We Have Beds Available! Call for Same Day Admission.855-722-6926
We Have Beds Available! Call For Same Day Admission. 855-722-6926

Absinthe Effects to Keep in Mind Before Consumption

Absinthe Effects
 

Absinthe is a strong anise-flavored spirit that is infused with wormwood and its psychoactive byproduct, thujone.

The powerful green elixir made a name for itself because of its hallucinogenic properties in the past, but because of the potential for such strong absinthe effects, some parts of the world, including the United States, have strict regulations regarding its creation and sale. Our Florida rehabs are here to go over the potential Absinthe effects to keep in mind when consuming this spirit and how its misuse can seriously damage the user's body and mind.

Why Is Absinthe So Intense?

The intensity of absinthe can be ascribed to several elements that work together to make it strong. The high alcohol content of absinthe, which usually ranges from 45% to 74% by volume, is one important contributing factor. Compared to many other spirits, this one has a more substantial punch due to its high ethanol concentration. Alcohol's direct effect on the central nervous system produces a variety of effects, ranging from a sudden onset of euphoria to sedation, which contributes to the overall potent experience of absinthe consumption.

Moreover, adding wormwood—and especially its active ingredient, thujone—increases the potency of absinthe. The drink's mysterious reputation has been attributed to thujone, a compound thought to have psychoactive properties. Although current research indicates that absinthe does not contain as much thujone as was previously thought to cause hallucinations, its presence adds a unique and complex flavor profile when combined with other botanicals like fennel and anise. The intense and alluring spirit known as absinthe is created by the combination of its high alcohol content, distinct botanical infusion, and historical mystique. It provides consumers with an experience that surpasses the usual confines of traditional alcoholic beverages.

Absinthe Effects on the Body

Rumors of wild hallucinations have made absinthe famous, but are the rumors true? Our PHP treatment center is sharing all about this widely-talked-about spirit and what drinking it is really like.

Absinthe’s psychoactive ingredient, thujone, is believed to have been partly responsible for the hallucinations, convulsions, and psychosis that some people experienced while under its spell. Since that time, most places have restrictions on the amount of thujone that absinthe can have. Now, thujone is only used in trace amounts in absinthe, so you would have to consume a large amount in order to feel any effects and likely get alcohol poisoning first.

In the past, absinthe also had a much higher alcohol content than it does now, with levels of 140 proof.1   Together, the unregulated thujone and the high alcohol content were likely the cause of any psychotic effects.

Because the drink is now highly regulated, the absinthe side effects are now like other strong spirits. Today, absinthe effects may include:

  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Poor coordination
  • Impaired judgment
  • Problems focusing
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Mood swings

What Are the Effects of Absinthe on the Brain?

Renowned for its colorful past and obscure allure, absinthe has long piqued interest, particularly about its possible effects on the brain. Examining the effects of this strong spirit on the nervous system reveals a complicated interaction between chemicals and the central nervous system. Here, we examine the various effects absinthe can have on the brain, illuminating this intriguing and occasionally misinterpreted substance.

Possible absinthe effects on the brain include:

  • Alcohol content: The high alcohol content of absinthe is the main and direct source of its effects on the brain. The ethyl alcohol in absinthe interacts with the central nervous system at levels between 45% and 74% by volume, causing a variety of behavioral and cognitive changes.
  • Thujone interaction: Thujone, a compound commonly associated with the purported hallucinogenic properties of absinthe, is derived from wormwood. Modern research, however, casts doubt on the idea that absinthe's thujone content is high enough to cause noticeable hallucinations, highlighting the complex mixture of ingredients.
  • GABA receptor modulation: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain are influenced by the alcohol in absinthe. The sedative effect of this interaction, which amplifies inhibitory neurotransmission, adds to the general feeling of relaxation and possible sleepiness.
  • Dopaminergic modulation: Absinthe alters brain dopamine levels in a similar way to other alcoholic beverages. The euphoric feelings frequently connected to alcohol intake are partly attributed to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward.
  • Cognitive impairment: Like other forms of heavy drinking, excessive absinthe consumption can cause cognitive impairment. Extended or heavy consumption can lead to symptoms of absinthe brain damage, compromised decision-making, memory problems, and concentration difficulties.

In conclusion, absinthe drink effects on the brain are multifaceted, reflecting a combination of its alcohol content and the presence of compounds like thujone. While the spirit's historical mystique may suggest a propensity for hallucinogenic experiences, contemporary understanding underscores the importance of responsible consumption.

Dangers of Drinking Absinthe

Just like other alcoholic beverages, absinthe is not without its dangers. Consumed in excess, alcohol poisoning from absinthe is a very real possibility, especially considering its high alcohol content. Without immediate medical attention, this could be fatal.

The absinthe effects can also be more dangerous with long-term use. Some people may develop an addiction from regular drinking. Alcohol abuse treatment at our Pompano Beach Rehab is usually necessary to get the person to give up alcohol for good.

Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to serious health problems, such as damage to internal organs. As a Florida addiction treatment center, we help people quit drinking so that they can work on getting their health back on track and reverse some of the damage that has been done.

Whether absinthe is your poison or you are abusing hard drugs like cocaine, you should try to stop immediately. At Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano, we can help you regain control and quit for good. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to get started.

Sources:

  1. ACS - Absinthe uncorked: The “Green Fairy” was boozy – but not psychedelic
 
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.