of alcohol that reaches the brain, and how quickly it can be removed. In fact, evidence points to genetic influences on alcohol metabolism rates, including certain enzyme levels such as ADH and ALDH. Because alcohol can be broken down at different rates in separate individuals, those matching friends “drink for drink” can often find themselves dangerously intoxicated due to lower enzyme levels.

Related posts:

1. Classifications of Alcohol Tolerance
2. The Truth About Alcohol-Induced Blackouts
3. Drug Tolerance and Increased Side Effects
4. Common Relapse Rates in Drug Recovery
5. Physical Signs of Alcohol Dependency
6. Drug Overdose Risk and Tolerance
7. Examples of Drug Cross-Tolerance
8. Alcohol Dependency and Cancer Risks
9. Reasons for Rapid Tolerance Development
10. The Dangers of Glue Sniffing
11. Effects of Alcohol and Drug Use on Genetic Conditions
12. Ethanols Addictive Properties
13. Does Genetics Cause Dependency
14. Ethanol Content in Popular Alcoholic Drinks
15. Heart Disease and Alcohol Dependency
16. Depression and Alcohol Dependency
17. Alcohol-induced Chemical Imbalances
18. Endorphins and Exercise
19. How Alcohol Affects the Bodys Stress Responses
20. Criminal Activity and Drug Addiction