
Can an Alcoholic Ever Drink Again?
Risks of falling back into addiction are very high, which is why it’s often safer to avoid alcohol altogether and seek support.
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Have you ever debated having tequila, but weren’t sure how much to drink before feeling the effects of an embarrassing night out?
Anthony Saracino
Editorial Contributor, Faith Recovery Center

Have you ever debated having tequila, but weren’t sure how much to drink before feeling the effects of an embarrassing night out?

Have you ever debated having tequila, but weren’t sure how much to drink before feeling the effects of an embarrassing night out? Trying too many shots could turn a night of good times into a much more dangerous consequence than just saying something you didn’t mean to, it can quickly turn into blackout territory. You’ve probably heard stories about others completely passing out after only one 1.5-ounce shot of tequila. Is it really that easy to get drunk on tequila?
If you want to know how many shots of tequila to get drunk, whether legally or in terms of how you’ll feel, we have some answers. In this blog post, we’ll give you some info on how many shots of tequila it will take to get drunk.
In the United States, the legal limit for intoxication is a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.08%. This means that if you have a BAC higher than 0.08%, you are legally intoxicated and could face legal consequences if pulled over while driving.
To give you an idea, an average person will need around 3 shots of 80 proof tequila taken within an hour to reach that BAC level. However, individual factors such as weight, gender, and metabolism can all influence how quickly someone reaches this blood alcohol concentration.
For instance, females and people with a lower weight typically reach the legal limit faster than males and people with a higher weight. This means that a 100-pound female who drinks tequila may reach the 0.08% BAC level faster than a 300-pound male.

Tequila is a hard liquor that is from the blue agave plant and has a very unique taste. For many people, tequila is exciting and slightly intimidating all in one. It’s a notorious drink for getting many people drunk as tequila is stronger than other alcoholic beverages.
If you want to know how many shots of tequila you should take to feel tipsy, slightly buzzed, or totally drunk, it all depends on the person. Some people have a higher tolerance level like those who are regular drinkers and may find that more shots are needed to get drunk.
For those with a lower tolerance level, the effects of tequila can be felt after only one or two drinks. The general rule of thumb is you should start feeling moderately drunk after 3 drinks and totally drunk after 4-5 drinks within an hour.
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Anything more than 4 shots in one hour can be dangerous as it may lead to blackouts and alcohol poisoning. You may not yet feel the effects after back-to-back shots but after 20 to 30 minutes, you will likely feel the full effects of your alcohol consumption.
It’s unlikely to get drunk after a single shot of tequila (1.5 fluid ounces). For people with low alcohol tolerance or drinking tequila on an empty stomach, it may be possible to feel a bit tipsy after one shot – but not totally drunk.
One possible reason why many people think that they can get drunk after one shot of tequila is that they drink tequila after already having different alcoholic beverages. If you’ve already been drinking beers or cocktails all night, then just the smallest shot of tequila could be enough to push your limit.
If you don’t want to get too drunk on tequila but still want to enjoy a few drinks with friends, there are some tips you can follow. One is limiting yourself to only one shot per hour.
One 1.5 ounce shot of tequila is roughly equivalent to a bottle of beer. The amount of alcohol in beer is usually 4% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) while tequila has 40 ABV. So when trying to gauge how many shots will get you drunk, you can use the bottles of beer as a benchmark.
Another helpful tip is to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda, or juice throughout the night. This will help your body stay hydrated and can also reduce your intoxication level.
Remember to avoid mixing tequila with beer or other high-alcohol beverages as this can increase your BAC level quickly. Lastly, you should try not to drink on an empty stomach as this can cause alcohol intoxication faster than eating beforehand would.
When it comes to drinking tequila responsibly and avoiding getting too drunk – knowing how many shots of tequila it takes to get drunk is important. If you’re still not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and limit yourself.
If you’re already struggling with a substance use disorder or alcohol addiction, it’s time to seek professional help from an experienced rehab center. At Faith Recovery Center in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, our luxury alcohol rehab provides medically supervised alcohol detox, evidence-based residential and outpatient care, and compassionate support. Our team of experts can guide and support you through a safe and effective recovery process so you can start living free from alcohol addiction.
Clinical review
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jason Giles, M.D.
Physician · Addiction medicine & medical detox, Faith Recovery Center
Last reviewed July 13, 2026
Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual experiences vary. For treatment questions, speak with our admissions team.
Meet the clinical teamAbout the author
Educational content contributor covering addiction treatment, recovery, and private rehab options for families researching care at Faith Recovery Center in Beverly Hills.
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