Local Rehab Exposes Alcohol Intolerance

Bradenton, FL – The latest blog from Clean Recovery Centers debunks the confusion surrounding alcohol intolerance. With locations throughout the Gulf Coast, their facilities are available for anyone seeking addiction treatment. Their blog is a free resource for families to understand the different areas of substance use disorder and alcoholism.

“Alcohol intolerance is actually a metabolic condition, based on a mutation of the ALDH2 gene. This means that the liver cannot process alcohol in the same way as those without the mutation. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and travels to organs such as the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Ultimately, it ends up in the liver to be processed for release from the body. The liver does this by using an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ADH turns alcohol into acetaldehyde and then – with the help of aldehyde dehydrogenase – it is turned into acetate. The acetate becomes processed into carbon dioxide and water with the help of other tissues,” the article states.

Symptoms of alcohol intolerance include flushing of the face and neck, redness of the face, nausea/vomiting, runny nose, low blood pressure, and headaches. In people with alcohol intolerance, the ALDH2 mutation does not allow aldehyde dehydrogenase to turn acetaldehyde into acetate. This can cause problems as acetaldehyde is toxic to the body, and prolonged exposure causes health risks such as liver disease. It also triggers symptoms of alcohol intolerance.

Alcohol intolerance can sometimes be confused with an allergy. Allergies are an immune response, and while some of the symptoms are similar, alcohol intolerance is a different condition. The most noticeable difference between alcohol intolerance and allergies is the flushing and redness of the face and neck. Allergies can be managed with medication and can be caused by certain ingredients such as grains in alcohol. Avoiding these will help keep allergies in check. Intolerance is in the genetic code and cannot be healed. Avoiding alcohol will cause the symptoms to subside and prevent their occurrence.

“Experiencing mild symptoms of alcohol intolerance does not necessarily mean it is time to see a doctor. If the symptoms happen every time you drink, it does not hurt to schedule an appointment. However, if allergic reaction symptoms such as hives or impaired breathing occur while drinking, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have been able to drink alcohol with no problems and suddenly find yourself with symptoms of intolerance, seek medical attention. Some conditions such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma can cause alcohol intolerance signs to set in rapidly, and may be associated with pain,” the article continues.

Those of Eastern Asian descent are more likely to have the mutation that causes alcohol intolerance. Studies show that approximately 50% of East Asians are affected by this and can frequently experience acute alcohol intoxication. This means that they are more likely to experience alcohol poisoning, even when consuming small amounts.

Symptoms of alcohol intolerance can begin immediately after consumption of alcohol. Those with alcohol intolerance can slow symptom progression by eating before drinking, but there is no way to completely prevent the onset. The symptoms last 2 to 4 hours and vary by person. After only one or two drinks, some people will feel hungover while others will feel intoxicated.

Clean Recovery Centers offers addiction and mental health treatment at all of their facilities. Their goal is to help their clients get clean, live clean, and stay clean. With wellness components such as brain mapping, nutrition counseling, and yoga, they allow their clients to find different coping skills. The dedicated staff helps provide a safe place for healing while therapists work to find the root causes of addiction for each client.

Those wanting to learn more about Clean Recovery Centers can call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.