Understanding Alcohol Content and the Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism
Have you ever glanced at a can of alcohol and wondered about the percentage written on it? You might say, “12% alcohol content, is that a lot?” And, is it like kombucha?
Well, in reality, that’s significantly more than many people realize. For reference, a typical beer usually contains about 5% alcohol. Therefore, a tall 12% alcohol can is roughly equivalent to consuming four beers in one sitting. To put it simply, drinking a high-alcohol-content beverage like Four Loko is a slippery slope into binge drinking, defined as consuming 2 or more drinks in an hour or less.
High-functioning alcoholism is a term often thrown around, but seldom truly understood. A high functioning alcoholic, due to consistent practice of alcoholic behavior, can develop an incredibly high tolerance to alcohol. They could drink excessively — up to 30 shots or even more every single day — without blacking out.
But this isn’t a sign of resilience. It’s a dangerous path that’s often overlooked because these individuals can maintain their jobs, relationships, and daily life despite their heavy drinking.
With the advancements in modern technology, it is alarmingly easy to consume high-alcohol beverages quickly. For example, pounding a tall can of 12% Four Loko could take about 30 minutes, an alarmingly short amount of time. What makes these drinks even more dangerous is their deceptive nature.
With Four Loko, you often don’t feel the buzz until it’s too late. At that point, you might dismiss the potential harm and have another drink, plunging deeper into the dangerous territories of binge drinking.
From personal experience, I can tell you that the thought of a Four Loko makes me want to pass out. I haven’t had alcohol in seven years, but I remember the dangers vividly. My sobriety journey has been a rewarding one, yet also a constant reminder of the struggles I faced with alcohol.
Sobriety isn’t easy, but it’s possible and absolutely worth it for your physical and mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or considering sobriety, know that help is available. My Beyond Sober calendar just opened up and I’m more than happy to dedicate a quick 30 minutes of my time to anyone in need.
Also, visit Sober Not Sober for additional resources and support. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Written by: K O H D I | Beyond Sober
