Myths About Alcoholism

There are many myths about alcoholism that people have come to believe since they have been repeated so often. It is important to understand which beliefs are myths and which are true if you or someone you know is an alcoholic. In addition, some myths can contribute to people becoming alcoholics.

Beer

• 'People who drink beer will not become alcoholics." This myth is particularly dangerous for people who drink a lot of beer and think they aren't putting themselves at risk. This myth is based off the mistaken belief that beer has less alcohol and is therefore less addictive. The truth is that beer does not contain less alcohol than other alcoholic beverages and even if it did, it would not put someone at any less risk of becoming an alcoholic.

Tolerance

• "Alcoholics have a lower tolerance for alcohol." The myth that alcoholics become that way because they have a low tolerance for alcohol is completely false. The opposite is actually true. Alcoholics tend to have a higher tolerance for alcohol. One of the factors that contribute to alcoholism is that alcoholics are able to consume larger amounts of alcohol without actually feeling the effects. As a result, they tend to drink more than the average person.

Help

• "It's not my business if my friend or family member is an alcoholic." The people around alcoholics can suffer from their loved one's drinking problem. They may believe that it isn't their business and when their friend is ready to get help they will ask for it. In reality, if someone is an alcoholic they are usually not aware that they have a problem and may need their friends and family to come and talk to them even if they don't want it.

Drinking

• "If you drink socially you are an alcoholic." Although there are some social drinkers who are alcoholics, not all of them are. It is okay to drink and even get drunk on occasion as long as you act responsibly. Alcoholics differ from social drinkers in that they need to have alcohol all the time to feel good and suffer serious symptoms of withdrawal without it. Alcoholics also tend to drink more frequently than social drinkers.

Treatment

• "There is no point in seeking treatment for alcoholism because it doesn't work." Although many people who go through rehab or some other form of treatment may turn back to drinking, it doesn't mean that these programs aren't effective. There are a number of people who have managed to follow these programs and stay sober. Alcoholism is something that is very difficult to overcome and that is what makes sticking to a program so challenging.