Sudden alcohol intolerance in my 30s – Any info or advice?
Hi all. As the topic says, I suddenly seemed to develop an intolerance to alcohol probably about 4 years ago (I’m now 35). I’ve been looking for answers for awhile, but have not found much on a solid idea of what’s going on. Here’s the info I can provide of my situation:
At first I just figured I was just in the wrong state to drink (too full, too warm, etc etc.), but now, no matter what the situation, 98% of the time that I drink ANYTHING with alcohol, I am hot, flushed, and have a headache within minutes. Could be half a light beer, or a shot of full-proof whiskey… same result. It’s weird because while I was still trying to fight through it, it would happen ALMOST every time, but not every single time. On rare occasion, I was able to have a few drinks and actually get to the point of feeling a bit buzzed without the rapid side effects. But now, it’s to the point where even starting to open a bottle or grab a beer, I feel immediately like I’m not going to enjoy it, and it would be regrettable.
I don’t have much in terms of a medical history or any diagnosed diseases etc. I will list the few things I can think of below. If anyone with a similar situation or knowledge of such could offer some answers, it would be deeply appreciated. I was really starting to appreciate nicer spirits too, when this all hit, and there are times of year when I’m really bummed out that I can’t enjoy my favorite seasonal brews… so thank you to anyone who can chime in!
TL;DR – Here’s the key takeaways:
Suddenly noticed around age 31 that I could not ingest any type or amount of alcohol without getting flushed, headache-y, and warm. Impossible to enjoy drinking, and extremely rare that the effects do not occur.
I do think it is a reaction, and not psychological, because I’ve had non-alcoholic whiskies and rums with no side effects, so it’s not just in my head.
I did have my gallbladder removed back when I was 28, but I don’t recall noticing any ill effects for at least 2-3 years after.
I did get the first round of covid vaccines, but I believe the effects began just prior to the pandemic, so likely not a factor.
No known diagnoses that could influence or cause this, but possible that something hasn’t been noticed yet.
submitted by /u/KTreu42
[link] [comments]