What really happens when we get drunk? How can alcohol have that much influence on your behavior and why do you feel the consequences even the next day?
Science has an answer: Anything you drink goes through your intestines and stomach.
Small intestine’s walls are spongy and the alcohol that was not absorbed, starts going to your bloodstream. Your circulatory system is pretty fast so when you drink alcohol your blood moves fast and you end up being drunk. Meanwhile, your liver is trying to detoxify the alcohol that’s now in your bloodstream. This detoxification depends on the alcohol you’ve consumed and if there’s something in your stomach that will speed up the alcohol absorption.
For example, if you drink a glass of whiskey on an empty stomach, you’ll get drunk faster than if you drink a glass of beer. Once the alcohol is ingested, your liver is trying its best to detoxify your body.
Your kidneys also try to help your liver in the detoxification process. They take over some of the unprocessed alcohol before it hits your bloodstream. Your body is trying to get rid of the toxins as fast as possible and that’s why you often urinate when you’re drinking.
Visiting the bathroom too often can lead to dehydration and that causes terrible headaches the next day. That’s why you need to drink lots of water before going to bed, to prevent those terrible hangovers in the morning.