Alcohol: Myths, Facts and Risks involved

1.       Alcohol works as a stimulant
A major misconception about alcohol is that it is stimulating. Even though in the initial phase of consumption it seems to be stimulating, the total effect of alcohol on the brain is that it depresses it. It shuts down the neural system. The effect can be seen in the ability to make judgments, then goes the coordination of major functions and motor function like slurring. If alcohol is consumed beyond a level, it can even stop the breathing and heartbeat.


2.      Sobering time can be reduced
The sobering time required by a body cannot be changed and is different for every individual. The process involves breaking down of alcohol into various basic elements by liver. It also depends upon metabolism rate of an individual.



3.      Cold shower, coffee and exercise can sober someone
The process of sobering involves liver breaking down the alcohol into elements and absorbing them, metabolism process, thus reducing the blood alcohol concentration level. Definitely drinkers feel more alert after cold shower or having a mug of coffee, but the level remains same.



4.      Alcohol is a great relaxant and stress buster
Alcohol may cause the body to relax but only because it acts depressant of nervous system. But it does not reduce the stress level, in fact it increases it. Level of adrenaline increases in the body as alcohol is consumed, thus resulting in additional stress.



5.      Alcohol increases sexual desire
A lot of people think that alcohol helps increasing sexual desire. But all it does is loosen your inhibitions thus increasing desire for sex. But on the other hand, it reduces the performance level and lowers sensitivity to stimuli.



6.      Alcohol has same effect on everyone
The effect of alcohol is different for everyone. In fact, the same individual may be affected by alcohol in one way at one time and totally different way at some other time. How alcohol affects someone also depends on the circumstances. Factors such as gender, body weight, tolerance, how one feels mentally, expectations, body chemistry etc. play a role in effects of alcohol.



7.      Eating milky or greasy solution will slow down the absorption process
This in no way helps in slowing down the absorption process. Though it is advisable to eat protein rich food before alcohol consumption. As proteins takes time to digest, it reduces the level of alcohol absorbed directly by the stomach lining in blood streams.



8.      If someone has passed out due to excessive drinker, that person should be allowed to sleep
Anyone who has passed out should not be kept out of sight. Alcohol sometimes results in slow heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. The amount of alcohol consumption to result in passing out is very close to what it takes to kill someone. So someone who has passed out should be monitored and taken to hospital in case of any emergency.