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Drunk vs. Tipsy

Having a glass or two of wine at dinner is one thing, but when you start to feel yourself go from tipsy to drunk, then you may have had one too many. Analyzing how it feels to be drunk vs. tipsy helps people to avoid drinking past their limit and experiencing adverse side effects. Alcohol is a socially accepted drug that many people access at small and large events. If you do drink alcohol, it’s essential to know your limit since alcoholism is common in America and causes long-term health risks like organ failure or wet brain syndrome. 

3 Minute Read | Published Sep 06 2023 | Updated Mar 07 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Todd Ludwig
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Todd Ludwig
Reviewed by

The Difference Between Tipsy and Drunk 

Being tipsy is often enjoyable since it uplifts a person’s mood, causing them to feel pleasant and gleeful. Before a person is drunk, they experience feeling tipsy. The positive effects make a person want to keep drinking, sometimes leading to binge drinking. The effects of alcohol differ for everyone since it depends on body mass, genetics, and other factors like how much the person consumed. 

Drunk vs. Tipsy

  1. Being tipsy means you recall everything that happened the next day. 
  2. Being drunk means forgetfulness or impaired memory the next day. 
  3. Being tipsy means that you will not experience a hangover. 
  4. Being drunk means that a hangover is very likely and can cause headaches.
  5. Being tipsy means having control over what you say and do. 
  6. Being drunk means lacking coordination and slurred speech. 
  7. Being tipsy means that the body can slowly eliminate the toxins since there are not many. 
  8. Being drunk means the body reacts urgently to remove the toxins, often leading to vomiting. 

A drunk person is more likely to experience blackouts, and if they drink enough alcohol, it can lead to alcohol poisoning. It’s essential to stay hydrated and not drink on an empty stomach to avoid getting drunk quickly. 

Buzzed vs. Tipsy vs. Drunk 

Before a person is tipsy, they will be “buzzed.” What does this mean? When the alcohol is first absorbed into the blood and body’s system, the effects of feeling buzzed kick in. You begin to understand that you are no longer sober; however, you are entirely functional. Often, people feel it in their heads before they begin to feel it in their bodies. 

Are you wondering how to know if you’re tipsy? If your face is blushing or appearing red and your skin feels warm, these are signs of being tipsy. If you appear more self-confident or talkative, then your behavior matches the effects of alcohol. You may have slightly fewer motor skills but can still function, hold a conversation, and enjoy yourself. 

When you “tip over,” that means that you are no longer tipsy but are now drunk. A good idea to avoid getting drunk is by counting how many drinks you are consuming and practicing how to say no to alcohol after you have had your limit. 

What does being drunk feel like? Well, it doesn’t sound like a good time, but many people become addicted to alcohol, even after experiencing negative side effects. Signs you’re drunk include drowsiness, poor judgment, short-term memory loss, vision issues, and slowed breathing and heart rate. People may tend to be violent or act aggressively during this phase.  

Resources & Helpful Services at Better Addiction Care 

After evaluating drunk vs. tipsy facts, do you think drinking alcohol is worth it? At Better Addiction Care, we offer information on all aspects of alcohol, such as signs of binge drinking and alcohol street names. We also offer support groups and detox programs. Our team works hard to provide a safe and secure environment as well as a beneficial online presence so people can get the help they need to begin the treatment process. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic drinking, speak to a specialist at Better Addiction Care by calling (800) 429-7690 and get started on your treatment journey today!

Resources

bullet National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020).
"Alcohol’s Effects on the Body."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
bullet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021).
"Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
bullet Mayo Clinic. (2021).
"Alcohol intoxication."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015).
"Intoxication and Withdrawal."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
bullet American Addiction Centers. (2021).
"Alcohol Intoxication and Overdose: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
bullet Harvard Health Publishing. (2020).
"Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits."
Retrieved on September 30, 2022
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