5 Myths About Alcoholism and Drinking

Figuring out the truth of your justifications for your drinking is crucial to eliminating your denial. These are often asked by my alcohol class students when they take my alcohol awareness classes.

Myth #1: I can cease drinking anytime I want to.

Maybe you can; unfortunately it's more likely you can’t. Regardless it’s just an excuse to keep drinking. The fact is, you probably don't want to stop. Lying to yourself you are able to quit makes you feel in control, in spite of all evidence to the contrary and even with the damage it’s doing.

Myth #2: My drinking is my problem. I’m the one it hurts, so no one has the right to tell me to stop.

It’s true that the decision to quit drinking is ultimately up to you. But you are deceiving yourself if you think that your drinking hurts no one else but you. Alcoholism affects everyone around you—especially the people closest to you. Your problem is their problem.

Myth #3: I don’t consume alcohol every day, so I certainly am not an alcoholic OR I only drink wine or beer, so I there's no way I'm an alcoholic.

Having a drinking problem is not defined by what you drink, when you drink it, or even how much you drink. It’s the effects of your alcohol consumption that define a problem. If your drinking is creating difficulties in your home or employment, you are a problem drinking and may be an alcoholic—whether you drink each day or only on Saturdays and Sundays down shots of rum or stick to wine, drink three bottles of beer a day or three fifths of Jim Beam.

Myth #4: I don't have an alcohol problem because I am employed and I feel like I'm OK

You do not need to be a bum who drinks out of a brown paper bag to be an alcoholic. Many alcoholics are able to hold down jobs, get through school, and provide for their families. Some people are even able to do better than average. But even if you’re a high-functioning drinker this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not putting yourself or those that you love at risk. Over time, the results will catch up with you.

Myth #5: Drinking alcohol is not a "true" addiction like being a drug addict

Alcohol is a drug, and alcoholism is every bit as damaging as drug addiction. Alcoholism creates changes in the body and mind , and long-term alcohol abuse can have extremely harmful effects on your body, your career, and your relationships. Alcoholics go through physical withdrawal when they stop drinking, just like drug addicts do when they quit.

Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be agonizing for the whole family, not just the alcohol abuser. But don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcohol abuse affects millions of families, from every social class, race, or culture. But there is support obtainable for your and your loved one. You can educate yourself about drinking by taking an online alcohol class.