Episode #4—How Alcohol Works
As long as there have been humans, there have been drunk humans. Civilizations have used it to build social cohesion, hold rituals, and more—but as a drug, it comes with significant health impacts.
In this episode we explore:
The chemistry of alcohol—the molecule ethanol—and how it impacts the brain and body
Why scientists think our taste for booze evolved from our need to find highly nutritional fruit (known as the “drunken monkey hypothesis”)
How the invention of distillation shifted alcohol from a social lubricant to a powerful drug
The never-ending question of “how much is it safe to drink, actually?”
… and much more! Listen here:
Ep. 4: 1440—How Alcohol Works
This episode is part of our launch series for 1440 podcasts. As we work to improve our products for our 4.5 million readers (now listeners), we would be incredibly grateful for your feedback and input on how to improve. Email us directly at podcast@join1440.com, or click below to either message us or comment:
A number of heavy drinkers in my circle were diagnosed with severe ADHD as adults. The standard drugs prescribed for it failed to offer satisfactory results. They claim the alcohol does wonders. They are creative, highly creative people. But the alcohol is devastating them otherwise. Much said about creativity, but nothing regarding this possible connection. Also, two of these men were born to alcoholic moms. Another rabbit hole …..
Good info.