Alcohol tolerance
Alcohol tolerance is a term used in pharmacology to describe the body's physical and psychological adaptation to the regular consumption of alcohol.
Pronunciation
Alcohol tolerance: /ˈælkəhɔːl ˈtɒlərəns/
Etymology
The term "alcohol tolerance" is derived from the Latin word "tolerantia" meaning endurance, and the Arabic word "al-kuhl" which means body eating spirit.
Definition
Alcohol tolerance refers to the capacity of the body to endure or adapt to the effects of alcohol. It is a physiological response that occurs when alcohol is consumed regularly and in large quantities. Over time, the body becomes less responsive to alcohol, requiring more of it to achieve the same effects.
Types of Alcohol Tolerance
There are several types of alcohol tolerance, including:
- Metabolic tolerance: This occurs when the body becomes more efficient at breaking down alcohol in the bloodstream.
- Functional tolerance: This develops when the brain functions adapt to compensate for the disruption caused by alcohol.
- Acute tolerance: This refers to the body's ability to process alcohol more efficiently within a single episode of intoxication.
- Environment-dependent tolerance: This occurs when individuals show higher tolerance in environments where they frequently consume alcohol.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Tolerance
Several factors can influence an individual's alcohol tolerance, including:
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to have a higher tolerance to alcohol.
- Body size: Larger individuals typically have a higher alcohol tolerance than smaller ones.
- Gender: Men generally have a higher alcohol tolerance than women.
- Age: Alcohol tolerance generally decreases with age.
- Drinking history: Regular and heavy drinkers typically have a higher alcohol tolerance.
Health Risks
Increased alcohol tolerance can lead to alcohol dependence and alcoholism. It can also increase the risk of liver damage, heart disease, and other alcohol-related health problems.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alcohol tolerance
- Wikipedia's article - Alcohol tolerance
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