Drinking alcohol is viewed as a regular social event for many adults. For some, drinking alcohol moves from just a drink here and there to a full blown addiction. The line can often be blurred, because frank discussions about alcohol use are often avoided. In a time where scientific and social studies are often published for the world to see, there are still myths surrounding alcohol and alcohol usage. Here are a few of the shocking myths about alcohol that persist to this day.
Myth 1: Beer is safer to consume in larger amounts than liquors
Drinking beer has a low health risk?
The type of alcohol that you consume does not matter as much as the amount of alcohol that you consume. By reading the label and seeing a lower alcohol content, some may believe that they now have license to drink even more. This type of thought process can lead to disastrous results. Though you may seem to become inebriated faster when you have certain mixed drinks or alcoholic beverages, any type of alcohol in large amounts is a bad idea.
Myth 2: Alcoholism is mostly genetic
Anyone can become an alcoholic. Though there may be some genetic links that predispose some individuals to alcohol, the only requirement to become an alcoholic is the overconsumption of alcohol. If you think that you are “safe” from becoming an alcoholic because there is no current family history, think again. There is always a first time for everything.
Myth 3: Daily wine is good for you
Daily wine is good for you?
While some wines do carry an antioxidant effect, it is not necessary to drink wine to receive these good dietary supplements. Many foods carry antioxidants as well, especially healthy foods. Health foods are also better for you than wine, as they do not carry empty calories and they do not require you to become impaired. Health foods are also perfectly fine to become obsessed with!
Myth 4: If you can “hold your liquor” it is fine for you to drink heavily
Drinking heavily is a bad idea for anyone. Heavy drinking means that the body may have a natural tolerance for alcohol. High tolerance for alcohol may seem like desirable trait, however, having a high tolerance can actually lead to drinking more and becoming dependent on alcohol. No matter your alcohol tolerance level, becoming inebriated on alcohol is not a good idea.
Myth 5: Eating before drinking stops you from becoming drunk
Drinking on a full stomach is indeed a better idea than drinking on an empty stomach. However, eating does not stop alcohol from being released into the system. Food only delays alcohol from being released, meaning that it takes a little more time to become drunk, or inebriated. Alcohol is released into the blood stream at a slower rate if you have had a meal than if you have not had much to eat. The effects of alcohol can be the same over a course of time.
There are many shocking and untrue myths surrounding the world of alcohol. Learning the truth about alcohol consumption and fighting addiction can help keep you sober and on a positive track in life. Rehab centers for alcohol can help you if you find that you have fallen victim to these myths and become alcohol dependent. It is never too late to straighten up and become the person you have always wanted to be.
Image Credits: uberculture and Davide Restivo
Categories: Family Safety, Health | Tags: alcohol, drinking, health, myths, shocking | Permalink