Expert: Beverley Glazer - 3/19/2011

Question
First off, I admit to drinking a lot. That comes from my background. It takes a lot for me to feel the effects of alcohol. I have never passed out and I am sure I have come dangerously close to dying once or twice. (these were weekend parties in a campground..  no driving). A normal night of darts will get me 6 to 10 Jack and cokes. I recently scolded the barmaids for over pouring and TRYING to get me drunk. (FYI, I can go for days with out needing a drink. I never NEED a drink.) Just as I smoke but NEVER need a cigarette. Here is my dilemma (YES I KNOW, JUST QUIT)
On several occasions when I have consumed too much too fast.. its like a switch clicks on in my head and I am an asshole to the nth degree, until I somehow run out of steam and the switch is clicked off..  and I am totally unaware of what just happened. My girlfriend says I said all kinds of terrible things and I am walking home because of it and I have no recollection of it. These episodes only last about a half hour. This is why I insist the barmaids make my drinks half strength. I can go on forever without a problem on light drinks.  and yes I know I should just quit drinking ,one of these episodes is too many. I am just wondering what is happening here? Do I have some sort of Dual Personality Disorder.. Brain damage?

Answer
Hi Darrell,

It seems that over the years, you've developed high tolerance to alcohol, and that's how the addiction kicks in.

When you have high tolerance you can consume much to much alcohol, without showing the obvious signs, however, you are still 'drunk'.  

You also seem to be a binge drinker. Binge drinkers don't 'need' a drink, and don't drink every day, and this keeps them in denial that they have a drinking problem. However, when they take a drink they consume way too fast and too much.

Here's more information on this: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/binge-drinking-facts.html

Alcohol elevates your mood and lowers impulse control. This is caused by the neurotransmitter serotonin. In excess, you’ll be less inhibited, so you can become violent, aggressive, inappropriate or dangerous. In fact it seems you're a completely other person. This seems to be happening to you.

I doubt if you have brain damage or a personality disorder, however when you drink, you can be a danger to yourself and to others, as well as damaging your physical health. You need to stop drinking.

I hope this information is helpful,
Thank you for asking AllExperts

All the best,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com