10 Common Myths Surrounding Alcohol Addiction

However, willpower can be a strong tool for those in recovery from substance use disorder. You may think that drinking can help alleviate pain, but evidence suggests that chronic drinking can worsen pain levels. You don’t necessarily need to be drunk for alcohol to affect your decision making abilities. And when your ability to make decisions is impaired, you’re no longer in control. There’s also a direct link between excessive drinking and the risk of committing sexual assault. Also, a person who is too intoxicated can’t consent to sexual activity.

• Another myth about alcohol addiction is that drinking beer or wine is healthier than hard liquor.
• Watching a loved one change for the worse and become a completely different person can be a painful and stressful situation.
• Not advisable to drink it straight, but is simply irreplaceable when consumed in a cocktail with juices and ginger ale and is best used for making flaming shots.
• Compare this to a serving of spirits, which is 1.5 ounces and contains 40% alcohol by volume.
• The video’s source alleges that the minor, whose family attended The Potter’s House until he left in 2015, was forced to perform a sex act on Jakes.

Most people assume that those suffering from alcoholism are doing so by choice. They think that they are just choosing to continue to drink to the point that it becomes a problem and can just stop whenever they feel like it. Nobody ever started drinking with the goal of it ruining their life. Recovering alcoholics find valuable support through continuing therapy, participation in 12-step groups, or sober living homes. Studies show that people who continue in some type of aftercare have a better chance at long-term abstinence and recovery.

Alcoholism isn’t a real disease; it’s a character flaw.

This approach involves limiting alcohol consumption, specifically for people who aren’t physically dependent on alcohol. This is because while it may feel like you’re taking the edge off your hangover and nausea by downing more drinks, doing this will only prolong your recovery process. All you’re doing is adding more toxins to your body that’s already working overtime to clean out the alcohol you’ve already consumed. Alcohol is a dangerous substance that can lead to addiction, financial problems, and even death. People who abuse alcohol are more likely to struggle with work, relationships, and health.

Here at Intrepid Recover Center, not only will we help get you started on the path to recovery, but we’ll make sure that you stay on the right path every single step of the way. Individuals in a medically monitored detox receive 24-hour supervision with clinicians available to give medications if necessary. The main goal of detox is to stabilize the patient and prepare them for a formal treatment program.

Myth: You can drink and remain in control

While some myths might be more harmful than others, it’s essential to understand the realities of alcohol and alcohol use disorder. If you’ve ever heard the phrase that a couple of cocktails can “take the edge off” after a long week at work, you may believe the myth that alcohol can calm you down. And while alcohol can initially make you feel looser and at ease (again, because it’s a depressant), the effects don’t last long. In fact, alcohol may actually cause more anxiety the day after. And while it may seem harmless to live by some of these “tips,” some of these alcohol myths can put your health at risk.

If it were a behavior problem, many very strong-willed alcoholic people I know would have stopped drinking long ago. Here are some of the myths around alcoholism that still prevail today, along with my experience. Our clinicians are certified professionals whose only goal is to help you succeed. They understand exactly where you are and what you’re going through. And they are able to relate to family and friends at the same time.

Quitting alcohol only requires willpower.

While alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs, it also causes the most drug-related deaths and injuries around the world. Knowing more about alcohol and its dangers can help you stay safe when drinking alcohol. On average, people in the United States drink more beer than any other type of alcohol. For example, Americans drink upwards of 10 times more beer than liquor.

• In this blog, we will take a look at some common myths about alcoholism and debunk the untruths, as it can do more harm than good.
• Not everyone who starts drinking at a young age will necessarily develop the condition.
• The physical damage caused by alcohol addiction is arguably one of the most dangerous effects of alcohol abuse.
• These facts about alcohol explore things like how alcohol interacts with the body, how alcohol tolerance works, and much more.

There’s a common misconception out there that alcoholism isn’t as big of a deal as other dependencies and addictions, such as heroin or prescription pills. This is not only completely false but can also be an incredibly dangerous ideology to have. Our Recovery Advocates are ready to answer your questions about addiction https://ecosoberhouse.com/ treatment and help you start your recovery. Due to the nature of addiction, it is unlikely that casual or occasional drinking will remain under control. If you or a loved one have adopted a dangerous drinking pattern, it is still vital to get the help you need, even if you can function at a somewhat normal pace.

Myth #2: Switching From Hard Liquor To Beer Or Wine Is Healthier

Common misconceptions about alcohol abuse can discourage people from seeking treatment and perpetuate harmful information. Much of what is considered common knowledge about alcohol and alcoholism is actually misinformation and half-truths. While misinformation in itself is not harmful, it often causes people who are unsure about a loved one’s addiction or even their own to believe that there is no problem. When people do not recognize the behaviors and compulsions that alcoholism causes, they may never know that they need help. Common myths about alcoholism need to be addressed and debunked so that people can become more aware of what defines addiction to alcohol and what can be done to treat it.

The development of tolerance is shown by an increase in the amount of alcohol required to produce the desired effects and can indicate the onset of physical dependence. One of the biggest myths that alcoholics entertain is the idea that life is boring once they give up drink. This is a type of cognitive dissonance, and it could not be further from the truth. It was only when people become sober that they realize how boring and limited their life was during the midst of their addiction. Sobriety usually means that the individual does not have enough hours in the day to do all the things they want to do.

This New Jersey Devil Springs Vodka comes with hefty 80% ABV. Not advisable to drink it straight, but is simply irreplaceable when consumed in a cocktail with juices and ginger ale and is best used for making flaming shots. Learn more about the myths about alcoholism financial impact of alcohol misuse in the United States. Discover the impact alcohol has on children living with a parent or caregiver with alcohol use disorder. As widespread as alcoholism continues to be, there are many misconceptions and…