Demystifying the Myths of Alcohol Addiction Programs

Alcohol might seem like an easy solution, but it often makes things worse. The next time you consider reaching for a drink, think about whether it’s truly helping—or if it’s holding you back from thriving both at work and in life. If your drinking leads to negative feelings or outcomes, it’s worth reassessing. And if you’re concerned about your alcohol use, don’t hesitate to seek support from a healthcare professional.

Myth: People with alcohol use disorder usually have fewer life resources

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. When someone has problems related to alcohol consumption, they are often said to have alcoholism. The proper clinical term for alcohol addiction is an alcohol use disorder, but regardless of the term used, there are plenty of myths surrounding alcohol abuse. Moreover, genetic predisposition, mental health conditions, environmental influences, and social factors can also contribute to developing opioid addiction in individuals with no history of drug abuse. We often toast to special occasions, and that glass of red wine may myths about alcoholism even have health benefits.

It’s OK for me to give up my alcohol use and smoke marijuana instead.

Experiencing frequent hangovers or finding yourself more intoxicated than you intended can be a sign that you’re suffering from alcohol use disorder. But understanding what makes someone addicted to alcohol can be the first step in helping a person seek treatment. However, it’s a misconception to believe that this prevents intoxication.

Fact: Many prescription medications have the potential for abuse and addiction.

“So the actual cause (of any health benefit) probably wasn’t the alcohol at all,” Dr. Oesterle says. Log in or create an account for a personalized experience based on your selected interests. So, while you may temporarily feel at ease in the moment, you can feel more stressed the day after.

• By understanding and addressing the challenges of shift work sleep disorder, shift workers can achieve better health outcomes and lead more fulfilling lives both on and off the job.
• There’s also a direct link between excessive drinking and the risk of committing sexual assault.
• We offer physician-led treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Colorado.

• You do not need to drink every day to have a problem with alcohol.
• In fact, alcohol can make sleep worse and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats more pronounced.
• Heavy drinking can put you at risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, liver disease, sleep problems, and some types of cancer.
• Some assume that people who maintain successful careers, have stable relationships, and seem to have their “lives together” cannot possibly live with substance abuse.
• That’s why it’s best to consume alcohol safely and in moderation — without buying into any myths.

The primary goal you can take from this article is that you shouldn’t trust every detail you hear about alcohol, even if I didn’t talk about all of the alcohol myths. Because limits are the first to go once you drink, you could appear as though you are in a fantastic attitude and the life of the party while you experience the opposite. Coffee might make you feel more awake, but it won’t speed up the elimination of alcohol from your system.

• Someone who misuses alcohol, especially over the long-term, can experience permanent liver, heart, or brain damage.
• Alcohol inhibits refreshing REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and later on causes “REM rebound,” with nightmares and trouble sleeping.
• Some believe that because healthcare professionals legally prescribe medications to treat specific medical conditions, they are all safe and non-addictive.
• Though you might think alcohol addiction can only affect people of a certain age, the reality is anyone can become addicted to the substance.
• Alcohol tolerance is when drinking the same amount no longer produces the same level of buzz.

This assumes that once rehab is over, individuals will no longer face any challenges related to substance use. Addiction recovery involves various approaches, such as counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic interventions. This, however, is a dangerous misconception that can lead to serious health consequences.

Health Categories to Explore

Evidence also shows that continuing to drink in moderation while in recovery may heighten your cravings for alcohol. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that cannot be overcome with willpower alone. However, willpower can be a strong tool for those in recovery from substance use disorder. 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.

If you’re aware of the risks, you’re generally fine to drink alcohol in moderation. There are purported benefits, as well as pitfalls, to consuming alcohol. Once it enters your system, it triggers immediate physiological changes in the brain, heart, and liver, among other organs. Over time, these changes can lead to long-term health complications if you’re drinking too much. As someone who’s worked with shift workers for decades, I’ve had countless conversations about the real effects of alcohol. There’s no safe level of alcohol consumption—and the health benefits you’ve heard about are often overstated.

#4: If You Can “Hold Your Liquor,” You Don’t Have a Drinking Problem

If someone can consume large amounts of alcohol without showing signs of impairment, they have probably developed a high tolerance for alcohol. Factors that actually contribute to hangover severity include the overall amount of alcohol consumed, the presence of congeners in darker liquors, and individual differences in metabolism and body chemistry. Aside from physical altercations, a single heavy night of drinking can strain or even injure your internal organs—including your stomach, liver, and kidneys. Even occasional binge drinking can increase your chances of long-term illnesses from alcohol, and can also raise your likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder further down the line. As you age, you may be more likely to take medication that could enhance the effects of alcohol.