As you age, you may be more likely to take medication that could enhance the effects of alcohol. There also may be a higher likelihood for older people to have mental health conditions that may contribute to excess drinking. The liver metabolizes most of the alcohol you consume, breaking it down into acetaldehyde.
Lower Potassium Levels
So the worsening rates of alcohol use disorder in women prompt the need for a greater focus on women in the research and the search for treatments. This myth allows those with alcoholism at any stage in their disease to rationalize their drinking. While some people do lose everything before they decide to seek treatment, individuals should and do seek help before they reach this point. You can seek help at any stage in your drinking – whether it’s the first time you binge drink or you’ve been drinking habitually for 25 years. You can and should seek treatment any moment you feel you need help.
Common Myths About Alcohol
By learning the facts about alcohol use, you can be better prepared to drink responsibly. In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month (April), we’re debunking some of the common misconceptions about alcohol, with the goal of empowering you to drink responsibly if you choose to imbibe. And while it may seem harmless to live by some of these “tips,” some of these alcohol myths can put your health at risk.
The Role of Acetic Acid
We often toast to special occasions, and that glass of red wine may even have health benefits. If you’re aware of the risks, you’re generally fine to drink alcohol in moderation. If a recent doctor’s appointment told you that your liver is in good shape, don’t https://marylanddigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ think that’s a free excuse to drink heavily. This includes your heart, blood pressure, kidneys and mental health. Heavy drinking can put you at risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, liver disease, sleep problems, and some types of cancer.
- The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the dangers of alcohol abuse, with CDC data showing a 26% increase in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic’s first year.
- Critical decision-making abilities and driving-related skills are already diminished long before a person shows physical signs of intoxication.
- In truth, coffee has no real effect on your blood alcohol level, which is the major factor in determining your level of intoxication.
- Roughly 1 in 5 U.S. adults report binge drinking at least once a week, with an average of seven drinks per binge episode.
Beer Is Just as Intoxicating as Other Alcoholic Beverages
In addition to affecting the liver, alcohol affects the brain, the heart, and both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Problem drinking is not Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House 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.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol deaths in 2022 were highest among people aged 45 to 64, males, people living in rural areas, and AIAN people. Alcohol death rates for AIAN people are by far the highest–5 times higher than death rates for White people, the racial group with the next highest prevalence. Across age groups, people aged 45 to 64 have the highest alcohol death rate, followed by 65+.
