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Alcohol harms prevention initiative

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Factors that Affect Intoxication

 There are many different factors that can affect how alcohol is absorbed and metabolized.

altitude
Altitude: At high altitudes, alcohol effects are almost two times as strong until the person becomes used to the elevation.
carbonation
Carbonation: Carbonated (fizzy) drinks increase the rate of alcohol absorption.
dehydration
Dehydration: Being dehydrated can make your liver less efficient at processing alcohol.
fatigue
Fatigue: Similar to dehydration, fatigue makes your liver less efficient at processing alcohol.
food
Food content in the stomach: Having food in your stomach can help slow the absorption of alcohol and rate of intoxication.
mood
Mood: Emotions, such as stress, can change your stomach enzymes and affect how your body processes alcohol.
sex
Sex: Women tend to experience the effects of alcohol quicker and longer than men.
tolerance
Tolerance:  The body's ability to adapt to the effects of alcohol. Some people have a naturally high tolerance while others may develop high tolerance through habitual drinking.
medication
Use of other medication/drugs: Some medications or drugs can have dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol, ranging from discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
weight
Weight: Generally, the less you weigh, the more you may be affected by alcohol.


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