The phenomenon of “delayed alcohol intoxication,” where individuals feel the effects of alcohol 1-2 days after drinking, can occur in some people. “Delayed intoxication” can be very dangerous because it leads to complacency.
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Thuy, Director of the Addiction Treatment and Sleep Disorder Center at the Central Acupuncture Hospital, alcohol consumption affects not only the liver but also significantly impacts other organs in the body, such as the heart, brain, blood pressure, stomach, and decreases the body’s immune resistance. Research also indicates that alcohol abuse adversely affects reproductive health.
The liver bears the heaviest burden of alcohol consumption since 90% of alcohol is processed by the liver. Consuming alcohol continuously over several days can harm liver cells.
Prolonged alcohol abuse leads to irreversible damage to liver cells.
Acetaldehyde is a type of toxin formed by the oxidation of ethanol. This component causes intoxication (alcohol hangover) with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and alcohol shock, as it stimulates the digestive and circulatory systems, causing a sudden increase in blood pressure…
“Individuals who abuse alcohol for extended periods will experience irreversible damage to liver cells due to the toxic effects of acetaldehyde. Over time, the liver can become cirrhotic (decompensated cirrhosis) and may even lead to liver cancer,” Dr. Thuy explained.
In reality, many people do not feel intoxicated immediately after drinking but instead experience the effects 1-2 days later. Is this due to liver damage? Dr. Thuy clarifies that there are various reasons for delayed intoxication after alcohol consumption.
- The first reason is that an individual’s metabolism of alcohol is slower than normal (poor metabolism), causing them not to feel intoxicated immediately.
- The second reason is that the blood alcohol concentration is high, and the liver has not fully metabolized it. By the time the alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde at high levels that the liver cannot eliminate, it results in intoxication (delayed alcohol intoxication).
“Such cases of delayed alcohol intoxication are very dangerous. People may think they can drink a lot and become complacent. The effects of delayed intoxication significantly impact the liver, kidneys, and brain…” Dr. Thuy warned.
The harmful effects of alcohol on the body are substantial, yet a culture of toasting to intoxication still exists.
According to Dr. Thuy, we must abandon the culture of toasting for intoxication. Only 1-2 glasses should be consumed to create a festive atmosphere during holidays. Before drinking, it is advisable to eat plenty of protein-rich foods, green vegetables, and fresh fruits to slow the absorption of alcohol, allowing the liver more time to detoxify.
Alcohol poisoning can manifest in various degrees; mild intoxication includes symptoms such as vomiting, impaired judgment, excessive talking, and incoherent speech. Moderate intoxication may lead to symptoms like double vision and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing or a drop in body temperature…
Doctors recommend that we should not abuse alcohol infused with plants or animals. Many individuals may be allergic to herbs or substances from animals and plants that dissolve into the alcohol. To date, the effects of infused alcohol remain largely anecdotal without clear scientific evidence.
To ensure a safe and healthy festive season, experts recommend avoiding the excessive consumption of alcohol due to its significant health risks.
