Alcohol

Depressant Common Addictive

💊

Typical Dose 30-60 mL

⏱️

Duration 1h 30m - 3h

⚠️

Interaction Risk High

🔗

Combinations 26

🔬

Detection Methods 4

Start Trip

Description

A central nervous system depressant and the most widely consumed recreational substance globally, functioning primarily as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA receptors. It is widely consumed in the form of beer, wine, and spirits, inducing relaxation, lowered inhibitions, euphoria, and increased sociability. Alcohol carries a high risk of addiction and physical dependence, and excessive use can lead to severe organ damage, cognitive decline, and fatal respiratory depression.

Effects & Dosing

Dosage

Oral

Threshold	Light	Common	Strong	Heavy	Dangerous	Fatal
5-10 mL	10-30 mL	30-60 mL	60-90 mL	90-120 mL	120-250 mL	250-250 mL

Duration

Oral

Onset 10 min - 30 min

Total Duration 1h 30m - 3h

After Effects 6h - 48h

Safety & Risks

Safer Use

Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed to stay hydrated.
Eat a substantial meal before or while drinking to slow absorption into the bloodstream.
Avoid mixing alcohol with other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines, opioids, or ketamine due to the high risk of fatal respiratory depression.
Plan a safe ride home in advance and do not operate vehicles or heavy machinery while intoxicated.
NOTE: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening in physically dependent individuals and requires medical supervision.
NOTE: The dosages listed are for pure ethanol; actual beverage volumes will be much higher depending on alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage.

Detection Times

Method	Detection Window
Blood	6–12 hours
Saliva	6–12 hours
Urine	12–24 hours
Hair	1–90 days

Note: EtG (ethyl glucuronide) urine test can detect alcohol use up to 80 hours after consumption.

Interactions

26 known interactions with other substances.

⛔ Dangerous 10

Ketamine MXE DXM PCP Cocaine GHBOpioidsTramadolBenzodiazepinesMAOIs

Both substances cause ataxia and bring a very high risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.

There is a high risk of memory loss, vomiting and severe ataxia from this combination.

Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place affected patients in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Additionally CNS depression can lead to difficulty breathing. Avoid on anything higher than 1st plateau.

Details of this combination are not well understood but PCP generally interacts in an unpredictable manner.

Drinking on stimulants is risky because the sedative effects of the alcohol are reduced, and these are what the body uses to gauge drunkenness. This typically leads to excessive drinking with greatly reduced inhibitions, high risk of liver damage and increased dehydration. They will also allow you to drink past a point where you might normally pass out, increasing the risk. If you do decide to do this then you should set a limit of how much you will drink each hour and stick to it, bearing in mind that you will feel the alcohol less. Cocaine is potentiated somewhat by alcohol because of the formation of cocaethylene.

Even in very low doses this combination rapidly leads to memory loss, severe ataxia and unconsciousness. There is a high risk of vomit aspiration while unconscious.

Heavy CNS depressants, risk of seizures. Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place affected patients in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Memory blackouts are likely.

Ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Blacking out and memory loss is almost certain.

Tyramine found in many alcoholic beverages can have dangerous reactions with MAOIs, causing an increase in blood pressure.

⚠️ Caution 5

aMTNitrousAmphetaminesMDMASSRIs

aMT has a broad mechanism of action in the brain and so does alcohol so the combination can be unpredictable

Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are likely.

Drinking on stimulants is risky because the sedative effects of the alcohol are reduced, and these are what the body uses to gauge drunkenness. This typically leads to excessive drinking with greatly reduced inhibitions, high risk of liver damage and increased dehydration. They will also allow you to drink past a point where you might normally pass out, increasing the risk. If you do decide to do this then you should set a limit of how much you will drink each hour and stick to it, bearing in mind that you will feel the alcohol and the stimulant less. Extended release formulations may severely impede sleep, further worsening the hangover.

Both MDMA and alcohol cause dehydration. Approach this combination with caution, moderation and sufficient hydration. More than a small amount of alcohol will dull the euphoria of MDMA

Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

✅ Low Risk 11

Synergy

Cannabis

Decrease

LSD Mushrooms DMT MescalineDOxNBOMes2C-x2C-T-x5-MeO-xxT

No Synergy

Caffeine

Legal Status

⚖️

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does NOT constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently and may vary by region, state, or municipality. Always verify the current legal status in your jurisdiction before making any decisions. Open Mind assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this data.

Legal

Decriminalized

Medical Only

Illegal

No Data

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Country Details Show 15 countries

AU Australia Legal

Legal to purchase and consume for individuals 18 and older.