Myths About Alcohol and Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to alcohol and how it affects your health, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Sorting fact from fiction is crucial for making smart decisions about drinking. Below are some common myths about alcohol and health, along with the truths behind them.

Myths About Alcohol and Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

• Myth 1: Alcohol helps you sleep better. While alcohol might help you fall asleep quickly, it disrupts deep, restorative sleep. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol prevents you from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, leaving you feeling less rested the next day.
• Myth 2: Coffee can sober you up. Although coffee can make you feel more alert, it doesn’t reduce the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Time is the only way to lower your blood alcohol content. Drinking coffee can mask the symptoms of intoxication, but it won’t make you sober.
• Myth 3: Alcohol isn’t harmful. Even though alcohol is legal for adults, overconsumption can lead to serious health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and long-term brain effects. It’s important to remember that alcohol can be dangerous when misused, making responsible drinking habits key.
• Myth 4: Drinking alcohol warms you up. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand, giving a brief feeling of warmth, but this actually lowers your core body temperature. That’s why drinking alcohol can make you more vulnerable in cold conditions, even if you feel warmer on the surface.
• Myth 5: It’s okay for teens to drink a little. Alcohol can interfere with brain development in teens and young adults. Since young bodies and brains are still maturing, even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful. It’s best to wait until you’re of legal drinking age—and remember to always drink responsibly.

Knowing the reality behind these myths can help you make healthier, more informed choices about alcohol use. Prioritizing your health and safety is essential.

Resources

If you need help to quit or limit your drinking, the Department of Defense provides screenings to determine the type of support you need and the treatment options—such as inpatient, partial inpatient, or outpatient programs—that are best for you.

Military OneSource

Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource [militaryonesource.mil] is a DoD-supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and specializing in helping military members, families, and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS through call-ins, live chats, and texts on their website and mobile app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

You may also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential service (available in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders, providing treatment referrals and information 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here [ownyourlimits.org] .