She Strengthens

The Surprising Truth About How We Behave When We’re Drunk

When we’re out with friends, having a few drinks can seem harmless. But as the night wears on, things can quickly take a turn for the worse. One minute you’re laughing and having a good time, the next you’re arguing with a stranger or crying in the bathroom. So, what’s really going on here?

Alcohol’s Sneaky Effects on Our Brains

Research suggests that alcohol can amplify certain personality traits, making us more impulsive, less anxious, and less restricted. But it won’t typically create a complete 180-degree change in our behavior. According to pharmaceutical biologist Jason Edmonds, “A person who habitually becomes aggressive when intoxicated likely has tendencies toward aggression and frustration when sober as well.”

The Many Faces of Drunkenness

People tend to believe that alcohol changes their personality more than others around them. But the truth is, our behavior when drunk is often a reflection of our true selves. Here are some common types of drunk behavior and their potential causes:

• The Angry Drunk: Prone to anger or aggression when sober, these individuals are more likely to act aggressively when drunk.
• The Chill Drunk: Those who are forward-thinking and consider the consequences of their actions when sober tend to stay calm and collected when drinking.
• The Anxious Drunk: Excessive consumption of alcohol can actually cause stress by changing the brain’s neural pathways, leading to increased anxiety levels.
• The Giddy Drunk: Physiological traits can influence drunk behavior, with some people reaching maximum giddiness at around 0.05 BAC.
• The Sleepy Drunk: Those who rarely drink tend to feel sedate when they do, often needing to be carried into a cab after a night out.

Avoiding the Morning After Regrets

So, how can we avoid getting into trouble when drinking? Here are a few tips:

• Choose Your Company Wisely: Steer clear of situations and people that trouble you when sober.
• Know Your Limits: Understand your personal limits and when you should stop drinking.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink one glass of water for each drink to avoid dehydration.

The Bottom Line

Alcohol can affect our brains in surprising ways, making it difficult to predict how we’ll behave when drunk. By understanding our own personalities and behaviors, we can take steps to avoid getting into trouble. But ultimately, the only way to guarantee a drama-free night is to drink in moderation – or not at all.