14 FAQs About Whiskey Dick - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribe14 FAQs About ‘Whiskey Dick’

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on January 23, 2026

Clinical term
Cause
Penis vs. brain
"Whiskey clit"
How many drinks
Type of alcohol
Duration
Cutting the time
What to do if it happens
Opt for this next time
Other tips for prevention
When to see a doctor
Takeaway

Wilted potted cactus representing erectile dysfunction

Key takeaways

Whisky dick, also called alcohol-related erectile dysfunction (ED), happens when you are too intoxicated to get or stay hard. It is usually temporary and improves when you drink less.
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows the brain and disrupts arousal. It can reduce blood flow to the penis and raise angiotensin, a hormone linked to ED.
You usually cannot “bounce back” fast, so sleep and hydration help most. If erection problems happen without alcohol or after small amounts, talk with a doctor.

Whisky dick is what happens when you have a few too many drinks, are ready to do the deed, but then can’t get it up when it’s actually time.

So it’s a real thing?

Yep! It’s referred to as alcohol-related erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s sometimes also called alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction.

Why does it happen?

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. When you drink, it has a slowing effect on your brain and has significant effects on most other organs, including the penis.

It can slow your reaction time, make it difficult to focus or concentrate, and impair your coordination. Not exactly the makings of a stellar sexual performance.

Add to that list a decrease in blood flow to the penis and increase in angiotensin — a hormone linked to ED — and you’ve got yourself a case of whiskey dick.

So, is it the penis or the brain that stops cooperating?

Both! Basically, if your brain slows down and craps out, so will the rest of your body. Drinking too much eventually has a sedating effect. When this happens, not you or your member will be able to get up.

Is there a vaginal equivalent?

As a matter of fact, yes. People refer to it as “whiskey clit” and “whiskey vagina,” though there doesn’t appear to be a clinical term for it specifically. Doesn’t make it any less real!

Alcohol may be a total social lubricant, but a vaginal one not so much. During arousal, blood flow increases to the genitals, making them swell and self-lubricate in anticipation of intercourse or outercourse.

Booze interferes with this process. Even if a person is turned on, they’ll have trouble getting wet.

Furthermore, alcohol affects orgasms, causing them to be less intense and take longer to come, if they come at all.

How many drinks does it take to trigger it?

It’s hard to say. Everyone metabolizes and reacts to alcohol differently.

There are also a number of other factors that influence how alcohol affects you, including:

how much you’ve had
your total blood alcohol level
body composition
other medications or drugs you’ve taken
how fast you drank
whether you’ve eaten
how much water you drink
your tolerance

Is it only triggered by whiskey?

Nope. It doesn’t matter what you drink. If it’s got alcohol in it and you drink enough of it, you’ll get whiskey dick.

And the more you drink, the more it will affect your sexual performance.

How long does it last?

It’s impossible to say exactly. There are a lot of variables at play that influence how long you feel the effects of alcohol. And even if you think you feel fine, it doesn’t mean your body’s ready to perform.

Your body needs to metabolize the alcohol, and there’s no predicting how long that will take.

Is there anything you can do to bounce back faster?

Probably not. Sleeping it off and keeping yourself hydrated are your best bet.

What should you do when this happens?

Anyone who partakes in the occasional libation has probably had a night turn into a flop after having one too many. The first order of business is to not freak out, but we get how awkward it can be.

Here are some ways to get through it, whether it’s happening to you or your partner.

If it’s happening to you

When whiskey dick rears its flaccid head just as you’re about to get busy, your gut might tell you to get outta there. You could, but there are better ways to deal.

In most situations, honesty is the best policy. Be upfront. Let them know it’s just not going to happen because the booze is hitting you harder than expected.

Ideally, they’re totally cool with it, appreciate your honesty, and you laugh it off.

Another option is to avoid the whole “I can’t get it up” talk by forgetting about intercourse and any penis-centric activities and pitch another way.

It’ll be awfully hard to be upset with you while they’re having a screaming orgasm courtesy of your mouth or hands.

As long as they’re into it, switch gears with some erogenous play or oral sex instead.

If it’s happening to your partner

It’s totally frustrating to have someone get you all hot and bothered only to have them leave you with blue balls or ovaries because they overindulged. We feel ya! But you can’t take it personally.

Whiskey dick isn’t a reflection of their attraction or feelings toward you. It’s a natural response to too much alcohol. They’re probably even more bummed about it than you are, not to mention embarrassed.

The best thing you can do is let it go and not make them feel bad about it.

Avoid trying to help start the D back up again. It’s not a dead car battery. Trying could just make them feel worse.

Follow their lead. If you’re both still in the mood for sexy time, try sex that doesn’t require an erection. Oral and some hand/finger action can get the job done, no boner needed.

In the future, is there a drink you can opt for that’s less likely to cause this?

While there’s no one specific drink that will ward off whiskey dick, having a lower blood alcohol level will make it less likely to happen.

Opt for drinks with lower alcohol content, such as beer, malt liquor, and certain wines, such as muscat white wines.

Is there anything else you can do to help prevent this from happening again?

Sure! Not drinking alcohol is a surefire way to prevent it.

But if you still want to partake, the key is to do so without getting too intoxicated. It may help to:

Eat before you drink.
Set a limit for yourself.
Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
Drink slowly. Sip instead of gulping or chugging.
Avoid mixing alcohol with medications, weed, or other drugs.

When is it not whiskey dick?

If you have the occasional “oops” moment and end up drinking a little more than you should and can’t get it up, chances are it’s nothing to worry about.

If you have trouble getting hard when you don’t drink or when you drink a small amount, consider talking to your doctor.

Your penis can give your doctor clues about other aspects of your health.

ED is sometimes a sign of an underlying physical or psychological condition. Other causes include some medications, relationship issues, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor if:

You’re experiencing other types of sexual dysfunction, such as premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation.
You have heart disease, diabetes, or another condition that could be related to ED.
You have other unusual symptoms.
You have a reduced interest in sex.

The bottom line

Whiskey dick is real and happens to the best of us. Alcohol and sex can be a good mix, as long as it’s used in moderation and enjoyed between consenting adults.

If you happen to find your spirit is willing but your flesh is weak after drinking, don’t let it get you down. Laugh it off, or find another equally pleasurable way to ride it out.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Imam I. (2013). Alcohol and the central nervous system. DOI:https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2010.71.11.79653
Jiann B-P. (2010). Effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of erectile dysfunction. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S1879-5226(10)60037-1
Malatesta VJ, et al. (2010). Acute alcohol intoxication and female orgasmic response. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00224498209551130
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Erectile dysfunction.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776

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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on January 23, 2026

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