Undenying low tolerance affects getting drunk faster; however, regardless of physical attributes and the number of drinks consumed, Dr. Laura Tran explains in a study from The Scientist that beside tolerance people get drunk faster could have the participation of genetics. Scientists are working to determine how genetic disparities influence alcohol metabolism and to understand how the body absorbs and processes alcohol as well as why among individuals the effects vary. The main point is that certain genes control how quickly alcohol is broken down in the body by the mutations in two main enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which alter alcohol metabolism. After getting drunk, ADH takes the first step in turning alcohol into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, while ALDH breaks them down into a less harmful substance for the body to remove. Therefore, people with slower ALDH activity make metabolite buildup and alcohol stays longer, causing stronger and faster intoxication. Furthermore, the study mentions static ataxia, people with family history of alcoholism tend to show less body sway after drinking. Suggesting their brain may responds differently, especially in the cerebellum, which controls balance and movement.
It is interesting when something as common as drinking alcohol can be different because of genetics. This study explores the challenge that people do not react the same way even with similar genes, making scientists harder to effectively predict how alcohol will affect each person. However, doctors can give personalized advice to possibly prevent alcohol misuse by identifying higher-risk individuals.
Source:
https://www.the-scientist.com/why-do-some-people-get-drunk-faster-than-others-72385
Additional Source:
https://www.the-scientist.com/cerebellum-plays-crucial-role-in-metabolizing-alcohol-in-mice-68620
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