What accounts for the variable effect of alcohol on different people? Elizabeth Tracey reportsWhat accounts for the variable effect of alcohol on different people? Elizabeth Tracey reports
Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts
How is it that some people appear to be able to use alcohol, even several drinks at a sitting, and not be impacted much, while others are more susceptible to becoming intoxicated? Alcohol use disorder expert Denis Antoine at Johns … What accounts for ...
1:07•4 Dec 2023
Why Alcohol Affects Us Differently: Insights from Johns Hopkins
Episode Overview
- Genetics play a significant role in how our bodies respond to alcohol
- Certain individuals have more GABA receptors, often genetically determined
- Our bodies adapt to alcohol over time, influenced by ethnicity and gender
- Understanding family's alcohol reactions provides valuable insights into personal reactions
- Alcohol's impact on individuals varies due to genetics and other factors
“Some people have more than others. And some of that is actually genetically based. Some people say that about 40% of alcohol use disorders is based on genetics, or we may be born with more receptors than other folks.”
Ever wondered why your friend can drink you under the table, while you feel tipsy after just one glass? This episode of Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts tackles this perplexing question with expert Denis Antoine. He dives into the genetic puzzle behind alcohol tolerance, revealing that our bodies' responses are influenced by a mix of factors like genetics, ethnicity, and gender.
Antoine highlights the role of GABA receptors in our brains, which vary from person to person and can significantly impact how we process alcohol. By understanding these genetic predispositions, you might gain some clarity on why alcohol affects you the way it does. Whether you're curious about your own tolerance or looking to understand a loved one's relationship with alcohol, this episode offers valuable insights that could change your perspective on drinking.

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