When it comes to alcohol, there’s no shortage of advice and misconceptions floating around. From popular culture to well-meaning friends, we often hear information that’s either misleading or downright false. These myths can shape the way we view alcohol and how we consume it, but what if we told you some of these widely accepted beliefs are wrong?
Let’s take a look at nine alcohol myths that you should stop believing.
Drinking Beer Before Liquor Keeps You Sober
A common saying goes, “Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.” While this might sound like sage advice, the truth is, the order in which you drink alcohol doesn’t affect how your body processes it. What truly matters is the amount of alcohol you consume and how quickly.
Your liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time, and drinking too much, regardless of the sequence, will lead to intoxication. The key is moderation and pacing, not the order of drinks.
A Shot of Alcohol Will Get You Drunk Faster
It’s a popular myth that taking a shot of alcohol will make you drunk faster than drinking a cocktail or beer. In reality, the speed at which you get drunk depends on several factors, such as the alcohol content, your body weight, and your tolerance.
A shot might be quicker to consume, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel the effects faster. Alcohol in any form takes time to enter the bloodstream, and how quickly you feel its effects depends on how much you drink in a given time period, not the format.
Drinking Coffee Will Sober You Up
Many people believe that a strong cup of coffee can sober you up after a night of heavy drinking. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest alcohol myths. Coffee may make you feel more alert due to caffeine, but it doesn’t speed up the metabolism of alcohol in your system.
The only thing that truly sobers you up is time. Your liver needs time to break down the alcohol and remove it from your body, and no amount of coffee will change that.
Light Beer Won’t Make You Drunk
Some believe that light beer is a safer option when trying to avoid getting drunk. While light beer does contain fewer calories, it still contains alcohol. The alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage in light beer is just slightly lower than regular beer, but it doesn’t drastically change how your body processes it.
If you consume enough, regardless of the beer’s lightness, you will feel the effects of alcohol. It’s all about how much alcohol you drink, not how light or dark the beer is.
You Can’t Get a Hangover From Drinking Wine
Many people think wine is a safer choice for avoiding a hangover. The truth is, hangovers are caused by the amount of alcohol you consume, not the type of alcohol. Whether you’re drinking wine, beer, or spirits, if you drink in excess, you’re likely to experience a hangover.
Wine can even contribute to worse hangovers due to the presence of congeners, byproducts of alcohol fermentation, which are more prevalent in red wine and darker spirits. So, don’t assume a glass of wine is immune to causing a headache the next day.
Alcohol Helps You Sleep Better
While alcohol may make you feel drowsy, it’s far from a sleep aid. Many people indeed turn to alcohol to help them unwind before bed, but alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle. While it may initially help you fall asleep faster, it reduces the quality of your sleep, especially during the deeper stages.
Alcohol impairs rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is crucial for restorative rest. This means you may feel more tired the next day, even after a long night of drinking.
Alcohol Is a Good Way to Calm Your Nerves
It’s a common belief that a drink or two can calm you down when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. While alcohol may provide temporary relief by numbing your feelings, it can actually make anxiety worse in the long run.
Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with the chemicals in your brain, leading to more intense feelings of anxiety once the initial effects wear off. Relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism can also lead to a cycle of dependence, worsening your mental health over time.
Mixing Alcohol With Energy Drinks Keeps You Sober and Alert
The combination of alcohol and energy drinks, commonly referred to as a “stimulated intoxication,” is a dangerous myth. Many people believe that energy drinks will keep them awake and alert while they drink, preventing them from getting too drunk. However, energy drinks mask the sedative effects of alcohol, making it harder to gauge your level of intoxication.
The combination of alcohol and caffeine can be hazardous because it leads to overconsumption, as you may not feel as impaired as you actually are. This increases the risk of accidents and dangerous behavior.
Drinking Alcohol Makes You Feel Warm
One of the most persistent alcohol myths is that it warms you up. While alcohol does cause blood vessels to dilate, temporarily giving you a warm sensation, it actually lowers your body temperature in the long run. Alcohol reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature and causes heat loss through the skin.
This means that drinking alcohol in cold weather can actually increase the risk of hypothermia. It’s essential to remember that while alcohol may make you feel warm for a moment, it doesn’t provide the insulation your body needs in cold conditions.
Conclusion
When it comes to alcohol, it’s easy to believe in myths, especially when they’ve been repeated over and over. However, many of the commonly accepted ideas about alcohol are misleading and can shape harmful drinking behaviors. Whether it’s the belief that drinking coffee will sober you up or that light beer won’t get you drunk, understanding the truth can help you make better decisions when it comes to alcohol.
The key to enjoying alcohol responsibly lies in knowing the facts and understanding how alcohol truly affects your body. So the next time someone shares one of these myths with you, you’ll know the reality behind it.
