If you think about alcohol, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Like most people, you may think about how it helps people have fun. It’s not uncommon to have that perception. Alcohol use is a socially accepted way to enhance social activities. In fact, it’s almost an American tradition since it is served at most recreational events today. But, there are some little-known facts about alcohol that may surprise you.
Here are some things you need to know about this commonplace, legal, highly addictive substance. You also need to know why these facts should matter to anyone.
Most people who consume alcohol believe it will elevate their mood, boost confidence, or reduce stress. Adults often use alcohol to unwind after a busy day at work. Teens may use alcohol in response to peer pressure and a desire to fit in with the crowd. But, these perceived rewards of alcohol may come at a high cost.
When alcohol enters the body, it travels through the bloodstream until the liver has time to break it down and eliminate it. As it circulates through the body, it affects all major organs, including the brain. In the brain, alcohol acts as a depressant and slows down major functions. At this point, the person begins to feel drunk, and their breathing and heart rate can reach low levels. With heavy alcohol consumption, the heart rate or breathing can stop.
Other dangers of getting drunk appear when a person loses coordination or the ability to make sound decisions. They may suffer from falls, automobile accidents, violent behavior, or alcohol poisoning. These accidents happen because alcohol impairs thinking, hearing, vision, reaction times, movement, and judgment. Another problem is that people don’t know how impaired they are and will continue drinking more, increasing their risk of harm.
While a person is having fun during intoxication, they aren’t aware of the damages alcohol is causing throughout their body. Another surprising fact about alcohol is that it doesn’t matter whether it’s beer, wine, or liquor, the effects are the same.
More than 15 million people suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to NIAAA. Although many people are aware of some of the dangers of alcohol abuse, they drink it anyway.
These appear to be random facts, yet they serve to separate the mystique of alcohol from reality. Although people have used alcohol for centuries, this doesn’t mean it’s safe. Also, many people today still hold on to myths about alcohol that can endanger their lives.
Despite widespread education and prevention campaigns about the dangers of alcohol use, people still believe the outdated myths. Here are a few of those myths and why it is dangerous to believe them.
Myth: If I only get drunk once or twice a week, it’s okay.
Fact: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period is known as binge drinking. It is just as dangerous to your health as drinking daily.
Myth: Coffee will sober me up quickly.
Fact: Coffee does not help the body process alcohol faster. Nothing can speed up the process of breaking alcohol down in the system. Caffeine may help a person feel a little more alert, but that doesn’t mean they are sober.
Myth: Moderate drinking is safe.
Fact: Alcohol is touted as having some health benefits when used in moderation. But, this does not mean it is risk-free. Individuals who use medications, are pregnant, have liver disease, or have heart problems can suffer adverse side effects while using alcohol even in moderate amounts.
Hopefully, these facts about alcohol will help you reevaluate your drinking habits. However, if you can’t control your alcohol use, professional treatment can help.
Alcohol abuse and addiction can gradually take control of your mind and body. It can destroy everything you hold dear in life, and ruin your health. At Design for Change Recovery, we can help you eliminate this powerful, destructive force from your life. Contact us at our Lancaster, California facility today to learn more.
