Drinking Myths Busted!

Myths and Facts about Drinking

Myth 1: Everyone has a similar reaction to alcohol.

Fact: People react differently to alcohol due to many physical factors, such as weight, metabolism and gender [1].

Myth 2: Men and women, of similar height and weight, can drink the same amount of alcohol.

Fact: Women have less water in their bodies than men, so the alcohol concentration in their bodies will be higher after drinking—resulting in a tendency to get drunk faster. Females also metabolise or break down alcohol slower. Hormonal changes during menstrual cycles can also affect alcohol absorption [1].

Myth 3: A cold shower or hot coffee helps to sober you up.

Fact: Only time will remove alcohol from the bloodstream. It takes the body about one hour to eliminate one standard alcoholic drink [1].

Myth 4: Switching between beer, wine and spirits gets you drunk quicker than sticking to one type of alcohol.

Fact: The level of alcohol in one’s blood is what determines a person’s likelihood to get drunk. A standard drink of beer, wine, or spirits contains equivalent amounts of alcohol. It is the number of standard drinks that one consumes rather than intermixing between different beverages that is the determining factor.

Related: Why is Binge Drinking Bad for You?

Myth 5: Eating a big meal or oily food before drinking will keep you sober.

Fact: Although a full stomach will help delay the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, alcohol will still get into your blood. And depending on the amount consumed, you can still get drunk [1].

Myth 6: Anyone who passes out from drinking should just ‘sleep it off’.

Fact: If a friend you’re with has had too much to drink and passes out, they should not be left alone as there is a risk of alcohol poisoning. Instead, you should keep an eye on them and check their breathing and heart rate. They should also lie down with their head to one side to prevent them from choking if they throw up [2].

Myth 7: Drinking more alcohol can help cure one’s hangover.

Fact: If you’re having a hangover, chances are that you are suffering from dehydration and a lack of certain minerals like magnesium and potassium in your body. Drinking more alcohol will only prolong your hangover. Instead of having the ‘hair of the dog that bit you’, replenish your fluids and minerals by drinking water, sports drinks or coconut water.

Myth 8: Alcohol is a magic potion that can transform you.

Fact: Alcohol advertisements do not show how alcohol can also make people lose control of their emotions or behaviour. This is because alcohol affects the brain and might cause changes to a person’s behaviour.

Myth 9: Sports and alcohol go hand-in-hand.

Fact: Some sports events and players are sponsored (paid) by alcohol companies. The truth is that drinking alcohol causes one to run slower or cannot jump as high! This is due to poor muscle coordination.

Myth 10: Drinking is a risk-free and fun activity.

Fact: While every alcohol advertisement will show that drinking is safe and fun, we should be aware of what they do not show — for example, the vomiting, getting into fights, accidents occurring when one is drunk.

Myth 11: We need alcohol to have fun.

Fact: Advertisers want you to believe that alcohol is important to have at a great party or outing with your friends. However, there are many ways to have fun without alcohol - be it swimming or other sports activities, shopping, watching a movie, or just hanging out with friends. The truth is all these activities are so much more fun without alcohol!

Related: Pint of No Return

Where Can You Get Help?

Helplines:

• Alcoholics Anonymous - https://www.singaporeaa.org/ 
• Al-Anon Meetings - https://www.alanonsingapore.org
• National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) - https://www.nams.sg | Mental Health Helpline: 6389 2222 (24 Hours Daily)
• We Care Community Services - 3165 8017 (Monday to Friday: 10.00am - 7.00pm, Voicemail after hours)