Am I Building a Tolerance to Alcohol?

Empty beer bottles due to alcohol tolerance.

Alcohol abuse is among the most widespread habits in the world. Being a legal substance in the US, alcohol is readily accessible and widely accepted as part of nearly all social gatherings. Studies reveal that most Americans aged above 18 years admit to drinking alcohol at some point in their lives. Despite the misconception that moderate drinking cannot harm your health, regular consumption leads to alcohol tolerance. Midwest Recovery Center reveals how you could be building a tolerance to alcohol without being aware. Call [Direct] today if you are concerned about alcohol tolerance in yourself or a loved one.

Tolerance and Alcohol Use Disorders

An alcohol use disorder occurs when an individual has an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol. If you suffer from such a condition, you will find yourself putting aside your productive activities to create time for drinking. Any attempts to quit results in withdrawal symptoms because your functionality has become dependent on alcohol. Therefore, alcoholism results from building a tolerance after long-term consumption.

Tolerance occurs when you consume more alcohol volumes to achieve similar effects as before. As a result, you will start believing that failure to drink alcohol will interfere with your ability to function optimally. However, tolerance indicates future problems, including addiction and physical health issues.

Experts note that people have different experiences when it comes to alcohol use. For example, you may need to have several drinks before experiencing similar effects that another person can achieve with fewer drinks. Individuals with low-alcohol sensitivity are more vulnerable to developing tolerance and alcohol use disorders than their counterparts.

What Is Functional Tolerance?

It is a type of alcohol tolerance where your brain adapts to function in the presence of alcohol. Individuals who develop functional tolerance can consume significant volumes of alcohol without appearing intoxicated.

Mental health experts concur that functional tolerance develops at different rates for various activities.

The Warning Signs of Alcohol Tolerance

You will know that you have developed a tolerance if you experience any alcohol use disorder’s warning signs. In most cases, alcohol abusers prefer keeping their behaviors secret. As such, they will quickly become violent when a family member or a friend attempts to question their private lives. The aggressive behavior makes it difficult to establish whether an individual is suffering from alcoholism.

However, the most common signs to watch out for include:

  • High tendencies for violence, physical aggression, and defense mechanisms when another person tries to intervene
  • Appearing intoxicated most of the times
  • Lack of motivation and passion in executing daily tasks
  • Excessive alcohol consumption without caring about health consequences
  • Inability to say no when offered alcohol
  • Highly secretive and dishonest
  • Ineffectiveness of prescription medications

Treatment of Alcohol Dependence and Addiction

Statistics reveal that tens of millions of Americans battle alcohol use disorders every year. Individuals addicted to alcohol usually live in denial and refuse to accept help, making it difficult for them to visit rehab centers.

If you or your loved ones show any signs of developing a tolerance to alcoholism, reach out to a rehab facility before it deteriorates. The good news is that rehab facilities offer useful alcohol addiction treatment programs, including:

Overcome Alcohol Addiction at Midwest Recovery Center

The best way to overcome alcohol tolerance is by checking into rehab for a customized treatment plan. At Midwest Recovery Center, we start with detoxification to enable our clients to safely stop drinking and learn how to manage the withdrawal effects without relapse. Our therapy programs can help you to adjust your behavior and adapt to a life without alcohol. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at [Direct] to get started.

*The stories shared in this blog are meant to illustrate personal experiences and offer hope. Unless otherwise stated, any first-person narratives are fictional or blended accounts of others’ personal experiences. Everyone’s journey is unique, and this post does not replace medical advice or guarantee outcomes. Please speak with a licensed provider for help.

Levels of Care

Detox
We understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Our detox program offers a compassionate, medically supported environment where you can rest, heal, and begin recovery safely. You’ll never go through it alone — our team is with you every step of the way.

IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
A flexible treatment option that lets you maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while attending therapy several days a week. IOP focuses on relapse prevention, coping skills, and long-term recovery through group and individual sessions.

Residential
Residential care gives you the time and space to focus fully on healing. Surrounded by supportive staff and peers, you’ll work through underlying causes of addiction, rebuild healthy routines, and rediscover confidence in your recovery journey.

MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
Combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to opioid or alcohol use. Each treatment plan is closely monitored to ensure comfort, safety, and lasting recovery.

Who are you seeking help for? *

We’re here to listen and help you find the right path forward. Please tell us who needs care so we can match you with the best program and support.

Myself

A loved one or family member

💬 Your responses are 100% confidential and never shared outside our admissions team.

Check Your Insurance Coverage in Minutes

We’ll handle the insurance details — so you can focus on getting better.

At Midwest Centers at Youngstown, we work with most major private insurance providers to make treatment affordable and accessible. Complete our quick, confidential form below, and we’ll let you know if your plan is in-network — without contacting your insurance company.

Commonly accepted providers include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) • Aetna • Cigna • UnitedHealthcare • Humana • Anthem • Tricare

What Happens Next

  • Fill out the short form below
  • Our team reviews your benefits
  • We’ll contact you with your coverage details

Getting help shouldn’t be stressful. Let’s find out what your insurance can cover today.

Recovery Shouldn’t Have to Wait — Begin Treatment Today.

At Midwest Centers at Youngstown in Ohio, we make it simple to take that first step toward healing. Our streamlined admissions process can often lead to same-day placement in treatment for substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Call today for a free, confidential consultation with our caring admissions team — we’ll walk you through every step with compassion and clarity.

Levels of Care

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP offers a highly structured, supportive environment where you can focus on recovery during the day and return home at night. It’s an ideal step between inpatient and outpatient care, providing daily therapy, accountability, and a strong recovery routine.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP gives you the flexibility to continue work, school, or family life while receiving evidence-based treatment several days a week. You’ll participate in group and individual therapy focused on relapse prevention, coping skills, and long-term healing.

Outpatient Program (OP)
For those transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking ongoing support, our outpatient program offers continued therapy at a pace that fits your lifestyle. It’s a supportive bridge that helps you maintain recovery and stay connected to care.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and counseling to reduce cravings and support long-term recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction. Our team monitors each plan closely to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness.

Who are you seeking help for? *

We’re here to listen and help you find the right path forward. Please tell us who needs care so we can match you with the best program and support.

Myself

A loved one or family member

💬 Your responses are 100% confidential and never shared outside our admissions team.

Recovery Shouldn’t Have to Wait — Begin Treatment Today.

At Midwest Recovery Center in Toledo, Ohio, we make it simple to take that first step toward healing. Our streamlined admissions process can often lead to same-day placement in treatment for substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Call today for a free, confidential consultation with our caring admissions team — we’ll walk you through every step with compassion and clarity.

Check Your Insurance Coverage in Minutes

We’ll handle the insurance details — so you can focus on getting better.

At Midwest Recovery Center, we work with most major private insurance providers to make treatment affordable and accessible. Complete our quick, confidential form below, and we’ll let you know if your plan is in-network — without contacting your insurance company.

Commonly accepted providers include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) • Aetna • Cigna • UnitedHealthcare • Humana • Anthem • Tricare

What Happens Next

  • Fill out the short form below
  • Our team reviews your benefits
  • We’ll contact you with your coverage details

Getting help shouldn’t be stressful. Let’s find out what your insurance can cover today.