10 Common Myths About Alcoholism

“People who are particularly sensitive, have a predisposition or have previous damage may therefore be particularly sensitive to cannabis.” In 4% of the deaths, researchers found cannabis to be the sole cause of death, usually due to injuries sustained during intoxication. Still, it remains unclear whether a single dose was the cause of death or the duration of use ultimately contributed. Animal studies are difficult to transfer to humans, but Hoch said, “The lethal dose for cannabis is very, very high. It’s very unlikely that a human would ingest that much.” Despite this, cannabis use as a cause of death remains under discussion and the subject of scientific studies.

Even if you never drank that much when you were young, you can have problems with drinking as you get older. The risk of dying from a single cannabis overdose is “negligible,” the King’s College researchers concluded. “Cannabis definitely has an effect on the cardiovascular system,” Tönnes said.

Myth: Alcohol makes sex better

Although we know more about the effects of alcohol than we did in the past, there are still some popular myths about alcoholism and drinking problems. Learning the truth as opposed to the myths can help you make healthy decisions. Sometimes there is a misconception that someone who can “hold their liquor” and doesn’t show signs of being intoxicated after drinking is at a lower risk for alcohol addiction. If someone can consume large amounts of alcohol without showing signs of impairment, they have probably developed a high tolerance for alcohol.

Common misconceptions about alcohol abuse can discourage people from seeking treatment and perpetuate harmful information. Some people may feel like they’re too far gone in their disease to get help. At any age or stage in your alcoholism, you can successfully seek sobriety. Once you enter treatment or start your recovery journey, you may feel overwhelmed.

Debunking the ‘Hair of the Dog’ Hangover Myth

While metabolizing alcohol, the liver cannot perform its normal functions, one of which is keeping the blood sugar at a normal concentration. The results of this state called hypoglycemia, or lower than normal blood sugar. The change in blood vessels, as mentioned in Myth 3, can cause headaches. Lastly, a hangover is actually a “mini-withdrawal.” When the central nervous system is released from the depressed state, the opposite state develops-feeling edgy and irritable. The direct action of alcohol causes a drop in the internal body temperature by the following process. The blood vessels are opened (dilated) on the skin surfaces and the blood is cooled by greater exposure to the outer environment.

• In fact, job-related stress is one of the most common triggers for drinking, and continued job stress makes alcohol abuse recovery and sobriety difficult.
• Though some people may be able to perform day-to-day tasks while abusing alcohol, known as a functioning alcoholic, it does not mean they don’t have an addiction.
• Alcoholism is considered a chronic disease due to the fact that it has genetic and behavioral components.

Even people who have a strong family history of alcohol addiction are likely to have a job, with 68% in this subtype working full-time. Ultimately, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and understand one’s personal limits when it comes to alcohol consumption. While this might fit the description of some who are suffering from alcoholism, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ it hardly fits the description of everyone. Alcohol abuse is more common than you might think and is certainly nothing to mess with. If you or someone you know has an alcohol addiction, call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today. However, there are countless addiction treatment options that can be tailored to each individual to help you live a life without alcohol.

Drinking Only Affects the Person Drinking

Often, this leads to more drinking or to sedative abuse in the quest for sleep. Using any kind of alcoholic beverage to help you sleep is always going to backfire, even if in the moment it feels like it’s helping. One of the biggest misconceptions around alcohol is that it gives you energy, which may motivate you to drink more, especially during social situations. Many of us look forward to celebrations during the holidays, yet it is also a time when some people are more likely to drink beyond their limits than at other times of the year. Some people will experience adverse consequences that range from fights to falls to traffic crashes. In the above recommendations a drink is classified as a standard beer, a standard glass of wine, or a shot of bar spirits.

Think about it this way – would we judge someone with diabetes or cancer for having an illness? Addiction works in the same way, affecting both our physical and mental health. Many alcoholics may have periods of sobriety or only drink on certain occasions. In the United States, one alcoholic or “standard” drink contains the same amount of alcohol—roughly 14 grams.

If you only drink wine or beer, you don’t have a problem.

In fact, studies have shown that by completely cutting alcohol out, most organs and body systems are able to partially, if not fully, recover. Alcohol myths not only prevent people from getting the help they need but also reinforce stereotypes about it. One of the first areas of the brain to be affected is the cerebral cortex, which controls judgment, self-control and inhibitions.