What are the Differences Between Being Drunk and Being High?

October 22, 2024

By Arch Recovery Center

Explore what are the differences between being drunk and being high, from effects to health risks and more.

Intoxication Effects: Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Understanding the distinction between the effects of alcohol and marijuana on the body can clarify the question of what are the differences between being drunk and being high?. Both substances lead to intoxicating effects but do so in distinctly different ways.

Immediate Impact on the Body

Alcohol is classified as a depressant. It affects various functions within the body, particularly vision, coordination, reaction time, and judgment. Even a single drink can significantly impair driving abilities, reducing one's capacity to recognize dangerous situations and make safe decisions. Drinking alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways which influences mood and behavior, leading to decreased cognitive functions.

In comparison, marijuana primarily impacts the brain due to its psychoactive properties. The active ingredient, THC, stimulates the brain's pleasure centers, resulting in the release of dopamine that causes a euphoric and relaxed state. While marijuana creates sensory enhancements, it also slows down responses to visual and auditory stimuli, distorting users' sense of time and space.

Substance	Immediate Effects
Alcohol	Impaired vision, coordination, reaction time, and judgment; increases risk of unsafe driving.
Marijuana	Distorted sense of time and space; slowed responses; euphoria and relaxation; possible anxiety or paranoia in some users.

Cognitive and Physical Effects

Cognitively, alcohol consumption can result in impaired decision-making and memory. It disrupts the brain's ability to process information and affects multitasking abilities. In individuals who are intoxicated, this can lead to risky behaviors due to poor judgment.

Marijuana, while also affecting cognition, presents a different set of effects. Users may experience altered perceptions, including heightened sensitivity to textures or sounds, as well as impaired ability to adapt to lighting changes. High doses of marijuana might lead to psychotic symptoms or hallucinations in some cases, especially with frequent and early use.

Aspect	Alcohol Effects	Marijuana Effects
Cognitive Function	Decision-making impairment, memory loss	Altered perceptions, decreased ability to process rapid information
Physical Effects	Reduced coordination, delayed reaction time	Slow responses to stimuli, impaired adaptability to light/dark

Being aware of these differences can help individuals make informed choices regarding substance use and its potential impact on daily activities and overall health. For more information about the health implications related to addiction, consider exploring topics like samhsa grants for substance use treatment or how can group therapy help treat my addiction?.

Short-Term Effects

Understanding the short-term effects of both alcohol and marijuana is essential when examining the differences between being drunk and being high. Each substance impacts the body and mind in distinct ways.

Alcohol Intoxication Symptoms

The intoxication effects of alcohol can manifest in several stages, with the first sign usually being a feeling of tipsiness. This typically occurs after consuming 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks per hour for women and 2 to 3 for men. Here is a summary of common alcohol intoxication symptoms:

BAC Level (%)	Symptoms
0.01 - 0.05	Mild relaxation, slight impairment in judgment
0.06 - 0.15	Euphoria, impaired coordination, difficulty concentrating
0.16 - 0.24	Increased impairment, staggering, potential for loss of control
0.25 - 0.40	Very drunk, may pass out, danger of losing bodily functions
0.45+	Likely risk of death

Being at a high BAC level can result in life-threatening situations. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning, which requires immediate medical attention, include confusion, seizures, and slow or irregular breathing.

Marijuana Intoxication Symptoms

Unlike alcohol, marijuana intoxication generally leads to different sensations and experiences. Common short-term symptoms of being high on marijuana include:

Symptoms	Description
Euphoria	A heightened sense of pleasure and well-being
Altered perception	Distorted sense of time, space, and surroundings
Dry mouth	Often referred to as "cotton mouth," which can be uncomfortable
Increased appetite	Commonly known as the "munchies," leading many to crave snacks
Impaired coordination	Difficulty with motor skills and reaction times

These effects can vary based on the individual's tolerance, the strain of marijuana consumed, and the method of consumption. While many enjoy the euphoric feelings associated with marijuana, it is essential to recognize that it may impair cognitive function and coordination, making activities like driving dangerous.

Understanding these short-term effects is vital in discerning the differences between alcohol intoxication and marijuana impairment. For further insights into the risks associated with these substances, check out our articles on samhsa grants for substance use treatment or can cognitive behavioral therapy help treat an alcohol addiction?.

Long-Term Consequences

The long-term effects of substance use can significantly impact physical health and individual well-being. This section compares the health issues related to chronic alcohol consumption with those associated with long-term marijuana use. Understanding these consequences can provide insights into the question of what are the differences between being drunk and being high?.

Alcohol-related Health Issues

Chronic heavy drinking can lead to various health problems. Notably, alcohol can damage the heart, resulting in numerous heart conditions. Additionally, sustained alcohol abuse can cause liver damage and multiple forms of liver inflammation. The pancreas is also affected, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to toxic substance production, potentially resulting in pancreatitis, which impairs enzyme production and digestion.

Moreover, alcohol consumption has a well-established connection to numerous types of cancer. Research indicates a clear pattern between alcohol intake and increased cancer risk, affecting various organs in the body.

Statistics reveal that alcohol consumption was responsible for 5.3% of all global deaths in 2016, with a noted higher incidence among men compared to women. Recent studies suggest that any level of alcohol consumption could elevate chronic disease risk, marking a shift from previous beliefs about safe drinking limits.

Health Issue	Description
Heart Problems	Damage leading to heart disease.
Liver Damage	Inflammation and risk of liver cirrhosis.
Pancreatitis	Toxic substances impairing digestion.
Cancer Risk	Increased likelihood of various cancers.

Marijuana-related Health Risks

While marijuana is often perceived as less harmful than alcohol, it is not without its own health risks. Long-term use of marijuana has been associated with several potential health issues, including impaired lung function, particularly in users who smoke cannabis. Chronic use may also lead to mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, particularly in predisposed individuals.

Additionally, there is ongoing research into the effects of marijuana on cognitive functions. Some studies suggest that heavy and prolonged use can impair memory and learning capabilities.

Health Risk	Description
Lung Function	Potential impairment, akin to tobacco smoking.
Mental Health	Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Cognitive Function	Possible impairments in memory and learning.

While both substances carry risks, the specific health issues associated with each can differ significantly. The impact on physical and mental health should be carefully considered by individuals who choose to engage with alcohol or marijuana. For further information on marijuana's role in public health and its various effects, refer to our section detailing public health concerns.

Addiction Risk Factors

Understanding addiction risk factors is essential in evaluating the differences between being drunk and being high. Both alcohol and marijuana have associated risks of dependency, which can significantly affect individuals' lives and well-being.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use can lead to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This condition is characterized by a problematic pattern of alcohol consumption that results in clinically significant impairment or distress [5]. The severity of AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of criteria an individual meets. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria established by the DSM-5 for diagnosing AUD:

Criterion	Description
1	Consuming alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
2	A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
3	Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.
4	Craving or a strong desire to use alcohol.
5	Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use.
6	Continuing to use alcohol despite interpersonal or social problems caused by its effects.
7	Reducing or giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities.
8	Using alcohol in situations that are physically hazardous.
9	Developing tolerance, needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
10	Experiencing withdrawal symptoms or using alcohol to relieve withdrawal.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Marijuana use can also result in addiction, known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Approximately 1 in 10 regular users may develop this disorder, resulting in an inability to stop using the drug despite its negative impacts on various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and finances.

The following table outlines some common symptoms associated with CUD:

Symptoms	Description
Increased Tolerance	Needing to use more marijuana to achieve the same effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or insomnia when not using marijuana.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Back	Desiring to reduce use but failing to do so.
Time Spent	Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from marijuana.
Continued Use Despite Problems	Using marijuana despite social or interpersonal issues caused by its use.

It's essential to recognize that individuals who use both alcohol and marijuana simultaneously may experience heightened impairments. Two-thirds of individuals who consume both substances experience greater cognitive, perceptual, and motor function impairments compared to using either substance alone [6].

Being aware of the signs of these disorders is crucial for obtaining help and support. Effective resources and treatment options are available, including various therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy for those facing challenges with addiction, as outlined in our articles on can cognitive behavioral therapy help treat an alcohol addiction? and how can group therapy help treat my addiction?.

Impact on Mental Health

The effects of marijuana on mental health are significant and can vary widely among individuals. Understanding these effects can shed light on what are the differences between being drunk and being high?

Psychological Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana may lead to diverse psychological effects, which can be both positive and negative. While some individuals report relaxation and euphoria, others may experience heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, panic, or paranoia, especially at high doses. In some cases, marijuana can trigger psychosis, causing individuals to lose touch with reality and possibly experience hallucinations. This heightened risk is particularly associated with long-term, frequent, and early use of marijuana.

The risk for psychological issues is particularly pronounced in individuals who start using cannabis at a young age or those who use it heavily over extended periods. Young men, especially between the ages of 16 and 25, face an increased risk of conditions like schizophrenia and other mental health disorders involving psychosis [2].

Psychological Outcome	Possible Impact
Anxiety	Increased feelings of worry or dread
Paranoia	Heightened sense of suspicion
Psychosis	Potential loss of touch with reality

Marijuana and Cognitive Function

Marijuana use can negatively impact cognitive functions, including focus, learning, and memory. Research indicates that early exposure to cannabis can disrupt normal brain development, adversely affecting gray matter. This impairment can lead to long-lasting consequences, including a potential increase in the risk of developing schizophrenia and declines in IQ scores.

The severity of cognitive impairment is often proportional to the amount and frequency of marijuana use. Heavy use during the critical developmental years, such as the teenage years, may lead to permanent cognitive deficits.

Cognitive Function	Effect of Marijuana Use
Memory	Difficulty recalling information
Learning	Impaired ability to acquire new knowledge
Focus	Reduced attention span

Understanding the impact of marijuana on mental health is essential. It highlights the need for caution, particularly among younger users and those who may have a predisposition to mental health disorders. For those interested in exploring how cannabis affects mental health further, samhsa grants for substance use treatment and various therapeutic interventions may be beneficial resources.

Public Health Concerns

Alcohol Misuse Statistics

Alcohol misuse poses significant public health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol consumption results in approximately 88,000 deaths annually in the United States [3].

Globally, in 2016, alcohol consumption was responsible for 5.3% of all deaths, with a higher prevalence of alcohol-related deaths among men. Significant health risks associated with alcohol misuse include liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of various cancers.

Statistic	Data
Annual U.S. Alcohol-related Deaths	88,000
Global Alcohol-related Deaths (2016)	5.3% of all deaths
Common Health Issues	Liver damage, pancreatitis, cancer

Binge drinking, characterized as heavy drinking in a short period, leads to serious short-term effects such as hangovers and alcohol poisoning, while long-term effects include heart disease, liver cirrhosis, and various types of cancer [4].

Marijuana's Role in Public Health

Marijuana's impact on public health varies across different contexts. While legalization in several states has allowed for medical and recreational use, concerns remain regarding potential health risks, especially among young people. Research indicates that regular marijuana use can impair cognitive function, leading to memory and learning issues.

The normalization of cannabis use can influence addiction rates and mental health outcomes. Understanding how marijuana interacts with other substances and its potential for increasing the risk of addiction is critical [7].

Marijuana use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression in some individuals. For those recovering from addiction, it’s essential to consider the effect of marijuana on cravings and overall mental health status. Resources like samhsa grants for substance use treatment can be crucial for providing support in these circumstances.

Health Concern	Effects
Cognitive Function	Potential memory and learning impairments
Mental Health	Possible links to anxiety and depression
Addiction Risk	Increased risk among regular users

Public health strategies surrounding both alcohol and marijuana use require ongoing evaluation to address the risks and benefits associated with their consumption. For those engaged in recovery or seeking support, understanding the associated health risks and options for treatment is vital. Tools like can cognitive behavioral therapy help treat an alcohol addiction? can assist individuals in navigating their journeys effectively.