Why Do We Really Get Drunk?

Ever wondered why alcohol makes us feel, think and act differently? Why we crave greasy fast food when we're drunk?

How do we get drunk?

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The creators at OMg! have investigated this (with a glass at hand!)

Well, alcohol is water-soluble, allowing it to pass like a ninja through our stomachs, into our blood where it can reach our brains...

Why do we feel drunk?

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Our brains work by sending lots of messages to different parts of the brain and body to make us think and act. Alcohol gets in the way of this, blocking some of these messages.

So the alcohol makes a chemical in your brain (GABA for all you nerds) be released more in the brain. This and the fact that the alcohol stops messages to parts of the brain make us feel more relaxed and calm, this can make some of us feel sad...

Why do we do stupid things when drunk?

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Why do we suddenly have the courage to go talk to the hottie at the end of the bar, or dance on tables when we've had a few?

Alcohol really likes the parts of the brain that make us think before we act, and makes us care less about the consequences of our actions.

What happens when we drink too much?

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You know how alcohol blocks some messages in your brain? With enough alcohol (depending on things like gender, height and weight), messages to some muscles are blocked, causing you to slur your speech, lose balance and coordination.

Why do we crave greasy fast food when we drink?

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Alcohol is what keeps McDonald's open 24/7. There's two reasons why we love burgers and pizza when we've had a few...

1. Alcohol makes fat and salt taste better! Researchers found that a moderate amount of alcohol (enough to get you tipsy) enhances the flavours of salt and fat!

2. Alcohol makes you tired, and when we're tired, our brains crave energy. And what's the best form of energy? Carbohydrates, found in burgers, chips and pizza.

No wonder it tastes so good!

Always drink in moderation

Your liver is in charge of getting rid of the alcohol in your system, but it can only work so hard. Always drink in moderation, and never drink to get drunk.