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LindenSpruce OP t1_ixozi4f wrote

Reply to comment by VulcanVisions in ELI5, when someone is intoxicated, how does adrenaline bring back motor skills and awareness? Or does it not? by LindenSpruce

It does, and I love a good, clear metaphor.

Thank you.

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Ippus_21 t1_ixrhrl5 wrote

Just to be clear, the adrenaline does NOT improve your balance, coordination, reflexes, or judgement.

It doesn't do that under normal circumstances either. It's not a "skilled action" hormone. It just takes all the safeties off your normal systems. Heart rate and respiration spike, oxygenated blood is shunted to skeletal muscle and away from non-survival-essential equipment (like your forebrain and digestive system).

You might lift a car off somebody, but you may not be able to get the safety off on a firearm or get a key into a lock. You could also pull so hard that you tear muscles and tendons in your own limbs. That increase in HR and respiration can result in passing out from hyperventilation.

It will still do all that while you're drunk, but the fine motor coordination issue will be even worse, sensory feedback will be even duller (increasing injury potential), and god help you if you need to make any decisions.

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