Tolerance
Tolerance means your body has become used to alcohol, so you need more of it to get the same effect. That does not mean alcohol is doing less harm.
What tolerance actually means The same amount of alcohol no longer feels the way it used to.
Someone who used to feel drunk after two or three drinks may start needing four, five or more to feel the same effect. That is tolerance.
It can develop gradually, which is why people do not always notice it happening.
Why needing more matters A higher tolerance usually means more alcohol is reaching the body.
Feeling less drunk does not mean your liver, heart, brain or other organs are protected. You may feel more capable while your blood alcohol level is still high.
As tolerance rises, people often drink larger amounts and increase their exposure to alcohol-related harm.
Tolerance is not the same as being able to "handle your drink" Looking less drunk is not proof that alcohol is affecting you less.
Someone with high tolerance may be able to talk, walk or appear fairly normal after drinking amounts that would make another person obviously drunk.
Their judgement, reaction time and health can still be affected. High tolerance can make risky drinking easier to miss because the outward signs are less obvious.
Tolerance can keep increasing What once felt like a lot can become normal.
If drinking continues regularly, the amount needed to get the same effect can keep rising. That can mean stronger drinks, larger measures, drinking more quickly or drinking more often.
This is one of the ways occasional heavy drinking can move towards a more serious alcohol problem.
Tolerance and dependence Increasing tolerance can be one sign that dependence is developing.
Tolerance on its own does not prove dependence, but it is one of the warning signs. Other signs include strong cravings, drinking to feel normal, difficulty stopping and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol wears off.
Read about alcohol dependence →Tolerance can fall again After a period of drinking less or not drinking, the body may become less tolerant.
If someone returns to their old amount after a break, they may be more affected than they expect. That can increase the risk of severe intoxication, accidents and alcohol poisoning.
This is particularly important after treatment, detox, illness, hospital admission or any period when alcohol intake has dropped sharply.
If you recognise this in yourself Needing more alcohol than you used to is worth taking seriously.
If you are drinking more to get the same effect, speak to your GP, Drinkline Scotland or a local alcohol service. You do not need to wait until you are certain you are dependent.
If you drink heavily every day, get shakes, sweating or anxiety when alcohol wears off, or need alcohol to feel normal, get medical advice before suddenly stopping because withdrawal can be dangerous.
Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Find alcohol support and local services in Scotland ↗ Read Is my drinking a problem? → Read about alcohol withdrawal →