Common Misconceptions About Alcohol: Myths About Drinking

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol consumption may feel warming but actually lowers core body temperature due to vasodilation.
• Contrary to common belief, drinking alcohol reduces the body’s natural shivering response, increasing the risk of hypothermia in cold conditions.
• Mixing different types of alcohol does not increase intoxication; the total alcohol content consumed is what matters.
• The sequence of drinking different types of alcohol, such as “beer before liquor,” does not affect hangover severity.
• Coffee does not sober you up; it may make you feel more alert but does not reduce blood alcohol levels or impairment.
• Eating before drinking can slow alcohol absorption but does not prevent intoxication or its effects.
• Consuming the “hair of the dog” does not cure hangovers; time is the only true remedy for recovery.
• Hangover symptoms are best prevented by moderating alcohol intake or abstaining altogether.

Unfortunately, myths about alcohol abound. Left unchecked, these myths can cause people to make poor choices, which ultimately affect their health. Belief in some of these myths may even play a role in the development of alcohol use disorder in some cases. 

We’ll examine some of the most pervasive alcohol-related myths below and set the record straight. 

Alcohol Myth #1: Alcohol Warms You Up

There is a widespread belief that alcohol has a warming effect on the body, particularly in cold environments. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence proves otherwise. 

While alcohol consumption may induce a temporary feeling of warmth, its overall impact on the body leads to a decrease in core temperature. This phenomenon can be explained by the vasodilation caused by alcohol, which is the expansion of blood vessels. As blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases to the surface of the skin, creating a warm sensation. 

However, this process also results in heat being dissipated away from the body’s core, where it is needed most to maintain a stable internal temperature.

Additionally, alcohol has been shown to reduce the natural shivering response, an involuntary action that generates heat and helps to keep the body warm. The initial warmth felt after consuming alcohol is deceptive and can lead to a dangerous drop in body temperature, especially in cold weather conditions.  

It is essential to dispel this myth for the safety and well-being of individuals who might otherwise rely on alcohol consumption as a source of warmth in cold climates, which could lead to increased risk of hypothermia. Awareness of the actual effects of alcohol can inform better decision-making in cold environments.

Alcohol Myth #2: Mixing Different Types of Alcohol Increases Intoxication

The belief that mixing different types of alcohol leads to higher levels of intoxication is a common misconception. But this thought process is incorrect. 

The primary factor in intoxication is the amount of alcohol consumed, not the variety. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a consistent rate, so mixing drinks does not change how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream. Similarly, the physical volume of different alcoholic beverages may vary, but the actual alcohol content determines the effect on the body, regardless of whether they are mixed or taken separately.

Scientific research backs this assertion and has shown that the type of alcohol consumed does not significantly alter the effects of intoxication. 

It’s important to note that while the type of alcohol may not influence the level of drunkenness, factors such as the rate of consumption, the presence of carbonation, and individual tolerance levels can affect how alcohol is absorbed and processed by the body. Therefore, the key to responsible drinking is to pay attention to the amount of alcohol consumed and the pace at which it is consumed, rather than the specific types of drinks.

Alcohol Myth #3: The “Beer Before Liquor, Never Sicker” Myth

The adage “beer before liquor, never sicker; liquor before beer, you’ll feel fine”’ has been a long-standing piece of drinking folklore without scientific backing. But contrary to popular belief, the sequence in which different types of alcohol are consumed does not inherently result in a worse hangover or increased sickness.

In fact, research has shown that there is no chemical interaction between beer and liquor that exacerbates hangover symptoms.

Factors that actually contribute to hangover severity include the overall amount of alcohol consumed, the presence of congeners in darker liquors, and individual differences in metabolism and body chemistry. The misconception may arise from the pacing at which individuals drink beer versus liquor; starting with beer might lead to slower alcohol consumption, while switching to harder liquors later in the night can accelerate intoxication levels, increasing the risk of overconsumption and subsequent hangovers.

Additionally, studies, such as one conducted jointly by researchers in Germany and the United Kingdom, involving 90 volunteers, have demonstrated that the order of drinking beer and wine does not impact the intensity of the hangover. This suggests that the saying is more of a cultural myth rather than a guideline supported by scientific evidence.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and understand one’s personal limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Myth #4:  Coffee Sobers You Up Quickly

The pervasive belief that coffee can counteract the effects of alcohol and sober up an individual is a dangerous misconception. And despite the myth’s popularity, scientific evidence refutes the idea that caffeine can reduce blood alcohol levels or mitigate alcohol-induced impairment. 

While coffee might make a person feel more alert, it does not enhance their body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, nor does it restore coordination or improve decision-making that has been compromised by alcohol consumption. This misunderstanding may encourage individuals to engage in risky behaviors, such as driving or operating machinery, under the incorrect assumption that they are no longer impaired.

Furthermore, combining caffeine and alcohol can lead to poor decisions due to the contrasting effects of the substances on the nervous system. It’s crucial to understand that sobriety cannot be rushed and that the body requires time to process and eliminate alcohol. The only true remedy for intoxication is time, as the liver works to metabolize the alcohol at its own pace.

Alcohol Myth #5:  Eating Before Drinking Wards Off Intoxication

It’s a widespread belief that eating before consuming alcohol can prevent intoxication. While there is a kernel of truth in the idea that food can influence the absorption of alcohol, it’s essential to recognize that it does not grant immunity from the effects of alcohol. 

Studies have shown that having food in your stomach, particularly high-protein foods, can slow down the processing of alcohol, thus delaying the rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

When you drink on an empty stomach, alcohol passes quickly into your bloodstream, which can lead to a faster and higher peak in BAC. Consuming food before drinking can slow this process, as the presence of food in the stomach activates enzymes that begin to metabolize alcohol before it enters the bloodstream. 

However, it’s a misconception to believe that this prevents intoxication. The alcohol consumed will still be processed by the body and can still lead to impairment; the onset of intoxication is simply delayed.

It’s important to note that no matter what or how much you eat, your body can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol per hour. Therefore, while eating can mitigate the immediate impact, it cannot prevent the eventual absorption of alcohol. In essence, eating before drinking may reduce the rate of alcohol absorption but does not exempt one from the effects of alcohol or the potential for overconsumption and the associated risks, including impaired judgment and coordination.

Alcohol Myth #6:  Drinking the “Hair of the Dog” Stops a Hangover 

The belief that consuming more alcohol, known as “hair of the dog,” can cure a hangover is a widespread myth. However, scientific evidence refutes this claim, indicating that time is the only true cure for a hangover. 

Hangovers are characterized by a combination of negative mental and physical symptoms that occur after alcohol consumption, generally starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) nears zero. The symptoms range from generalized discomfort to more severe consequences such as absenteeism and even emergency department visits. 

Research, including studies from the Alcohol Hangover Research Group, indicates that alcohol can promote hangover symptoms through various effects on the body, including dehydration, gastrointestinal disturbances, low blood sugar, disrupted sleep, and altered biological rhythms.

Contrary to the “hair of the dog” approach, evidence suggests that additional alcohol consumption may temporarily dull symptoms but ultimately delays the hangover recovery process. It fails to address the underlying physiological disruptions caused by the initial alcohol intake. Therefore, while it may offer brief relief, indulging in the “hair of the dog” is not a recommended practice for hangover treatment and does not hasten the recovery from the negative effects of alcohol consumption.

Get Help for Alcohol Use Disorder Now

Experiencing frequent hangovers or finding yourself more intoxicated than you intended can be a sign that you’re suffering from alcohol use disorder. But understanding what makes someone addicted to alcohol can be the first step in helping a person seek treatment. 

Depending on how bad their alcohol abuse has been or if medically-assisted alcohol detox will be needed for withdrawal symptoms, entering into a treatment center may be a necessary option. Professional medical staff can assist in the difficult process of withdrawal, making the transition into sobriety less daunting.

Alcohol abuse treatment programs teach people how to move into an alcohol-free lifestyle while teaching them healthy coping strategies. They can simultaneously help treat any co-occurring mental health issues. 

Contact The Recovery Village Palmer Lake if you have questions about treatment or if you’re ready to get on the path to recovery and end your addiction to alcohol.