# Get me drunk! **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 7, 2001, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888 "2001-01-07T20:01:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/21 "2001-01-08T02:58:01Z")
[http://absinthelair.home.att.net/030199.html](http://absinthelair.home.att.net/030199.html) > [@](#): > > Absinthe contains enough of a potentially toxic plant called wormwood for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider it an ``adulterated’’ beverage. The importation, distribution or sale of absinthe has been illegal in the United States since 1912. In addition to packing a wallop alcoholically - made with grain alcohol, absinthe checks in at 140 proof, about twice as potent as vodka - the Green Fairy gets its wings from several herbs, most prominently wormwood. > Wormwood, also known as artemisia, contains a substance known as thujone, a hallucinogen related to THC (tetrahydro cannabinol), the active chemical in marijuana. In significant quantities, thujone can induce seizures and cause damage to the brain and liver. > > Absinthe also contains the herbs anise and hyssop, both of which, taken in large quantities, can cause stupefaction and convulsions. It’s the combination of several active chemical compounds and alcohol that makes the drink a particularly risky witches’ brew. Many of the chemical compounds present in the herbs are neurotoxic, or damaging to the brain, and ``the potential for neurotoxicity increases greatly when you combine these chemicals with alcohol,’’ said Janis Eells, an associate professor and toxicologist with the Medical College of Wisconsin. [http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page\_id=1384](http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=1384) > [@](#): > > Absinthe contains wormwood, which chemically resembles cannabis and contains the mild hallucinogen thujone. U.S. regulations permit only tiny amounts of thujone in alcohol (ten parts per million). So in concocting Absente, Roux has replaced the outlawed wormwood with its easier-on-the-thujone cousin, southernwood, or southern wormwood, known as “petite absinthe” in France. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/22 "2001-01-08T03:04:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Shiva \* A drink every 10 minutes and a typing textbook exercise every 30 minutes might work. \*\* Might kill, too. Even a habituated alcoholic with his liver’s microsomal enzyme system actively running couldn’t detoxify a shot every ten minutes, and at that rate, and with uncertain absorption thru the GI tract, a fatal overdose could be ingested before the subject passed out. Bad karma, dopers. your own wet blanket, Qadgop, MD ---
**Author:** ![Tiburon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e36b37/32.png) [@Tiburon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiburon)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/23 "2001-01-08T03:14:49Z")
It’s a little worrisome that you can drink that much. Wow. Of course, I’m the two beer wonder. 😛 I have never forgotten what one of my college professors told my class about drinking and passing out. He told us that when someone passes out from drinking, it was like the body saying, “Okay, asshole, you don’t quite get that you’re killing us over here and so the only way I can get you to stop bringing more alcohol to your lips is to shut you down.” That’s a little scary. Tibs ---
**Author:** ![occ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8c91f0/32.png) [@occ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/occ)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/24 "2001-01-08T07:36:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by manhattan \* > \*\ ***occ** , I agree that going on a major drinking binge is a poor way to measure the problem here, calling those who suggested it, in jest or otherwise, “jerks” is also not productive. > > Please refrain from direct personal insults in this forum. \*\* Hey, that’s a term of endearment! However, I will retract my comment, if anyone took it the wrong way. ---
**Author:** ![Badtz\_Maru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@Badtz\_Maru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Badtz_Maru)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/25 "2001-01-08T10:38:28Z")
The other night I looked at a bottle of Everclear at Centennial Liquor in Richardson, TX (a suburb of Dallas) and it was 190 proof. ---
**Author:** ![Bawdysurfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90db22/32.png) [@Bawdysurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bawdysurfer)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/26 "2001-01-08T13:30:20Z")
There is apparently an occasional glich in the basic hypoglycema or diabetes impaired that causes/allows for some form of very rapid assimilation of the alcohol. I seem to recall being told that a conversion into sugar or similar substance happened fast enough to prevent any typically noticeable effect. Those who have and do travel extensively can meet or observe many types of behavior in gin joints. I have run across 3 of these individuals over the course of 40 years of roaming. All three were men in their 40s, bright and articulate, but with severe emotional and medical problems. Each knew of the significant damage being done to the body, but was addicted to the attention, won bets, and free drinks. This layman would offer that even if you have no intention of ever taking another alcoholic drink, a thorough physical and blood work-up might be of value in the not too distant future. * * * Here’s hoping that you: appear like you don’t need the money, love like it has never hurt, dance like no one is watching, screw like it’s being filmed, and drink like a true Doper.\*\*\* Salud!..Kampai!..Cin Cin!..Lahiem!..Prost!..Skol!..Cheers! ---
**Author:** ![dublos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f08c70/32.png) [@dublos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dublos)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/27 "2001-01-08T14:20:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mnementh \* > **If that title doesn’t attract attention, I have no idea what will… > Regardless, I have a bit of a problem. At least it’s a problem in my eyes. > I can’t seem to get drunk. I don’t drink often, mind you, but when I do I like to get faced. And I can’t.** Well, my first question would be “why?” But assuming you’ve got a good answer, my advice would be: a) Stop drinking anything containing any amount of alcohol for 6 to 12 months. b) during this time, exercise regularly, drink lots of water on a regular basis, and try to maintain a very balanced diet. c) Hi Opal d) after a visit and consultation with a good physician, work on getting yourself into the best physical shape you’ve ever been in. When all this is complete, you should have worked off and lowered your tolerance for alcohol . At this point, gather some friends, designate a person who will remain the sober driver and go to your favorite bar/pub, cash in hand for a night of shots. Bring a notepad and writing utensil. Drink only shots (skipping the meal immediately prior to this will help). You must remain standing while you drinking. Minimize movement to slow ambles to the bathroom when the need strikes. Try and keep the drinking down to 1 shot every 10-20 minutes or so. Every 10-20 minutes write “ok, damn, I’m still not drunk” in the notebook. Cease this activity when the desired level of drunkenness is reached, your stomach protests it’s unhappy with what you are consuming, or when the designated sober person advises that it might be a good idea to stop. Be sure that the designated sober person is a very good friend. It requires a very good friend to hold your head while you worship porcelain. When recovered, review said notebook. See at what point your hand writing begins to deteriorate from whatever is normal for you. Review these instructions with a qualified medical professional before even thinking of following this somewhat tongue in cheek advice. -Doug ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/28 "2001-01-08T16:51:10Z")
Also, just because you don’t feel drunk, doesn’t mean you aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2001, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/29 "2001-01-08T17:43:33Z")
Have you tried a nice Benden white? (Hey! No phosphine! Ow!) I can’t really recommend Everclear as anything other than PC board cleaner or an integral part of an incendiary. It will _not_ irritate your stomach less. It tastes like a mix of liquid fire and whiplash, and it is especially dangerous in the hands of someone bent on getting drunk. Also, I have to agree with handy–the fact that you don’t _feel_ drunk doesn’t mean you’re not impaired. Having had an extremely high tolerance myself in my early college days, I would submit that it’s more fun to watch (and play harmless tricks on) drunken friends than to be drunk oneself. I haven’t been noticeably buzzed in 7 years, despite occasional social drinking, and I haven’t missed it. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2001, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/30 "2001-01-09T00:13:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bawdysurfer \* > \*\*There is apparently an occasional glich in the basic hypoglycema or diabetes impaired that causes/allows for some form of very rapid assimilation of the alcohol. I seem to recall being told that a conversion into sugar or similar substance happened fast enough to prevent any typically noticeable effect. > \*\* Now that’s an urban legend if ever I’ve heard one. No way hi or low blood sugar, or lack of insulin, or insulin resistance, or even diabetic ketoacidosis would cause alcohol to be metabolized into sugar (or anything else) faster than normal. The liver does this job, and it either does it slowly (if the person is generally free from alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription pharmaceuticals) or it does it a bit faster (if the liver’s P450 cytochrome microsomal enzyme oxidizing system has been activated, by alcohol or drugs). Qadgop, MD ---
**Author:** ![Mnementh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/898d66/32.png) [@Mnementh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mnementh)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2001, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/31 "2001-01-09T02:32:45Z")
I gotta tell ya, as great as all the information is in all of this, I’m really, REALLY enjoying the sly little jokes from people who recognize the name. Benden white! I sure as hell didnt see that coming! Balance is now in my cool book. ---
**Author:** ![Bawdysurfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90db22/32.png) [@Bawdysurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bawdysurfer)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2001, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/32 "2001-01-09T11:31:22Z")
With no intent to even attempt to impeach your veracity, Qadgop, MD, it is still and nonetheless simple fact that three different individuals were observed to have consumed enough drink, poured from the same bottles I was drinking from, to cause what I would have deemed a likelihood of death. At an absolute minimum, impaired motor functions and reduced speach ability would have been expected. One gent, I seem to recall, drank essentially nonstop for around 4 hours. After he collected his bets, we shared many games of snooker, and conversed extensively. His claim, as was the other two, included the hypoglycema/diabetes connection. True or not, the uniqueness of the capacity coupled with the similarity of explanation gave me reason to believe that in each case I was observing something that was the result of a medical condition. Even though the circumstances of this medium are what they are, and because these are nothing more than typed words, it does not change in the least what you know as irrefutable truths or even vaguely reasonable possibility. Nor does it eliminate what I have seen and attempted to negate as only a true skeptic might. Events occurred, questions were asked, investigations made, observations stored. There is still, at this later date, no reason for me to doubt what was believed when it occured. Empirical? Yes. Faulty? We shall not likly ever know. May all your searches for the truth never be diminished by that which is not understood. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2001, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888/33 "2001-01-09T17:39:45Z")
Bawdysurfer I’m not trying to prove it couldn’t have happened, I just don’t buy that one explanation. I’ve seen people with blood alcohol contents of over 0.65, at which time they should be comatose, or actually dead, but they’re walking and talking. I suspect its from both tolerance (of the ethanol) and a supercharged liver that’s using all its possible chemical pathways to chew up the ethanol, along with a brain and heart that just don’t realize they’re supposed to pack it in when alcohol levels get that high. Maybe it’s just mind over matter; if one doesn’t mind, it doesn’t matter. I guess my only real point is that testing one’s tolerance to alcohol can be dangerous and have unintended consequences. I’ve seen the corpses which demonstrate that. But then again, crossing the street can be just as dangerous these days. Qadgop, MD [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-drunk/48888.md?page=1)