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  5. 3 surprising myths about alcohol | Health observance - Apr.    

3 surprising myths about alcohol

Don’t be fooled.

Facts vs. myths graphic

From drinking a beer at a backyard barbecue to sipping a glass of wine before bed, alcohol can be a shortcut to socializing or winding down. Alcohol use is an increasing problem — and it’s a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so we’re sharing surprising myths to help you think before you drink.

1

Alcohol helps you to sleep better at night.


Drinking tonight might make you drowsy tomorrow. Alcohol can help you feel relaxed, but it may cause sleep problems or make them worse. Too little sleep is linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Try trading your nightcap for a cup of decaffeinated tea instead.

2

Having a high tolerance means it’s safe to drink more.


Over time, drinking alcohol can increase your tolerance. You might drink more before you can feel the effects. Excessive drinking may increase your risk of liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say.

It’s better for your health to have less alcohol than more. If you drink daily, try to do so in moderation. For women, try having one drink or less. For men, aim for two drinks or less, the CDC says.

3

Excessive drinking is the same as alcohol use disorder.


People who drink excessively increase their risk of illness, injury and chronic disease. Excessive drinking includes:

  • Binge drinking: 4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men at a time
  • Heavy drinking: 8+ drinks for women or 15+ drinks for men per week
  • Drinking under age 21
  • Drinking during pregnancy

Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a disease that can cause:

  • Alcohol cravings
  • An inability to stop drinking after starting
  • Anxiousness and irritability when not drinking

People who are dependent on alcohol may struggle to stop or control their alcohol use, but help is available.

How to find support

If you or someone you know needs help, Sharp McDonald Center offers addiction treatment, aftercare and educational programs. You can also talk to your primary care physician about other in-network treatment options. Learn more about how to get support for alcohol use with resources from the National Institutes of Health, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups.

We also cover behavioral health services under your benefits to help you feel your best. We partner with OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions of California to offer mental health and substance use disorder services.

In-person and convenient video visits are also available. You don’t need a referral for outpatient therapy with a provider in your network. To get support, find a provider near you.

For confidential 24/7 support, call the OptumHealth substance use helpline at 1-855-780-5955 to speak with a trained advocate who can help you find treatment. You can also browse their resources to start recovery, find care and build a strong support system.

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