Drunk Personalities: Alcohol's Different Impacts

Alcohol has a variety of effects on the brain, and it's common to hear people describe different types of drunkenness based on the drink consumed. However, this is largely a myth. While different alcoholic drinks have varying alcohol content, the active ingredient in all alcoholic drinks is ethanol, and its effect is always the same. Factors such as setting, time of day, drinking habits, and culture play a more significant role in determining drunkenness. Additionally, individual factors like genetics, personality traits, and how much one drinks also influence the unique ways in which alcohol affects a person. While the idea of different types of drunkenness may be a misconception, it is true that alcohol affects everyone differently, and understanding these effects is crucial for drinking responsibly and safely.

The 'happy drunk'

While there is no scientific evidence that different types of alcohol make you different kinds of drunk, a 2017 study published in BMJ found that drinking liquor, wine, or beer can elicit different emotions. For example, spirits are most often associated with aggression, while red wine is likely to make people feel relaxed and sexy. Beer, on the other hand, is the least sexy drink, with nearly half of the respondents saying they felt relaxed after drinking it.

The "happy drunk" is a well-known archetype, often portrayed in popular culture as someone who is joyful, fun to be around, and appears happier when drinking. However, it is important to note that the "happy drunk" is a myth, and these individuals are no less addicted than those who exhibit negative or dangerous behaviours. Their emotional state is just as unstable, and they may be at a higher risk for liver disease, accidental overdose, and suicide. The false presentation of joy often masks the true reasoning for their drinking, which is to numb their pain and present the opposite of what they feel. As their addiction worsens, so does their pain.

The "happy drunk" may experience a range of emotions and behaviours when intoxicated. They may feel a sense of euphoria and utter joy that persists no matter how much they drink. They might become less coordinated, more social, and their mood remains positive. However, it is important to remember that the "happy drunk" is still experiencing the effects of alcohol, which can impact their brain function and lower their inhibitions.

Additionally, the "happy drunk" may be more prone to certain behaviours or experiences. They may become the philosophical drunk, delving into profound conversations and contemplating life's big questions. They might also become more reckless, taking risks they wouldn't normally take when sober, such as dancing on tables or doing dangerous stunts. While these behaviours can be entertaining, it is important to prioritise safety and ensure mindful drinking to prevent reckless behaviour.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help. There are treatment centres and specialists available to provide support and guidance. Recognising the signs and getting honest about the problem is the first step towards recovery.

The 'angry drunk'

Alcohol affects people in different ways, and it is important to note that the impact of drinking alcohol on aggressive or violent behaviour is complex. However, the stereotype of the "angry drunk" may be rooted in fact, as alcohol is more closely associated with aggressive behaviour than any other psychotropic substance.

Some people may be more prone to getting angry when they are drunk, and this may be because alcohol affects how they perceive situations, impairs their ability to process information, and makes it more difficult to think straight. This phenomenon is known as "alcohol myopia", where drunk individuals may miss social and environmental cues, misinterpret other people's behaviour, and act on their feelings without considering the consequences. Binge drinking, in particular, increases the risk of behaving aggressively and being harmed by other people's anger.

According to research, the effects of alcohol on aggression are more pronounced in people who are more present-focused, and those with a natural tendency to be angry may become aggressive when drinking. This could be due to neuroinflammation, which is exacerbated by heavy alcohol consumption's impact on the gut microbiome and nutrition.

In addition to individual differences, the setting, time of day, drinking habits, and culture can also influence how alcohol affects an individual. While the stereotype of the "angry drunk" may not fit every drunk person, it is a serious issue that can lead to fights, arguments, and intimate partner violence. Recognizing the potential risks associated with alcohol-induced anger is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being.

The 'tequila drunk'

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that different types of alcohol lead to different types of drunk, popular perception suggests otherwise. Tequila, for instance, is often associated with amnesia, with those partaking in it questioning their friends the morning after about what transpired the previous night.

Tequila is a spirit that is said to keep you up all night. It makes you lively and energetic, and it's a great way to stay awake. However, it's likely that you won't remember much the next day. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a fun night out, as it can keep conversations going for hours.

The way tequila is consumed also plays a role in how it affects you. In Mexico, where tequila originated, it is traditionally drunk neat, without lime and salt. However, outside of Mexico, it is often served as a shot with salt and a slice of lime or lemon, sometimes referred to as "training wheels" or a Tequila Slammer. The salt is believed to lessen the "burn" of the tequila, and the sour fruit enhances the flavour.

Tequila is also commonly used in cocktails, with the margarita being one of the most popular. Other tequila cocktails include the Paloma, the Acapulco, the Mojito Blanco, the Vampiro, and the Tequila Sunrise. These cocktails often involve mixing tequila with fruit juices, sodas, or other spirits to create a variety of flavours.

Some people claim that tequila is an "upper", believing it to be a happy drink that makes them feel bubbly and energetic. They also claim that it is easier to process than other alcohols, resulting in fewer hangovers. However, others disagree, stating that it is just like any other alcohol and can make them feel unwell. Ultimately, the effect of tequila, or any other alcohol, on an individual depends on a variety of factors, including genetic factors and normal personality traits.

The 'beer drunk'

While different types of alcohol don't make you different kinds of drunk, a 2017 study published in BMJ found that drinking liquor, wine, or beer can elicit different emotions. Beer, for example, is associated with nostalgia and relaxation.

The Beer Drunk

Beer drinkers are likely to feel relaxed and experience a degree of euphoria. They might become less coordinated and start slurring their words, but their mood will remain joyful. Beer drunkenness can also bring about feelings of nostalgia.

The effects of beer drunkenness can vary depending on the setting (such as whether you're at a bar or on your couch), the time of day, drinking habits, and cultural context.

It's important to note that while drinking alcohol may lower inhibitions and impact brain function, leading to unique behavioural responses, excessive alcohol consumption can create serious problems. Recognising your drunk personality and understanding your relationship with alcohol is crucial.

The 'whisky drunk'

The idea that different types of alcohol cause different types of drunk is a contentious one. Some people believe that ethanol is ethanol, and beer, wine, and spirits all get you buzzed in the same way. However, there is also evidence to suggest that different alcohols can indeed elicit different emotions and that there are different types of drunks.

The Whisky Drunk

Whisky is a strictly regulated spirit worldwide, with many classes and types, but the unifying characteristics are the fermentation of grains, distillation, and aging in wooden barrels. Whisky is typically made from fermented grain mash, with various grains used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It is usually aged in wooden casks, commonly charred white oak, and has been distilled since at least the 15th century in Ireland and Scotland.

Whisky is said to give you confidence and a sense of drowsiness. It increases exponentially, so that extra glass at the end of the night will have a much greater effect than the first glass of the night. You might find yourself with 10 new friends, but you might also have a stronger hangover. Whisky is also said to give a "clean drunk" feeling, without the haggard, tired, or hungry sensations that can come with other types of alcohol.

One person describes their experience of whisky drunk as follows:

> "I was doing some leisure reading and filled up a glass of my favorite Scotch whisky. I've been enjoying and exploring whisky for two years now and have never drunk a significant amount in one sitting or day. Maybe one to three glasses. Slowly I would drink it and then refill it as I was reading, not really keeping track of how much I was having until I realized that I was four glasses in. Typically when I have been drinking and get a buzz it is from beer. Getting a buzz from whisky is amazing. It is what I would call a clean drunk. I didn't feel haggard. I didn't feel tired. I didn't get hungry. It was lasting and just made me all smiley and warm. Whisky is amazing."

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