5 Myths About Alcohol: Separating Fact From Fiction

While a person may prefer one type of drink over another, once alcohol reaches your bloodstream there’s no difference. An alcohol use disorder can manifest in multiple ways, and a person does not always drink all day, every day. There are 11 criteria for an alcohol use disorder; if a person meets just two criteria, they can be diagnosed with a mild disorder. Ultimately, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and understand one’s personal limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

  • To alleviate concerns, please see a breakdown below of common misconceptions with clarifying information below to help shed light on the waterway’s evolving operations.
  • Additionally, alcohol has been shown to reduce the natural shivering response, an involuntary action that generates heat and helps to keep the body warm.
  • Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is when someone has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and becomes dependent on it.
  • The sequence in which different types of alcoholic beverages are consumed does not directly alter the body’s absorption of alcohol.
  • When it comes to addiction and alcoholism, no two cases are the same.

However, it’s a misconception to believe that this prevents intoxication. The alcohol consumed will still be processed by the body and can still lead to impairment; the onset of intoxication is simply delayed. Therefore, the key to responsible drinking is to pay attention to the amount of alcohol consumed and the pace at which it is consumed, rather than the specific types of drinks. Alcohol consumption has a complex impact on body temperature regulation, a process intricately controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. Contrary to the popular belief that alcohol warms the body, scientific evidence indicates that alcohol can actually lead to a decrease in core body temperature.

The 10 Most Damaging Myths About Alcoholism

If the first step is awareness, the next step is to stop the widespread acceptance of false information. Stop believing and perpetuating these myths so we can open up a truthful dialogue about alcoholism and create a better treatment and accountability process. Alcoholics Anonymous can be very helpful for people fighting alcoholism. But the recovery community is not limited to one way of doing things. Maintaining sobriety and establishing a fulfilling life outside of addiction is a unique journey for everyone. For example, you can go to a few AA meetings per week but also incorporate activities like yoga and meditation to maintain sobriety.

Also sometimes called partial hospitalization programs, IOPs offer a second level of care. Depending on the severity of the patient’s AUD and their support network at home, this may be a good alternative to a residential program. Residential treatment provides the patient a secure, safe, and structured environment in which to recover. This allows the addict a safe space free of any triggers or reminders of alcohol use. The focus each day is on them, their recovery, and how to prevent a relapse. Whether you need help staging an intervention, finding family support services, or locating a rehab center near you, our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by to take your call.

Myth: It’s OK to drink and drive after only a few drinks

With endless information about alcohol abuse at your fingertips, it can be difficult to know what to believe. Many alcoholics may have periods of sobriety or only https://ecosoberhouse.com/ drink on certain occasions. It’s because tackling addiction requires a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to it.

  • While all types of alcohol can be addictive, the serving sizes can differ based on the type.
  • But the amount of alcohol you’ll need to drink to relieve chronic pain is likely more than the recommended guidelines for safe alcohol consumption.
  • While alcohol consumption may induce a temporary feeling of warmth, its overall impact on the body leads to a decrease in core temperature.

Some believe that people could stop drinking if they had better willpower to do so. Alcoholism is an intense condition that is not healed by simply wanting to stop drinking. Along with the physical effects, myths about alcoholism alcohol has on the body, a person’s mental state can also be affected. Those who suffer from alcoholism do hold a level of willpower; many may be able to hold down jobs or get through their day.

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Those who believe they’ll only have ‘one drink’ or feel they’ll be able to control their drinking usually fail and end up relapsing into drinking again. It is one of many alcohol myths that you can just control your drinking. Those who have fallen deep into alcoholism typically don’t break the habit without professional help. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the person drinking and everyone around them.

Being able to drink more may also encourage you to do so, making you more likely to develop an unhealthy habit. And aside from genetic differences, higher alcohol tolerance is a common sign that someone is developing alcohol dependence. A person may be able to “drink others under the table” precisely because they actually drink more often.

As a person gets older, certain factors may contribute to alcohol being more sensitive to them. Many people who abuse alcohol start from an early age; this continues as they grow older. The psychological and physical impact of alcoholism on a person’s mind and body is not only complex but is an intense change as well.