Women become intoxicated faster than men, not due to lower tolerance, but because of specific biological differences. Modern science demonstrates that the female body processes alcohol more intensely, and the brain reacts more sensitively to its effects than men's, even when consuming the same amount.

The difference begins as soon as alcohol enters the body. Men possess a greater amount of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes in their stomachs and livers, which rapidly break down alcohol. Conversely, women's bodies produce less ADH, limiting the initial detoxification process. This results in women consistently having higher blood alcohol concentrations than men, even when consuming identical amounts. Consequently, medical guidelines establish separate safe drinking limits for both genders.

A 1990 study involving 20 men and 23 women, who consumed alcohol proportional to their body weight, revealed that men have significantly more alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes—the "weapon" that breaks down alcohol in the stomach and liver. Scott Edwards, a neurobiological mechanism researcher specializing in alcohol use disorders at Louisiana State University, explained that this higher enzyme level allows men to metabolize alcohol much faster during the initial stages.

Illustration: Omre

Another key factor is biological composition. Alcohol dissolves in water but not in fat. Women typically have a higher fat-to-water ratio and less total body water than men, resulting in less fluid to dilute alcohol. Consequently, ethanol becomes more concentrated and accumulates in the body at higher levels. This reality is often overlooked in social settings, where both genders are served drinks of the same size, causing women to inadvertently consume an excessive amount of alcohol relative to their actual physiological capacity.

Alcohol's impact extends to the nervous system. The hormone estradiol in women can amplify the euphoric sensations from dopamine, particularly during ovulation. This mechanism contributes to the "telescoping" effect, significantly shortening the journey from recreational drinking to alcohol addiction. Even if they begin drinking later than men, women are more susceptible to dependence and experience health complications sooner. The tendency to use substances for self-medication of anxiety further accelerates this cycle of addiction.

According to expert Jill Becker, these scientific findings carry significant social implications. She noted that the feminist generation of the 1970s believed women had the right to drink alcohol on par with men. However, the pursuit of social equality sometimes confronts complex biological realities.

"Women need to understand that if they drink at the same level as men, they will not only become intoxicated faster, but the long-term health consequences will also be much more severe," she said.

Binh Minh (According to The Science Times)