Alcohol as a Remedy for Sickness: Unraveling the Myths

You may have heard that drinking a little alcohol at the beginning stages of a cold will help you feel better. Some believe that a small amount can cure a cold or alleviate other illnesses. However, it’s essential to understand the facts and recognize why alcohol is not an effective remedy for sickness. Let’s explore some common myths and explain why they aren’t true.

The Truth About Alcohol and Sickness

• Myth 1: Drinking alcohol can kill germs and cure a cold. Alcohol does not kill germs in the way that might help with a cold or flu. While alcohol can kill bacteria on surfaces, drinking it won’t have the same effect on viruses inside your body. In fact, alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the virus causing the cold.
• Myth 2: A hot toddy is a good remedy for a cold. Some people believe that a hot toddy – a mix of hot water, honey, lemon and whiskey – can soothe a sore throat or help you sleep better. While the hot water, honey and lemon might help soothe your throat, the alcohol in whiskey can dehydrate you and may interfere with your sleep cycle, which is not helpful when you’re sick.
• Myth 3: Alcohol can warm you up when you’re feeling chilly from a fever. Consuming alcohol might make your skin feel warm, but it actually lowers your core body temperature. This can be dangerous if you already have a fever. It’s better to stay warm with blankets and drink plenty of fluids that hydrate you, like water or herbal tea.
• Myth 4: Alcohol helps you sleep better when you’re sick. While drinking alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, it reduces the quality of your sleep. Drinking alcohol can prevent you from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, which are crucial for your body to heal and recover from illness. Check out this article here on the Own Your Limits (OYL) website for more details about how alcohol affects sleep.

Staying Healthy the Right Way

When you’re sick, it’s important to take care of your body so it can fight off the illness. Now that you know alcohol is not a good remedy for sickness, here are some practical ways to help yourself feel better:

• Drink Plenty of (Non-Alcoholic) Fluids: Water, herbal teas and broths are great for staying hydrated.
• Rest: Make sure to get plenty of sleep and rest to give your body time to recover.
• Eat Nutritious Foods: Eating healthy foods like vegetables, lean sources of protein (chicken and turkey), and healthy fats (like nuts or nut butters) can help boost your immune system.
• Consult your Healthcare Provider: If you’re not getting better or your symptoms are severe, go see your healthcare provider.

Resources

Military OneSource

Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource is a DoD supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and are specialized in helping military members, families and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS via call-in, live chat and text 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 treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here.