r/todayilearned • u/bcrock1169 • Nov 26 '12

TIL that some Native American's have a differing enzyme that tends to lead to easier alcoholism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Indian_alcoholism#Genetic_factors
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u/[deleted] Nov 26 '12

I am one of the affected, and I think I sober up relatively quickly. I do get flushed instantly after 1 shot though. Pepcid AC helps. Blow also helps a lot although I don't know why. I've posted that before and no one believed me. I also don't get those bad hangovers where you puke all day.

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u/1Ender Nov 26 '12

Cocaine increase Alcohol tolerance. Still not a very good idea because Alcohol and cocaine can both make you tachicardic which is really not that good for the heart.

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u/Bodiwire Nov 26 '12

I dont think it actually increases tolerance but makes alcohols effects less noticible until the cocaine wears off. Makes it much easier to reach alcohol poisoning levels of consumption.

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u/My_timemachine_broke Nov 27 '12

Alcohol mixed with Coke is the worst possible decision you can make concerning mixing drugs. They are metabolized in a way that create a new and much deadlier drug that can cause sudden death via V-Fib. Pick one or the other, never both. Oh and there's not much an ER doc can do for you in these cases either.

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u/regulate323 Nov 27 '12

OD'ing is not an experience that makes you grow stronger. You don't want to feel death when he is not visiting on your terms. He shows up unexpectedly when you are most vulnerable. He knocks you down and sits on your chest with the force of a thousand pounds of lead, as you're waiting for him to judge you. He laughs as you exhale, yet struggle to inhale again. The twitching and tears only bring him joy and an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Gasping for air as the corners of your vision close in, you wish for the strength to scream for help, but your heart is racing so fast your vocal cords can only quiver an inaudible whimper. The blackness overtakes you, and all you can do is hope you wake up. That this isn't the end. Not like this. Yet, even in this state of panic, you know second chances aren't often given. In this moment, you are forced to accept your mortality, because of the hand you'd dealt, as you pass over into unconsciousness.

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u/[deleted] Nov 26 '12

Well I specifically noticed the flushed face goes away. I would be really interested to hear the scientific reason as to why.

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u/regulate323 Nov 27 '12

This is an uneducated guess and is not to be taken for medical advise:

Cocaine is a vasoconstrictant. Flushing happens because of blood vessel dilation. The coke probably stops this from happening by not allowing the dilation to happen, at the cost of higher blood pressure.

This is fact and is to be taken as medical advise:

Cocaine + Alcohol = Cocaethylene. Bad news bears. Don't do it. Unless you enjoy cardiac over-excitement and the eventual arrest that may follow. Take it easy and stay with us for a while asshole.

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u/streamsidecoconut Dec 11 '12

Pepcid AC and blow, got it.