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We hear lots of things about alcohol. Drinking helps you to sleep better, alcohol keeps you warm on cold nights, alcohol-free drinks aren’t worth trying because they taste bad…but how many of these common beliefs are actually true?
Let's explore some common alcohol myths and facts to help you better understand how alcohol can affect your body, mind and daily life. Whether you’re thinking about cutting down, taking a break from drinking or simply want to test your knowledge, this alcohol true or false quiz is a good place to start.
False – Drinking alcohol may help you fall asleep more quickly, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting good quality sleep. You may find that you wake up during the night feeling thirsty or that you snore more than usual. Drinking heavily before bed may help you relax at first, but it can leave you feeling tired the next day.
One of the first things many people notice when they cut down on alcohol is that they sleep better. Do you regularly feel groggy, low on energy or unrested after drinking? This could be one reason why.
False – This is a tricky one because you may feel warmer after drinking alcohol, but that doesn’t mean your body is actually getting warmer. Alcohol can make the blood vessels near your skin widen, bringing warm blood closer to the surface. This is what gives you that warm, flushed feeling.
However, it can also make your body lose heat more quickly, especially in cold weather. Even if you feel warm for a short time, alcohol can make it harder for your body to stay warm. If you’re cold, it’s better to wrap up in proper clothing or have a hot non-alcoholic drink.
False – You don't always need to give up alcohol completely to feel the benefits. For many people, cutting down how much they drink can still make a noticeable difference to sleep, mood, energy, weight and general wellbeing. The NHS advises that if you drink alcohol, it is recommended to drink no more than 14 units a week, spread across three days or more. Small changes, such as having drink-free days or swapping to lower-strength drinks can be a positive step.
False – You may have tried alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in the past and written them off, but they’ve improved a lot and are worth another go! There are now many different options, including alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits and mocktails.
You may not like the first one you try, but there are plenty of flavours and styles available. Try a few different options to find one you enjoy.
True – You might feel like you can ‘handle your drink’ better than other people, especially if you’re used to drinking or don’t feel drunk as quickly. While you may feel in control, alcohol still slows down the way your brain and body communicate, affecting your balance, coordination, reaction times and decision-making.
That’s why it’s always best to avoid driving, cycling or doing anything that needs full concentration after drinking.
False – It isn't always obvious how many units are in your drink. For example, a large glass of wine or a strong pint of beer may contain more units than you realise. It’s easy to pour drinks without thinking about how much you’re consuming, but checking units can be a helpful first step if you’re thinking about cutting down. Measuring your drinks and keeping track of the units is a great way to monitor your intake. You may find you’re drinking more, or less, than you thought.
False – Another common belief is that drinking is only a problem if it happens every day, but you do not need to drink daily to benefit from support. Some people may only drink at weekends but still drink more than intended, feel out of control or experience negative effects afterwards.
Support can be helpful if alcohol is affecting your sleep, mood, money, relationships, work or health, whether or not you drink every day. It can also help if you find it difficult to have drink-free days or if you often drink more than planned.
True – Alcoholic drinks can contain more calories than many people realise, especially if they are mixed with sugary drinks or served in large measures. This means alcohol can make it harder to manage your weight, even if you are eating healthily. If you’re trying to cut down, switching to smaller measures, lower-calorie mixers or alcohol-free alternatives can be a helpful place to start.
False – Drinking more alcohol the next day does not cure a hangover. It may temporarily delay how you feel, but it gives your body more alcohol to process and can keep the cycle going. A better approach is to drink water, eat something if you can and give your body time to recover. If you would like to reduce the chance of a hangover, try drinking less, eating before you drink and alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
True – There are many benefits to cutting down on alcohol, you may find that drinking less can help you:
You don't need to make a huge change overnight. Setting a limit before you drink, choosing alcohol-free alternatives, having drink-free days and asking for support can all help. Our tips for cutting down on alcohol include simple steps such as setting goals, spacing your drinks and remembering to eat.
If this article has made you think differently about your own drinking habits, why not try our Rethink Your Drink quiz? It's a quick way to explore your relationship with alcohol, learn more about your drinking patterns and discover practical ways to make positive changes that work for you.
Making a change to your drinking habits can feel difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you want to cut down, take a break or understand your habits better, small steps can make a real difference.
If you’d like to talk to somebody about living a healthier lifestyle, our friendly team of professional advisors and coaches are here to help. Contact us if you have any questions or register with LiveWell Dorset today for a personalised action plan to support your goals.
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