This one is easy. Altitude makes intoxication WORSE. The actual
effects of alcohol on the brain are very similar to the effects of
mild hypoxia. Hypoxia is oxygen starvation. Any time your brain
isn't getting enough oxygen, you are to some degree, hypoxic.
That being the case, at higher altitude, the barometric pressure is
lower. Thus, there is less oxygen in the air you breath. The
percentage of oxygen in the air is the same (21%) but the air is much
thinner at altitude. Each breath you take has LESS oxygen in it.
That's why there are "oxygen bars" at many ski resorts. You can pay
money for a 15 minute 'hit of bottled oxygen. Also, (I've heard
rumors) that some drinking establishments intentionally water their
drinks when the bar is located at altitude. You don't want the
customers getting drunk too cheaply.
So at 8000 feet, you'd be intoxicated EARLIER with fewer drinks than
at sea level. At 14000 feet, some may need oxygen to avoid the
symptoms of hypoxia. At higher elevations (mountain climber altitude
and up) nearly all need supplemental oxygen to facilitate survival.
At the top of Mt. Everest (29,035 feet) you need supplemental oxygen
to survive. Only the profoundly physically fit or professional
mountain climbers can work at that altitude without bottled oxygen . .
. and those only for limited periods of time.
In any event, NO ONE drinks at altitude (unless they are in an
airplane with a solidly pressurized cabin) . . . the hypoxic effects
on the brain coupled with the effects of alcohol lead to a dangerous
risk of mental impairment. And in a dangerous environment, that can
lead to death. |
