Is "Wine Drunk" a Real Thing? The Science Behind the Feeling

Many of us know at least one wine enthusiast who swears by the unique "wine drunk" feeling. They describe it as a special kind of intoxication that's different from other alcoholic beverages. But is this just a myth, or is there science behind it? Let's explore what "wine drunk" really means and whether it's fact or fiction.

Can You Get Drunk From Wine?

Wine is often associated with special occasions and fine dining, but it's important to remember that it's still an alcoholic beverage. While wine is made from grapes, the fermentation process transforms grape sugars into ethanol – the same alcohol found in all alcoholic drinks. Like other types of alcohol, wine affects your brain and body systems to create intoxication.

Wine typically has a lower alcohol content than spirits, which can make it harder for first-time drinkers to gauge their limits. The amount needed to feel drunk varies from person to person, but understanding how wine causes intoxication can help you make safer drinking choices.

How Alcohol Makes You Drunk

From the moment alcohol enters your system, it travels through your bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, directly affecting your brain. This explains how alcohol can alter your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Unlike most food and drinks, alcohol affects multiple body systems. Your liver is the primary organ that metabolizes alcohol, but before it gets there, alcohol travels through your lungs and kidneys, contributing to intoxication effects.

When alcohol reaches your brain, it attaches to GABA receptors, which are neurotransmitters that slow brain processes. This interference with normal brain messaging creates the symptoms we associate with being drunk.

What Does Being Drunk Feel Like?

Before exploring the specific claims about "wine drunk," let's look at general intoxication symptoms:

• Loss of balance and coordination
• Slower reflexes and processing
• Poor judgment and reduced inhibition
• Emotional changes
• Drowsiness
• Facial flushing and bloodshot eyes

The 7 Stages of Intoxication

Alcohol expert K.M. Dubowski identified seven main stages of intoxication:

• Low-level intoxication (BAC 0.01-0.05%): Slight impairment, mostly normal behavior
• Euphoria and reduced awareness (BAC 0.03-0.12%): Feeling tipsy, increased confidence, lower inhibitions
• Excitement and reduced muscle awareness (BAC 0.09-0.25%): Loss of coordination, blurry vision, emotional swings, impaired memory
• Confusion (BAC 0.18-0.30%): Major coordination loss, emotional outbursts, high blackout risk
• Stupor (BAC 0.25-0.40%): Requires medical attention, loss of consciousness, impaired gag reflex
• Coma (BAC 0.35-0.45%): Risk of death from slowed bodily functions
• Death (BAC above 0.45%): Fatal alcohol poisoning

Is "Wine Drunk" Actually Different?

Wine enthusiasts often describe "wine drunk" as a calm, cozy, relaxed feeling without the drowsiness associated with other alcohols. However, scientific evidence doesn't support the idea that wine produces different intoxication effects.

All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which affects the same body systems regardless of whether you're drinking wine, beer, or spirits. The reported differences in how people feel are likely due to other factors.

Factors That Actually Affect How Drunk You Feel

• Alcohol concentration: Higher alcohol content leads to stronger effects
• Amount consumed: More drinks mean greater intoxication
• Drinking pace: Faster consumption leads to quicker intoxication
• Expectations: Your beliefs about how alcohol will affect you can influence your experience
• Environment: Different settings can change drinking behavior and perception
• Personal factors: Age, sex, weight, and individual tolerance all play roles

Wine Hangovers and Prevention

While "wine drunk" might not be scientifically distinct, wine hangovers can be particularly unpleasant. Wine contains higher levels of congeners – byproducts of fermentation that can worsen hangovers.

To minimize hangover risk:

• Set clear drinking limits
• Eat before and during drinking
• Stay hydrated with water
• Practice mindful drinking with tools like Quitemate

The Bottom Line

While wine has been celebrated for centuries as a sophisticated drink, the science shows that "wine drunk" isn't fundamentally different from other types of alcohol intoxication. The differences people report are likely due to psychological factors, drinking environment, and consumption patterns rather than the wine itself.

Understanding the real factors that influence intoxication can help you make more informed decisions about drinking. Enjoy your wine responsibly, know your limits, and prioritize your wellbeing.