Are you ready to hear about the exciting world of drinking? A world where you can experience a temporary escape from everyday routine and experience a sense of freedom and joy. Continue reading to know more about the positive phase of drinking and how to drink responsibly.
Drinking offers a temporary escape from the stresses of everyday routine and is consumed by most people. It gives them an escape from reality and calms their nerves for a little while. The positive phase of drinking refers to the original period of the consumption of alcohol, where an individual experiences a sense of euphoria and is completely relaxed. It also increases sociability due to the release of endorphins, hormones released when a person is in pain and stress.
They are also released during pleasurable activities such as massage and exercise.
Consumption of alcohol can have both positive and negative effects on your body and depends highly on the amount consumed, including the person’s overall health status. Drinking has been linked to lessening the risk of heart disease and different types of cancer and does increase a person’s overall mood and social skills.
But despite its pros, it has cons as well because excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a range of consequences, including liver damage, addiction, and various mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It would be advised to drink responsibly and in moderation. This article will detail the positive drinking phase, explain standard drink sizes, and discuss the social benefits of alcohol.
Table of Contents
What is the positive phase of drinking?
Positive typically refers to the initial effects that alcohol has on the mind and body, which at first are perceived as pleasurable and enjoyable. however, these effects can vary and mainly depends on the individuals
- Body weight
- Gender
- Age
- Tolerance to alcohol
- Amount of alcohol consumption
- Rate of alcohol consumption
During the positive phase of drinking, one of the effects of alcohol includes a feeling of euphoria and sociability, which in common terms is often referred to as loosening up. This is because alcohol affects the brain’s transmitters, particularly dopamine, which creates a sense of happiness, improved mood, and relaxation.
Alcohol is also capable of producing physical effects during the positive phase. It can cause the dilation of blood vessels, which is the warming sensation you get after consumption. It can also cause flushing of skin color and overall creates a sense of relaxation in the muscles, making people more comfortable and less tense.
Increased appetite is also observed during the positive phase of drinking and can be because alcohol stimulates the release of certain hormones that increases hunger. A salty or savory craving is observed, which can enhance some people’s drinking experience. Additionally, it is essential to remember that this positive drinking phase is short-lived and can quickly turn into a negative phase if not taken seriously.
When the body metabolizes alcohol, the positive effects begin to fade, and the adverse effects start to take control. The symptoms of negative effects often include dizziness, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and nausea. Excessive drinking can also lead to more severe and irreversible long-term effects, including alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and other long-term health problems. Therefore it is essential to take alcohol appropriately and understand your body’s limits to avoid any negative and fatal consequences.
In short, the positive phase of drinking refers to the initial pleasurable effects that alcohol has on the mind and body, including euphoria, enhanced appetite relaxation, and more. Therefore, constantly checking the amount you are consuming and drinking responsibly to avoid negative consequences is critical.
What is considered a standard drink?
A standard drink is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of pure alcohol in a beverage. This is important because to maintain safe and moderate drinking limits, the individual must be aware of their consumption. In America, a standard drink is any beverage containing at least 14 grams of alcohol.There are various types of alcoholic beverages, with each of them containing a different amount of alcohol per serving.
For instance
- A 12-ounce beer typically contains about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV)
- A 5-ounce glass of wine contains about 12% alcohol by volume (ABV)
- A 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits such as vodka or whiskey has 40% alcohol by volume(ABV)
If you want to calculate how many standard drinks are in a particular beverage, then you need to know the alcohol content, serving size, and the serving sizes volume
For instance
- A 12-ounce beer that contains 5% ABV is equivalent to one standard drink
- A 16-ounce beer containing 8%ABV is equivalent to one standard drink
- A 9-ounce glass of wine containing 14% ABV is equivalent to one-a-half standard drinks
It would be important always to remember that alcoholic beverages and drinks are often served larger than standardized drinks. So, if you are a recovering alcoholic or suffer from addiction, it would be best to check the alcohol content in that drink.
For instance
- A pint of beer is 16 ounces which is equivalent to one and a-third standard drinks
- A Martini is 3 ounces of alcohol which is equivalent to two standard drinks
Understanding what constitutes a standard drink is critical to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can be detrimental to health and cause Various problems, including liver and heart disease and certain types of cancer. It also impairs judgment and leads to risky behaviors like driving under the influence.
According to the recommendation of The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) which states that men have four standard drinks per day and 14 standard drinks per week. The recommended limits for women are three standard drinks per day and seven standard drinks per week. These recommendations are based on the assumption of moderate drinking, defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
In summary, a standard drink is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of pure alcohol in a particular beverage; therefore, it is essential to understand what constitutes a standard drink to determine safe and moderate drinking limits and lower the risks that come with excessive alcohol consumption.
What is the positive phase of drinking in the 3rd millennium?
The usage of alcohol in the 3rd millennium, like in earlier times, can have both beneficial and harmful impacts on people and society as a whole. Positively, research has shown that moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a lessened risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Additionally, it can encourage unwinding, mingling, and enjoyment when used moderately. Alcohol can also be used in religious and cultural rituals, which increases its significance and value.
Yet, excessive alcohol intake can result in various detrimental effects, including alcoholism, liver disease, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. Along with impacting the drinker, it can also negatively affect those around them by raising the risk of accidents, violence, and criminal activity.
In all, it’s critical to consider both the risks and advantages of alcohol usage while making decisions concerning its use. It is also crucial to detect when alcohol use is problematic and get help if necessary.
What is the positive phase” of drinking Quizlet
According to Quizlet, the positive phase of drinking is called euphoria which is the initial phase of drinking in which a person experiences the sweet side effects of alcohol. In these effects, the person escapes reality for a little while and becomes more relaxed and generally happy, which is considered euphoric.
They feel more confident, less stressed, and experience temporary relief from stress and anxiety. But this phase is short-lived because when a person continues to drink, they may spiral into the negative phase, during which the effects become more pronounced and potentially dangerous. It is important to consider the potential long-term alcohol use due to its consequences on the mind and body.
What does it mean when you have a high “tolerance” for alcohol?
When a person has a high tolerance for alcohol, it means that that particular person is able to consume a large amount of alcohol without feeling its effects. When this happens, that person consumes more alcohol than they should, as they may not feel as drunk as the others drinking around them.
The tolerance level of every person depends on the consumption level of that person and can develop over time. The chemistry behind alcohol and its effect on the body is simple. When a person drinks alcohol, their body breaks it down into simple components through metabolism. The organ responsible for this is the liver which can actually be more efficient at breaking down alcohol.
This means that a person with a high tolerance is able to consume more alcohol without getting drunk due to their liver being able to process the alcohol more quickly and efficiently.
Some other factors that can affect a person’s tolerance for alcohol include
- Body weight
- Food consumption
- Hydration
A person who is obese may be able to consume more alcohol without feeling its effect than someone who is thin or skinny. Drinking on a full stomach can also slow down the absorption of alcohol into the blood, which also contributes to lowering the effects of alcohol. This is where staying hydrated helps you prevent the onset of alcohol-related symptoms, which range from headaches to nausea and dizziness.
It is important to remember that having a high tolerance for alcohol does not guarantee immunity to the negative consequences for that person, which include
- Wrong judgments
- Impaired coordination
- High risks of accidents and injuries
And not only this, it can also lead to long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, liver damage, and a higher risk of getting certain types of cancers.
If you think your tolerance level is high or, in general, worried about your overall consumption, then it would be advised to talk to a medical professional who can help you sort out your issues and provide guidance as well as support to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle
Social benefits of alcohol
Alcohol is often seen as a social lubricant because it makes people relaxed and friendly in dry and bland environments. It can quickly convert a dull environment into a social one. It is particularly helpful for individuals who suffer from social anxiety or shyness, as it can help them feel more confident in social gatherings.
Additionally, alcohol is also a celebratory drink and is often consumed during a time of celebration. Whether it’s a wedding, dinner, or anniversary alcoholic drinks are involved in the form of vodkas, martinis, or tequilas. Many cultural traditions involve the use of alcohol in different celebrations. On these occasions, alcohol marks a special event where people often raise their drinks for a toast and bring people together in a spirit of joy and togetherness.
Not only this but alcohol can also be used to facilitate critical social interactions, which are necessary for business and networking events.in these situations, a drink can help you break the ice and create a more relaxed environment for everybody to socialize. When people are comfortable, their communication skills increase and generate positive outcomes for all involved.
It has also been observed that moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of certain heart diseases. Although these benefits should not be seen as a reason to drink, they provide additional social benefits for individuals who drink in moderation.
But all benefits aside, alcohol can be risky if taken in excess and has irreversible consequences. Even in social situations, alcohol in excess can make a person drunk, which will cause aggressive behavior, impaired judgment, and other adverse outcomes and can damage your reputation and the relationship with individuals around you.
In short, there are some social benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption, but excessive drinking can have serious consequences. It would be advised to drink responsibly and to consider the potential risks and benefits before consuming alcohol in any social context.
Overall, it is essential to remember the potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption and to make informed choices about its use. It is also important to recognize when alcohol use may be problematic and to seek help if needed.
How genes play a role?
Adoption studies have shown that genetics significantly influence an individual’s preference for alcohol and the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Alcoholism does not follow Mendel’s law of inheritance but is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors interacting with each other.
There is also evidence that genes affect how alcohol impacts the heart. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase plays a role in alcohol metabolism. One variant, known as type 1C (ADH1C), comes in two forms: one that breaks down alcohol rapidly and another that does so more slowly. Individuals who drink responsibly and have two copies of the slow-acting enzyme genes are at a much lower risk for cardiovascular disease than those with genes for the fast-acting enzyme.
The fast-acting enzyme may break down alcohol before it can benefit HDL and clotting factors. Moreover, these differences in the ADH1C gene do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among non-drinkers, providing strong indirect evidence that alcohol itself reduces heart disease risk.
Short-term effects of alcohol
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushed skin
- Reduced inhibitions
- Increased heart rates
- Memory loss
Impaired judgment
Alcohol affects the brain, which can cause impaired judgment and decision-making abilities.
Slurred speech
Alcohol relaxes the muscles that are used for speech, which results in a slur when a person tries to talk.
Lack of coordination
Alcohol hampers your mobility making it difficult to perform tasks that require ability and coordination.
Nausea
Excessive drinking irritates the stomach lining and leads to nausea and vomiting.
Dizziness
Alcohol affects the inner ear, which causes dizziness or vertigo
Headache
Alcohol can cause the dilation of blood vessels, which results in flushed or red skin.
Reduced inhibitions
Reduced inhibitions cause behaviors that are risky and inappropriate, and alcohol tends to cause them.
Increased heart rate
Alcohol can significantly increase heart rate, which causes that racing or pounding feeling in the chest.
Memory loss
Drinking too much alcohol can impair memory, making it difficult to recall events that happened in that drunken state.
Long-term effects of alcohol
The long-term effects of alcohol include
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Impaired immune system
- Digestive problems
- Sexual dysfunction’
- Malnutrition
- Addiction
Liver damage
Liver damage is one of the most well-known and potentially serious long-term effects of alcohol. Since the liver is responsible for the breakdown of alcohol, excessive consumption can damage it, and the damage is too significant to reverse.
Brain damage
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to various brain damage, including memory loss and multiple disorders.
Cardiovascular diseases
Alcohol abuse has been linked to an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Cancer
Excessive alcohol use is also a risk factor for certain cancers, including liver, breast, colon, and throat.
Pancreatitis
Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause diabetes and digestive issues.
Impaired immune system
Alcohol can weaken the immune system, and that makes it harder to fight off infections and diseases.
Digestive problems
Acid reflux gastritis and ulcers, along with various other digestive problems, are caused by excessive alcohol.
Sexual dysfunction
Long Term alcohol use can cause sexual dysfunction in both males and females.
Malnutrition
Alcohol intervenes by absorbing essential nutrients leading to malnutrition and other health problems.
Addiction
Perhaps the most well-known long-term effect of alcohol is an addiction that develops and changes the person’s life or, the worst, if not treated.
As Winston Churchill once said
“I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me”
This highlights that some individuals can enjoy the positive aspects of drinking while being responsible and aware of its potential risks. In the end, it is up to each individual to make decisions about their alcohol consumption and prioritize their well being
Conclusion
The positive phase of drinking can be a time of enjoyment and socializing with friends and family and can enhance the social experience for some individuals. However, it is crucial to remember the negative consequences of drinking and consuming alcohol responsibly and in moderation. Do you have any more questions? Tell us in the comments below!
