Alcohol Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Causes Alcohol Intolerance?

Alcohol intolerance happens when the body cannot effectively process alcohol, often due to a genetic enzyme deficiency. Normally, the body breaks down alcohol using two enzymes:

• Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol into acetaldehyde.
• Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) then breaks down acetaldehyde into a harmless substance.

However, some people lack a properly functioning ALDH2 enzyme, leading to a toxic buildup of acetaldehyde, which causes unpleasant reactions to alcoholic beverages.

Other causes of alcohol intolerance

• Genetics: A common inherited genetic trait, especially among East Asians, can make alcohol difficult to tolerate.
• Medical conditions: Some diseases that cause alcohol intolerance include mastocytosis, lymphoma, and certain metabolic disorders.
• Medication interactions: Prescription drugs like antibiotics or blood pressure medications can intensify alcohol intolerance symptoms.
• Ingredients in alcohol: Some people react to histamines, sulfites, or additives found in certain types of alcoholic drinks, such as red wine or beer.

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe reactions to alcohol, it’s important to understand the cause. Whether it’s genetic, medical, or related to certain ingredients, alcohol intolerance can be managed. If symptoms are affecting your life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

Recognizing Alcohol Intolerance Symptoms

Symptoms of alcohol intolerance typically appear soon after consuming even a small amount of alcohol. Common signs include:

• Flushed skin (especially on the face)
• Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose
• Rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations
• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Dizziness or headaches
• Low blood pressure (in severe cases)

Since these symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as alcohol allergies or medication side effects, getting an alcohol intolerance test can help confirm a diagnosis.

Can You Develop Alcohol Intolerance?

Many people wonder if alcohol intolerance can develop later in life. The answer is yes. While genetic alcohol intolerance is present from birth, other factors can cause alcohol sensitivity to develop over time, including:

• Aging: The body’s ability to process alcohol declines with age.
• Health conditions: Liver disease, digestive disorders, or hormonal imbalances can make alcohol harder to tolerate.
• Medication changes: Some new prescriptions can interfere with alcohol metabolism.

If you suddenly start experiencing symptoms of alcohol intolerance, it may be worth consulting a doctor to rule out any serious health concerns.

Alcohol Intolerance Can Lead to Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol intolerance often causes uncomfortable reactions like flushing, headaches, or an upset stomach. If you keep drinking despite these symptoms, it can lead to alcohol dependence.

When the body can’t break down alcohol properly due to a genetic enzyme deficiency, acetaldehyde builds up, causing unpleasant reactions. To manage these symptoms, some people may drink more, leading to a reliance on alcohol. Over time, drinking shifts from enjoyment to coping with withdrawal, marking the start of alcohol dependence.

Is Alcohol Intolerance Dangerous?

For most people, alcohol intolerance is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful. In severe cases, alcohol intolerance can cause dangerously low blood pressure or difficulty breathing, which may require emergency medical care.

Additionally, continuing to consume alcohol despite intolerance can increase the risk of long-term health complications, including esophageal cancer due to prolonged exposure to acetaldehyde.

If drinking alcohol regularly leads to negative reactions, it’s best to avoid alcohol or explore alternative treatment options.

How to Test for Alcohol Intolerance

If you suspect you have alcohol intolerance, a doctor may recommend one of the following intolerance tests:

• Medical evaluation: Reviewing symptoms and medical history to rule out other causes.
• Genetic testing: Checking for an inherited genetic ALDH2 deficiency that affects alcohol metabolism.
• Elimination test: Temporarily avoiding alcohol and monitoring symptoms upon reintroduction.

Since alcohol intolerance can mimic symptoms of an alcohol allergy or another underlying condition, proper testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Alcohol Intolerance and Alcohol Use Disorder

For some, alcohol intolerance is simply a sign that their body doesn’t process alcohol well. However, for others, it may highlight a deeper problem—alcohol dependence. If you or a loved one continues to drink despite experiencing intolerance symptoms, it may indicate a struggle with alcohol use.

If alcohol is causing more harm than good in your life, seeking professional treatment can be the best solution. Many people with alcohol intolerance develop a pattern of excessive drinking despite their body’s negative reactions. This can lead to dependency, increasing the risk of serious health complications.

Alcohol Intolerance Treatment and Prevention

While there is no permanent alcohol intolerance treatment, managing symptoms is possible through lifestyle adjustments, including:

• Avoiding alcohol or limiting intake to prevent discomfort.
• Choosing different beverages with fewer sulfites and histamines, such as clear spirits instead of red wine.
• Taking antihistamines (only if approved by a doctor) to reduce mild reactions.
• Checking medications for interactions that could worsen symptoms.

If alcohol causes ongoing health issues, seeking professional help for alcohol use may be necessary.

Alcohol Detox and Treatment at Scottsdale Detox

If you’re struggling with alcohol use and need help quitting, Scottsdale Detox offers medically supervised alcohol detox to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal process. Our facility provides:

• 24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
• Personalized detox programs tailored to individual needs
• Expert care to address both physical and mental aspects of alcohol dependence

Alcohol intolerance may be a sign that your body is struggling to process alcohol, but it can also be an opportunity to reassess your drinking habits.

Start Your Alcohol Recovery Today with Scottsdale Detox

Experiencing alcohol intolerance may be your body’s way of signaling that alcohol is doing more harm than good. While avoiding alcohol can prevent discomfort, it may not be enough if drinking has become a regular habit or coping mechanism. If alcohol is affecting your health, relationships, or daily life, it’s time to take the next step.

At Scottsdale Detox, we provide a safe, medically supervised alcohol detox program designed to help you regain control. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the withdrawal process and set the foundation for long-term recovery.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today at (480)-448-6139 to start your journey to a healthier, alcohol-free life.