Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be tricky subjects. Society tells us that it is ok to drink and even encourages it through social activities such as happy hour and even most social gatherings. Think about the last time you went to a party, event, or another type of social gathering, and there wasn’t alcohol present. Having a few drinks is a way to relax and unwind and have a few too many is just looked at as fun or wild night.
Myths About Alcoholism Debunked
Due to the ease with which we can get alcohol, and the way it’s looked at in society, there are a lot of questions when it comes to alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. This, in turn, can lead to myths about alcoholism, many of which aren’t true. In this blog, we will take a look at some common myths about alcoholism and debunk the untruths, as it can do more harm than good.
Alcoholism Is A Choice
This might be the most common as well as one of, if not the biggest alcohol myths. Most people assume that those suffering from alcoholism are doing so by choice. They think that they are just choosing to continue to drink to the point that it becomes a problem and can just stop whenever they feel like it. This is absolutely and 100% false. Nobody ever started drinking with the goal of it ruining their life.
Alcoholism is a disease, meaning it has a negative reaction with the body which can result in the body thinking that it needs alcohol constantly to function properly. Many people who suffer from alcoholism don’t even realize it right away. Sometimes they don’t even know until it’s too late. In many cases, they just think they are building up a higher tolerance which in some circles can be viewed as a good thing because it means they can enjoy more drinks without getting drunk.
If You Are An Alcoholic You Can’t Be Successful
When people think of alcoholism and someone who is an alcoholic, they might envision someone who on the surface struggles with life. They might see a homeless person or someone who is dealing with financial problems or even someone who can’t hold down a job and whose life is in peril.
While this might fit the description of some who are suffering from alcoholism, it hardly fits the description of everyone. Many alcoholics are highly successful, well-educated people. They might even be what’s known as a “functioning alcoholic,” meaning they can go about their daily activities without anyone even knowing that they are either currently drunk or hungover as a result of their alcohol problems.
I Can Just Have 1 Or 2 Drinks And Be Fine
While that sentiment might work for most people, for those suffering from alcoholism, it’s not that easy. Sure, it’s a great idea in theory, “I’ll just have 1 drink and then call it a night so nothing bad happens.” However, for someone suffering from alcoholism, 1 drink might be all that it takes to spiral out of control. This is one of the most common ways that people suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism end up relapsing.
Alcoholism Isn’t As Serious As Other Types Of Addiction
There’s a common misconception out there that alcoholism isn’t as big of a deal as other dependencies and addictions, such as heroin or prescription pills. This is not only completely false but can also be an incredibly dangerous ideology to have.
All types of addictions can be dangerous to a person’s health regardless of the substance or even the activity. Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to serious health complications, overdose, and even death in the same way that heroin or opioid addiction can.
You Can Only Get Addicted To Certain Types Of Alcohol
People might see or hear a doctor say that certain types of alcohol, take red wine, for example, can have certain health benefits when used in moderation and think, “well if it’s healthy for me I can’t get addicted to it.” This is simply not true. If something has alcohol in it, there’s a chance you can get hooked on it if you abuse it enough. This goes for beer, wine, and liquor too.
If I Drink Too Much, I’ll Just Have Some Coffee
For whatever reason, there’s this misconception out there that if someone gets too drunk they can just drink some coffee and it will fix them right up. This just simply isn’t true. If you are drunk, nothing will sober you up except the time it takes to pass the alcohol through your body.
While coffee might help you stay awake or shake off some of the “fog” you might feel when drunk, it does nothing to help improve your coordination or decision-making skills and it doesn’t help get the alcohol to pass through your system any quicker.
If I’m An Alcoholic I Have To Go To AA
While Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, can be a very helpful tool for those who are suffering from alcoholism, it’s not the only option that is out there when it comes to getting help. Not every treatment option out there works for every person. That’s why, when it comes to getting the help you need, there are a variety of options available. In fact, at Lifetime Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment options and addiction therapy for those suffering from alcoholism including:
- Group, individual, and family therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Dual Diagnosis treatment
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
- Alternative therapies such as yoga and art
Want To Know More About the Myths Of Alcoholism?
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Every person is different and so is their addiction. 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 someone you know suffers from alcoholism, or another type of addiction, contact us today to learn how we can get you the help that you need to live a happy, healthy, and sober life.
