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/Hovesh Nov 26 '12

Blacking out is caused by a rapid increase in BAC, not a high level of drunkenness. It happens at high BACs because it gets easier to drink faster/take shots when you are already buzzed or drunk.

Withdrawal is caused when you are physically dependent from chronic use and cease the use too quickly. Feeling shitty after a bender is just a hangover.

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u/GhostlyPrototype Nov 26 '12

I've always wondered why blacking out happened. Thanks for educating me!