Correcting Misconceptions About Drinking Created by T. Truitt MS

Myth or Reality? Our whole society is concerned with getting a “high.” Reality…There is a lot of truth in that! But let’s look at some ways people have used all through history to get a “high.” All are effective but only the physical, sensory or spiritual means are legal.

Chemical Means (drugs) They are popular and effective Require NO work or imagination to use Effect is temporary, but they are so easy to use that many people want to use them repeatedly, ignoring other GOOD means of feeling “high”

Physical Means (exercise, sports, dance, work, etc) Produce good effects emotionally Require work and effort If done regularly, there are other benefits Good muscle tone Better circulation Improved appearance

Sensory or Spiritual Means (music, romance, art, prayer, friendship, travel, reading, etc) Requires work, time, planning and imagination

Myth or Reality? Getting drunk is funny. Reality: Alcohol is a drug contained in a beverage. Think about it. Is it funny if someone swallows a bottle of aspirin?

Myth or Reality? It takes a real tough person to hold a lot of liquor. Reality: Like many other drugs, tolerance develops relatively quickly so that more alcohol is necessary to produce the same effect. Therefore, contrary to the popular view that being able to “hold a lot of liquor” is a sign of being tough or macho, it is really just a sign that one’s body has become more tolerant to alcohol. An important point to keep in mind is that tolerance increases, so does one’s physical dependence on alcohol.

Myth or Reality? My friends will think I’m a wimp if I don’t drink. Reality: Your friends will respect you if you express yourself honestly and openly and exercise your right to say “NO.”

Myth or Reality? It’s only beer. Reality: Surprise! Beer contains alcohol! In fact, a can of beer contains about 1 ounce of drug alcohol, the same amount as in a “shot” of whiskey, vodka, or gin.

Myth or Reality? Drugs are a bigger problem than alcohol. Reality: Alcohol is the biggest problem in the country! There are about 10 million Americans who have alcoholism and there are less than 1 million people in trouble with opiate drugs, like heroin and methadone.

Myth or Reality? Lots of creative and successful people drink too much. Reality: There are several points here… We don’t see or hear about famous people being sick or crazy. We don’t know about their private lives. Appearance deceive, you only see what they want you to see. Richard Burton said that when he drank, he spent 1/3 of his time sleeping it off, 1/3 of the time drunk, and 1/3 of the time “hung over.” He concluded that he can’t remember any of his past! Imagine what these people could do if they were healthy!