Myths & Facts About Alcohol

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 61 percent of the United States population has had at least one drink in the last year. Although alcohol is commonly consumed, many people do not fully understand it consequences or are misled by myths about its effects.

Social Drinking

• Myth: Only those who drink alone are alcoholics. Fact: Although one of the first signs of alcoholism is drinking alone, even those who only drink in social situations can be addicted to alcohol.

Driving

• Myth: I can drive better after a few drinks. Fact: Although alcohol may help you relax, its overall effects can cause a substantial reduction of your ability to think and react. This impairs, not improves, your ability to drive.

Sex

• Myth: Alcohol increases your libido. Fact: Alcohol widens blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to not only flow into the penis but also flow quickly back out. This results in erectile dysfunction.

Coffee

• Myth: Black coffee will help you become sober faster. Fact: Although the water content in coffee will help dilute the alcohol in your system, it will not cause you to immediately sober up. The effects of the caffeine may convince a drunk person he is sober enough to drive even though he is still intoxicated.

Warmth

• Myth: Alcohol makes your body warmer when its cold outside. Fact: Although alcohol causes a warming sensation when consumed, it actually can make the body colder. The feeling of warmth is a result of blood rushing to the surface of the skin. In reality, the heated blood's proximity to the skin allows body heat to escape faster.

Perception

• Myth: If I don't feel drunk, I'm OK to drive. Fact: Alcohol affects each individual differently. Although you may not feel the effects of alcohol as quickly as others, your ability to think and react will still be compromised. The only true way to tell whether or not you are sober enough to drive is through measuring your blood alcohol content.