Common Misconceptions About Alcohol: Myths About Drinking

common myths about alcoholism

For ways to seek support, you can visit Psych Central’s guide to mental health help. And if you’re taking medication for your pain, there could be drug interaction risks. Taking acetaminophen with alcohol, for instance, increases your risk of liver failure. A common myth around teens and young adults is that it’s more responsible to give minors alcoholic drinks with adult supervision. This myth is based on the idea that kids will drink anyway, so they might as well be in the presence of a responsible adult. To help prevent hangovers during a night out, drink slowly and on a full stomach, and try to have a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

common myths about alcoholism

All it takes to stop being addicted to alcohol and drugs is willpower.

common myths about alcoholism

There are plenty of treatment options for alcohol addiction available to myths about alcoholism you at any point in your journey. Though this may work well for other personal struggles, it is a myth that nothing will happen when using this approach for alcohol addiction. Hard liquor, beer, and wine contain the same amount of alcohol when consumed in standard amounts, so it doesn’t matter what kind you choose. Contact The Recovery Village Palmer Lake if you have questions about treatment or if you’re ready to get on the path to recovery and end your addiction to alcohol.

  • For years, research and popular culture have said moderate alcohol intake is safe.
  • According to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 21.5% of people aged 12 and older binge drink within a given month.
  • But even people with a clean bill of health, or who are not carrying a child, should think twice before having a drink.

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Critical decision-making abilities are already diminished long before a person shows physical signs of intoxication. However, there are countless addiction treatment options that can be tailored to each individual to help you live a life without alcohol. Once you struggle with alcohol abuse, it may feel as though you’ll never be able to get past this addiction. Due to the nature of addiction, it is unlikely that casual or occasional drinking will remain under control.

common myths about alcoholism

I don’t have an addiction because I don’t drink or use substances every day or have major consequences.

The direct action of alcohol causes a drop in the internal body temperature by the following process. The blood vessels are opened (dilated) on the skin surfaces and the blood is cooled by greater exposure to the outer environment. As the cooled blood circulates, the core temperature is lowered gradually, but significantly. This process is continued as long as alcohol is present in the body. 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.

Mixing Alcohol Makes You Drunker

If you or your loved one is ready to embrace sobriety, American Addiction Centers can help. With treatment centers scattered across the U.S., AAC offers all of the aforementioned care plus special programs for unique populations (e.g., Veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ population, etc.). Contact AAC at to explore treatment options, verify your insurance/explore other payment options, and take your first steps toward recovery today.

common myths about alcoholism

Contrary to popular belief, not all alcoholics guzzle booze 24/7. Many alcoholics may have periods of sobriety or only drink on certain occasions. It’s because tackling addiction requires a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to it.

common myths about alcoholism