RISE Blog | Alcohol Flush Reaction & Sobriety

By: Mia Chu, Peer Educator
April 8th, 2022

There are many reasons why people choose to stay sober including religious doctrine, health reasons, being in a substance rehabilitation program, or simply just personal preference. However, some people choose to be sober or strictly limit their alcohol intake due to a condition called Alcohol Flush Reaction. This blog will discuss what Alcohol Flush Reaction is, signs of this condition, and tips for how to manage this condition in a college setting. 

What is Alcohol Flush Reaction? 

Alcohol Flush Reaction is a symptom that can be part of a condition known as Alcohol Intolerance. Alcohol Flush Reaction causes a person's face to become red when they drink alcohol, even a small amount (less than a standard drink). This flushing is due to an increase in the compound Acetaldehyde, a compound that is a byproduct of the metabolism of alcohol in the body. People with Alcohol Flush Reaction lack the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme that helps aid in processing alcohol in the body (ncbi.nih.gov). Since people with Alcohol Flush Reaction can not process alcohol normally, they are especially sensitive to it and their alcohol tolerance is lower. This condition occurs in around 8% of the general population and is more prevalent in people with East Asian descent, occurring in around 36% of East Asian people (ncbi.nih.gov). Doctors can test if a person has Alcohol Intolerance through a skin or blood allergy test. This condition is also common among people who have asthma, hay fever, grain allergies, or Hodgkin's lymphoma (mayoclinic.org). 

Symptoms

Facial redness (flushing): Look out if a person seems red in the face or blushing even when they have only had a few sips of a drink. While facial redness is a common side effect of moderate or heavy drinking, it is concerning if it is also occurring when someone drinks small amounts of alcohol. 

Red, itchy skin bumps (hives): This is an important sign to look out for especially if that person is not prone to hives or other skin conditions. 
Worsening of pre-existing asthma- Watch out for heavy breathing and/or fast heartbeat due to the person's body being unable to process alcohol. 

Runny or stuffy nose: If this person did not experience a stuffy nose before drinking, this could be a symptom of Alcohol Flushing Reaction. 

Nausea and vomiting: This is another common side effect typically associated with excessive drinking. Keep an eye on a person who seems nauseas after drinking a small amount of alcohol.

Diarrhea: Check in on someone who is using the bathroom much more frequently after drinking alcohol.  

Tips for Managing this Condition 

Choose to stay sober: While choosing to stay sober might be difficult in a college setting, some people with Alcohol Flush Reaction choose to avoid drinking alcohol because it makes them feel uncomfortable and can be a severe health risk. Some people with the condition may choose to disclose that they have Alcohol Flush Reaction, while others may simply say they choose not to drink. Either way, the people around them should respect their decision to avoid alcohol. Many bars offer non-alcoholic drinks which can be a good option to socialize without drinking alcohol. 

Keep a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) card on you or on your phone: Since people with Alcohol Flush Reaction are more sensitive to alcohol, it's a good idea to have a BAC card on hand to make sure they know how much they are drinking. Stop by the RISE office to grab yours today!  

Drink a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks: If you are going out for a night or drinking during the day, make half the drinks you consume non-alcoholic.  

Stay firm in your convictions: If you or someone you know has Alcohol Flush Reaction or any other condition or reason to be sober or limit their alcohol intake, try to stay firm in your own convictions and offer support to your friend in their decision. In college, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can be more normalized than other settings, so it is important to stick to your personal convictions and to surround yourself with people who support you. 

 

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