However, the development of tolerance to alcohol can actually signal pending problems.
Tolerance to the effects of alcohol can influence drinking behavior and consequences in many ways.
That is because that person has developed a functional tolerance to alcohol.
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When someone has had enough to drink, they should be exhibiting some signs of behavioral impairment.
If not, their tolerance to alcohol is allowing them to drink increasing amounts of alcohol.
This can cause increased alcohol consumption.
There are different types of functional tolerance to alcohol which are produced by different factors and influences.
This is called environment-dependent tolerance.
This is called behaviorally augmented tolerance or learned tolerance.
Rewards Can Affect Tolerance
The expectation of a reward can also accelerate learned tolerance.
How Does This Apply to Real-Life Situations?
However, that tolerance for that specific task is not transferable to a new task.
This is called environment-independent tolerance.
Tolerance and the Predisposition to Alcoholism
Research has revealed that some aspects of alcohol tolerance are genetic.
Does Tolerance Signal a Risk for Alcohol Use Disorders?
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol and tolerance.
