# Atkins diet alcohol consumption question
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [January 23, 2003, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471 "2003-01-23T16:38:30Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@blainer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blainer)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/1 "2003-01-23T16:38:30Z")
The Atkins diet book I have glosses over the effect of alcohol consumption on ketosis. Now, I imagine that beer is out because it is all carbs, but what about liquors and wines? If alcohol is ok, how much can one consume in, say, one night?
Thanks in advance!
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### Author:  [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/2 "2003-01-23T16:42:24Z")
2 seconds on Google finds this:
[http://atkinscenter.com/helpatkins/faqs/faqbeverages/](http://atkinscenter.com/helpatkins/faqs/faqbeverages/)
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### Author:  [@blainer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blainer)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/3 "2003-01-23T16:49:48Z")
Thanks, Shoshana! Found that, but thought that it was a little vague. i.e.-postpones for how long? Are clear spirits better?
Anyone have any actual experience?
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### Author:  [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/4 "2003-01-23T20:20:29Z")
There was also a thread a while ago about which alcoholic drinks were absorbed more thoroughly, with some debate.
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### Author:  [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/5 "2003-01-23T20:38:43Z")
Maryann Crenshaw describes her life as an alcoholic pill popper and Atkins Diet follower in her two books "The Natural Way to Super Beauty"and “The End of the Rainbow.” Pretty heavy stuff.
In the end, she’s no longer drinking, popping, or Atkins-dieting.
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### Author:  [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/6 "2003-01-23T21:20:16Z")
Not a definitive answer (and with a few typos), but the [alt.support.diet.low-carb newsgroup FAQ](http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm#4h) says:
> [@](#):
>
> Alcohol
> This is an area that seems to very a great deal between individuals. While it is true that many alcohol products contain few carbs, alcohol itself is a fuel source. The body will choose to burn alcohol before any other source of fuel (carbs, protein, or fat). This translates to your body not using fat as a fuel while there is a alcohol available within your system. However, many members have reported that they are able to consume moderate amounts of alcohol while on low-carb without having any problems. Be warned: many members on the NG have noted an increase sensitivity to alcohol while on low-carb, aka. the cheap date syndrome. As most people are already aware, alcohol has a depressant effect which lowers inhibitions, including those that could you from overeating and making poor food choices.
I used to frequent this newsgroup and found it to be pretty useful.
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### Author:  [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2003, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/7 "2003-01-23T23:02:14Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Be warned: many members on the NG have noted an increase sensitivity to alcohol while on low-carb, aka. the cheap date syndrome
W/o carbs to slow the absorbtion, you can get buzzed on the cheap. (speaking from personal exp.)
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### Author:  [@blainer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blainer)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2003, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/8 "2003-01-24T00:45:58Z")
Thanks for all the replies!
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### Author:  [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2003, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atkins-diet-alcohol-consumption-question/150471/9 "2003-01-24T17:38:29Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by k2dave \*
> \*\*W/o carbs to slow the absorbtion, you can get buzzed on the cheap. (speaking from personal exp.) \*\*
Yep, I’ve had the same experience. I believe it’s specifically due to having less glucogen in your liver.