Think you know everything there is to know about alcohol and alcoholism? Think again. Here are 10 facts you should know.
One Drink May Not Be What You Think
A single drink doesn’t always equal one serving of alcohol. A serving of alcohol is about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. For example, in a 12 fl oz beer with 5% alcohol, you have one serving of alcohol. High Gravity beers with 8% or more alcohol contain more alcohol in a single serving. Cocktails often have more than one shot (1.5 fl oz of 40% proof liquor is one serving) and other alcoholic ingredients, so it’s important to remember this.
Alcohol Metabolism Takes Time
It takes more than an hour to metabolize one serving of alcohol. If you’ve had more than three drinks, waiting even longer before driving is wise. Ideally, it’s best not to drink and drive at all.
Feeling the Effects of Alcohol
It takes approximately 30 minutes to start feeling the effects of alcohol. If you drink more than one drink every half-hour, you might consume too much too quickly. Try slowing down, and if you feel thirsty before 30 minutes pass, have a glass of water first.
Factors That Influence Alcohol’s Effects
Several factors influence how alcohol affects you, including your weight, gender, what you’ve eaten, and any medications you’ve taken. Lighter individuals tend to have higher blood alcohol content (BAC) after one serving. Men generally process alcohol more efficiently than women, but women feel the effects longer. Eating before drinking can slow alcohol absorption. Be cautious with medications, as they can interact with alcohol.
Alcohol Is a Depressant
Alcohol depresses both your mind and body. It slows down functions like breathing, muscle activity, and cognitive processes. Even if you don’t feel sad, your body is still affected when you consume alcohol.
Alcohol Causes Dehydration
Despite the liquid content, alcohol dehydrates you. It’s a diuretic, leading to increased urination. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in vomiting and further dehydration. To prevent dehydration, limit alcohol intake, drink water, eat non-salty foods, and avoid carbonated beverages.
Alcohol and Sexual Assault
Alcohol is often a factor in sexual assault cases. Both intoxicated victims and assailants can have impaired judgment and coordination. Awareness of alcohol consumption limits can help individuals control their situations and reduce the risk of sexual assault.
Sobering Up Takes Time
Coffee, water, food, and other remedies won’t sober an intoxicated person. Time is the only solution. It’s crucial to drink responsibly to avoid needing to sober up quickly.
Sleeping While Drunk Is Risky
Lying down while severely intoxicated can be dangerous. Vomiting can lead to choking. If someone must lie down, ensure they’re on their side with their head turned to the side and monitor them closely. Signs of alcohol poisoning, such as unconsciousness or irregular breathing, require immediate medical attention.
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcoholism is defined as dependence on alcohol. Rules for determining alcoholism based on drinking habits are not reliable. For example, some individuals think that if you never drink alone, you cannot be an alcoholic. If you do drink alone, you are. The truth is neither indicates the presence or absence of a drinking problem. There are many stages of alcoholism, and many alcoholics can be polysubstance abusers. Similarly, the type of alcohol you drink doesn’t matter. Abstaining from hard liquor or drinking hard liquor is not part of the criteria for determining if you are an alcoholic. All that matters is if the drink contains alcohol or not, regardless of whether it is wine, beer, or liquor. What matters is whether alcohol affects your life negatively or you can’t stop drinking without distress. If you’re concerned about your drinking, consider consulting a professional or taking an online assessment to evaluate your relationship with alcohol.
If you have a loved one struggling with addiction, please know that help is available for both of you.
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