8 Facts About Drinking Alcohol

While it may seem like those who sober house can knock back several drinks without stumbling are in control, it’s not necessarily a sign of lower alcoholism risk. It’s not just about enjoying a cold one with friends or having an occasional drink at a party – oh no! Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is when someone has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and becomes dependent on it. High-functioning individuals may be adept at hiding their substance use from others, leading to the misconception that they do not have a drug or alcohol problem.

• What matters most in determining the level of intoxication is the total amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of whether it comes from beer, wine, spirits, or any other form of alcohol.
• This misconception stems from the belief that addiction is solely a result of a person’s choices and behaviors.
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• Drinking in excess is, in fact, linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and sometimes even heart failure, according to American Heart Association researchers.
• Shaming or confronting someone with addiction rarely leads to positive change.
• People with a history of drug abuse may have an increased risk of developing opioid addiction.

Alcohol Impacts Men And Women Equally

At Briarwood Detox Center, we treat addiction as the https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ medical condition it is. Our evidence-based treatment programs focus on addressing the underlying causes of addiction while providing a structured pathway to recovery. Understanding that addiction is not a moral failing but a chronic disease is essential to breaking free from the cycle of substance abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL.

That’s why, at Lifetime Recovery, we create a custom treatment plan tailor-made for each person that comes to see us and their needs. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms or you’re worried they may have an alcohol problem, Addiction Intervention is here to help. Whether you need help staging an intervention, finding family support services, or locating a rehab center near you, our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by to take your call. Problem drinking is not about what you drink, but how it affects your life. For example, if you can answer « yes » to any two of the following statements, drinking may be causing you problems.

Alcohol can be especially problematic in older adults because it can conflict with medications and worsen the symptoms of other health problems that are common among older people. Receive free access to exclusive content, a personalized homepage based on your interests, and a weekly newsletter with topics of your choice. 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. However, a review of studies published from 2013 to 2019 suggests that people with lower socioeconomic status may be more likely to die from alcohol use disorder. You don’t necessarily need to be drunk for alcohol to affect your decision making abilities.

Myth #3: I Am Too Old to Have a Drinking Problem

However, this attitude may contribute to many myths about alcohol and alcohol use disorder. But there’s still a lot of misinformation about alcohol and alcohol use disorder. As with any health condition, relapse is sometimes a part of the recovery process for an alcohol use disorder. A relapse suggests that a person needs to return to treatment or adjust their approach to treatment.

• Although moderate drinking may have positives for specific illnesses, its verified damage, especially in cancer, might exceed these advantages.
• Researchers are still learning about exactly how alcohol affects hormones, according to the recent Surgeon General report.
• It also dehydrates the body, reduces endurance, and interferes with energy metabolism, all of which can negatively impact physical performance and overall athletic abilities.
• Alcohol can deliver a certain amount of relief by slowing down the brain and nervous system.

Communication challenges could trigger mental illnesses like memory loss and multitasking. Foods that typically serve to make energy turn to fat and are kept in your body rather than the calories can serve as a quick supply of energy. In addition to affecting the liver, alcohol affects the brain, the heart, and both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

In truth, alcohol is a drug that should be consumed in moderation, if at all. For some people it’s a substance that can cause irreversible harm, for themselves and their families. Alcohol, like a number of other substances, is deadly and brings the deaths of thousands of people each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that getting drunk is the third-highest risk aspect that can be stopped yet still leads to death in the United States. 88,000 people die annually as a result of drinking excessive alcohol.

Does Alcohol Lead to Alcoholic Nose?

By that point, you’ve counteracted any health-related benefit by exposing yourself to the damaging effects of alcohol. Completing a rehab program provides individuals with essential tools and healthy coping strategies to address their addiction. Aftercare support, sobriety support groups, and removing environmental and individual triggers can help maintain recovery. People with a history of drug abuse may have an increased risk of developing opioid addiction. However, most cases of opioid addiction start with legitimate prescription use. Alcohol by volume (AVB) measures the amount of ethanol (alcohol) in a beverage.

When it comes to alcohol, the line between fiction and fact is often blurry. Whether it’s at a party with friends or through pop culture references, there are quite a few things about drinking alcohol that get misconstrued. Amanda Woon, a 35-year-old in Hong Kong, started drinking less in 2018 after noticing how awful it made her feel.

Myth: You can drink and remain in control

They may give you a temporary shock, but they won’t miraculously sober you up. Shaming or confronting someone with addiction rarely leads to positive change. In fact, it can often worsen the situation and drive them deeper into isolation. You have been around someone who gets argumentative, emotional, or angry after a few too many glasses of wine. This, however, is a dangerous misconception that can lead to serious health consequences.

Common Myths About Alcohol

Therefore, seeking professional counsel and treatment is essential for a sustainable recovery. In a 2010 review of more than 40 researchers, people who responded differently to various kinds of alcohol usually did so to compensate for the anticipated effects. Many believe alcohol kills brain cells because it shifts thoughts and actions.

So, while you may temporarily feel at ease in the moment, you can feel more stressed the day after.

Researchers are still learning about exactly how alcohol affects hormones, according to the recent Surgeon General report. After ethanol becomes acetaldehyde, it continues breaking down into non-toxic byproducts. But some people’s enzymes work more slowly than others, which leaves them exposed to acetaldehyde and its toxic effects longer, Wakeman says. Damage can also compound if someone has multiple risky habits, like drinking heavily and smoking cigarettes, she adds. After you drink any kind of booze—vodka, wine, sake, you name it—enzymes in your body get to work metabolizing the alcohol (chemically known as ethanol) in your system. All these pathways in the body are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, says Pranoti Mandrekar, a liver biologist at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.

It’s important to be aware that alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of those things, Dr. Oesterle says. Additionally, alcohol can damage the nerves in the inner ear, affecting balance. This is a recipe for falls, which are typically much more traumatic in older adults and can even be deadly.