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If you consume alcohol regularly, you may be wondering if spirits are more dangerous than beers or other alcoholic drinks.
At the end of the day, alcohol is the same whether it is in beer or in spirits. Alcoholic beverages of all kinds contain a chemical compound drug called ethanol, which is essentially alcohol.
So, spirits are not more addictive than beer as both contain alcohol, the substance we become addicted to.
The problem with spirits though is that they are much stronger in their alcohol content than beers. A bottle of spirits such as gin or vodka can have almost 40% more alcohol in it by volume than a can of beer.
Regardless of the type of alcohol that you choose to consume, it is very important to keep track of how much you are consuming. It is also essential that you learn and understand the risks involved with drinking spirits.
What Is a Spirit?
A spirit is an alcoholic beverage that is produced by distilling vegetables, grains, or fruits. This is different to beers and wines that are produced through fermentation.
Some of the most common examples of distilled alcohol spirits include the following:
- Gin
- Whisky
- Brandy
- Rum
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Flavoured spirits
Spirits are the primary ingredient used for making cocktails and they are the most common type of alcoholic beverage used for shots.
Are Spirits More Dangerous Than Beer?
No matter what type of alcoholic beverage you drink, too much alcohol is always dangerous. However, spirits do tend to have some additional risks that you should be aware of:
- Most spirits are served in the form of cocktails and blended together with non-alcoholic mixers and other ingredients to create a unique flavour. Cocktails can hide the taste of spirits and this may cause people to consume more alcohol than they would ordinarily.
- It takes spirits much less time to cause the same effects as a glass of beer or wine. This means that you are likely to feel intoxicated much quicker.
- People tend to down spirits much faster. This is especially true in terms of taking shots. Multiple shots can be consumed within minutes whereas it would usually take a few hours to drink enough beers to amount to the same level of alcohol.
Why Type of Alcohol Is Worse For Your Liver?
If you consume alcohol regularly, you may be curious about which type of alcoholic drink is worse for your liver than others. Is beer or a spirit worse for your liver?
No particular alcoholic beverage is worse for your liver than the other. It depends on the quantities and strength of the drink you consume, this will affect how much damage you are putting on your liver.
No matter which type of alcoholic beverage you consume, the alcohol will always be absorbed into your bloodstream. It then has to pass through your liver for detoxification.
However, it’s important to know that alcohol is toxic to your liver. This means that if you continue to consume alcohol, no matter which type of drink you choose to consume, this can damage your liver which is a vital organ in the body.
Tips on How to Stay Smart With Spirits
If you do consume spirits, it’s important that you are smart with your choices. Drinking spirits in large volumes or regularly can cause damage and can eventually result in an addiction which can be devastating to your life.
Below is a list of tips on the ways in which you can stay smart with drinking spirits:
Be wary of shots
When you drink shots, this means that you will be consuming a large volume of alcohol very quickly. Try to slow down your pace by opting out of taking shots and choosing a long soft drink instead to accompany your spirit.
Look for alternatives
There are several alternatives to alcoholic drinks that you can take advantage of. For example, you can find various alcohol-free spirits on the market. There is currently more choice than ever before so if you want an alternative to drinking alcohol, this is a great option. Why not try something new next time instead of opting for alcohol?
Don’t assume the alcohol percentage
Different alcoholic beverages have different percentages in terms of their alcohol content. This is why you should never assume how strong a drink is going to be. If you are unsure, ask the bar staff about the percentages of the drinks you’re choosing so that you can be aware of how much you’re drinking and limit your consumption where needed.
Be aware of energy drinks
Mixing energy drinks with your spirits means that you will be consuming caffeine in addition to alcohol. Caffeine can make you stay awake for much longer and it can also mask the effects of the alcohol in the drinks. This may lead people to actually drink more than they normally would. These types of mixed drinks could result in someone becoming a wide-awake drunk, which can be quite dangerous.
Track your drinks
It’s a good idea to track the number of drinks you’re drinking and the levels of alcohol that you’re consuming so that you don’t go overboard. There is an app called ‘MyDrinkaware app’ which will allow you to keep track of how much alcohol you are consuming. This free app also provides you with some practical tips on how you can cut down your drinking. This app can be downloaded to your smartphone so you can keep track of your drinking no matter where you are.
Get Effective Treatment For Alcohol Abuse
Unfortunately, nobody is safe from alcohol addictions. It doesn’t matter if you prefer drinking beers or spirits. Anyone that overindulges in alcohol is at risk of developing an addiction to the substance which includes being dependent on it.
The first step towards getting the help you need is beginning to admit that you have a problem. Once you have done this and you feel like you are ready to make some important changes in your life, the next step is reaching out for help.
We understand that addictions can be devastating and we are here to help you get the alcohol treatment you need to overcome it. Get in touch with our team today to find out more about your treatment options and the next steps.
