Hold Up on “Holding Your Liquor”

Being able to “hold your liquor” or “drink someone under the table” is often celebrated in social settings, especially among young adults who drink alcohol. While being able to drink more may be perceived as a good thing, it can come with serious health risks.

There are many different factors that play into how and when someone may feel the effects of alcohol. They include age, gender, race, weight, fitness level, amount of food and water consumed before drinking, how quickly drinks are consumed, medication use and family history of alcohol use problems. Some of these factors are within your control, like how much you eat before drinking or how fast you drink. Others are not controllable and can affect your natural alcohol tolerance.

Drinking habits also play a large role in an individual’s ability to “hold their liquor.” If someone regularly drinks above their recommended limit, they may experience less of the effects of alcohol over time when drinking the same amount. As a result, they may need to drink more to feel “buzzed” or may not seem as drunk as others because their tolerance has increased.

People who can hold their liquor may not realize that their body’s lowered response to its effects may be more cause for caution than celebration. That’s because it’s possible that the body may not send the necessary warning signals when someone has had too much to drink. That could lead to dangerous outcomes like alcohol poisoning, or to someone thinking they’re more sober than they are and attempting to drive (hello, DUI). Regularly drinking too much alcohol over time can also lead to serious negative long-term effects on the body.

If you often feel like you need to drink more to feel a buzz or if your buddies call you a “tank” because you can hold your liquor, consider checking on your drinking. If you are concerned about your drinking habits, it might be time to think about cutting back or taking a break from alcohol. It’s so much better to be safe now than sorry later. Plus, your health and your wallet will thank you.