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[–] Amerikaner 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

I never understood my addiction until I learned of a test to see if you’re an alcoholic. There are two types of people, those who experience a physical rush from drinking and those who don’t. The test, on an empty stomach sit down and let your pulse slow to resting. Take 3 shots of vodka, if your pulse increases then you experience a rush when drinking, and you’re susceptible to being an alcoholic. Most of the population will have their heart rate remain constant or decreases. Alcoholics actually feel a rush as they are getting drunker.

It seems obvious now, but I was unaware of the true mechanism until I learned this.

[–] Trope_ 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

Yup. There are two separate things to consider when drinking: The dopamine-reward sensation - and the intoxication itself.

Blood alcohol rises and it feels great. You get a rush of awesomeness. But that is short-lived and all that is left is the sloppy intoxication which will take hours to go away. The best way to explain it is when you day-drink and then try to sober up by evening. It's only ever fun when blood alcohol is rising. Once blood alcohol begins to fall, it's just a shitty unwelcome experience.