Common myths about addiction

Cultural norms would have you believe that drinking is integral to certain activities, like a wedding reception, football game, brunch or night out on the town. It’s important to be aware that alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of those things, Dr. Oesterle says. People with high blood sugar and a poor ability to break down alcohol are thought to be more prone to the disorder, and these characteristics partly come down to genetics. During each visit to the ER, expect the last, doctors diagnosed her with alcohol intoxication.

myths about alcoholism

Myth: Being able to “hold your liquor” means alcohol is not damaging your body as much.

“The alertness can create the perception that you aren’t as drunk or intoxicated as you actually are, and you may decide to have another drink or to drive home,” he adds.
Dendrite damage interferes with those messages, which can account for all those poorly spelled texts and the inability to walk in a straight line.
Our curiosity about alcohol often begins long before our first drink.
Having a strong sober support network you can call on when you’re thinking that having “just one” won’t put you back on a harmful path is key to a successful recovery.

“So the actual cause (of any health benefit) probably wasn’t the alcohol at all,” Dr. Oesterle says. myths about alcoholism Log in or create an account for a personalized experience based on your selected interests.

Taken together, the net effect of consuming alcohol generally is greater anxiety overall.
It’s common for people to have a casual relationship with alcohol.

Medical Professionals

No matter how much a guy drinks, if you drink the same amount as your male friends your blood alcohol concentration will tend to be higher, putting you at greater risk for harm. Contrary to popular belief, an individual struggling with alcoholism doesn't have to hit rock bottom or eagerly seek help for treatment to make a difference. In fact, intervention and support can play a crucial role in motivating someone toward recovery. It's not just about enjoying a cold one with friends or having an occasional drink at a party – oh no!

Stop drinking at least 4 hours before you go to sleep

As you age, you may be more likely to take medication that could enhance the effects of alcohol.
It will guide you in tracking your drinking habits, uncovering the underlying reasons for your consumption, and starting to create positive shifts.
Your liver can only metabolize around one standard drink per hour.
If you’re aware of the risks, you’re generally fine to drink alcohol in moderation.
Of course, there’s evidence that you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all when you’re flying, particularly long-haul.

Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. If you can hold your liquor, that might indicate that you’ve developed a tolerance to alcohol, which might indicate that you’re drinking too much. All types of alcoholic drinks and beverages have the same active ingredient, and all standard drinks contain the same amount of alcohol. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a glass of wine with dinner if you choose to.