Stages Of Alcohol Addiction: Early Stage, Middle Stage, Late Stage, Diagnosis, Treatment

Alcohol intolerance is something that causes immediate, uncomfortable reactions whenever you drink any kind of alcohol. The most common symptoms include flushing red skin, inflammation, a stuffy nose or watery eyes. You may be more likely to experience alcohol intolerance if you have an allergy or intolerance for ingredients that make up alcohol, such as grain. Some pre-existing conditions such as asthma or hay fever may also put you at a greater risk for alcohol intolerance. The biggest difference between alcohol intolerance and an alcohol allergy is the reason behind the symptoms. An alcohol intolerance is a genetic, metabolic issue that prevents the digestive system from being able to break down compounds in alcohol.

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

Memory loss and cognitive impairment are significant symptoms of late-stage alcoholism, primarily resulting from alcohol-induced brain damage. Chronic alcohol abuse disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, leading to issues such as poor memory retention, difficulty concentrating, and diminished problem-solving abilities. Alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, called “wet brain,” are severe cognitive disorders linked to long-term alcohol abuse.

• If you suspect you have alcohol allergy, it’s important to seek care from your doctor.
• If you have alcohol intolerance but still find yourself drinking excessively, despite the pain and discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider.
• If trace amounts of any of the above compounds are consumed in a drink by someone with a sensitivity, they will develop symptoms.
• While alcohol intolerance from health conditions is very rare, it is crucial to consider these factors and consult your doctor if you notice a sudden change in how your body reacts to alcohol.
• Alcohol intolerance is a genetically inherited metabolic condition, similar to a gluten or lactose intolerance.

Alcohol Allergy vs. Intolerance: What Is the Difference?

It’s definitely worth considering these connections, and talking to a healthcare professional can really help in understanding individual risks and managing symptoms. The primary cause of alcohol intolerance is a genetic mutation that affects the production of enzymes responsible for alcohol metabolism, mainly aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). A deficiency or inactivity of ALDH2 leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, triggering various intolerance symptoms. Other factors, such as certain medications or health conditions, can also interfere with the normal function of ALDH2, causing intolerance symptoms or mimicking intolerance reactions.

• Unfortunately, because alcohol intolerance is a genetic (inherited) condition in most cases, there’s no direct treatment option for it.
• Dr. Wakim is a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for and expertise in addiction, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and the subspecialty of interventional psychiatry.
• They will typically happen rapidly enough that there is no question as to if it was the alcohol that caused it or not.
• In other cases, people can be intolerant to the chemicals that give alcoholic drinks their flavour and colour, not the alcohol itself.
• Alcohol intolerances are usually genetic but may also occur without a known cause.

Symptoms and Causes

Dark beers, such as stouts and porters, generally have higher histamine levels compared to lighter options like lagers. Additionally, aged spirits, such as whiskey and rum, may accumulate histamines over time as they are aged in wooden barrels, allowing for the development of various compounds during this process. It’s important to note that alcohol intolerance is not an immune drinking out of boredom response and should not be confused with an allergy.