Myths and Facts About Alcohol Use

You probably see and hear a lot about alcohol-from TV, movies, music, and your friends.  But what are the real facts about underage alcohol use?

Myth: Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs.
Fact: Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer.  Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you.

Myth:  Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties.
Fact:  Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up.  It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn't say, and do things you wouldn't normally do (like get into fights).

Myth:  Drinking alcohol will make me cool.
Fact:  There's nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself.  Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain.

Myth:  All of the other kids drink alcohol.  I need to drink to fit in.
Fact:  If you really want to fit in, stay sober.  Most young people don't drink alcohol.  Research shows that more than 70% of youth age 12 to 20 haven't had a drink in the past month.

Myth:  I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.
Fact:  On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body.  Nothing can speed up the process, not even drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or "walking it off."

Myth:  Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink too.
Fact:  A young person's brain and body are still growing.  Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism.  People who begin drinking by age 12 are 5 times more likely to abuse or become dependant on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.2

Myth:  Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
Fact:  Alcohol is alcohol.  It can cause you problems no matter how you consume it.  One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5- ounce glass of wine (about half a cup) has as much alcohol as 1.5 ounce shot of liquor.  Alcopops- sweet drinks laced with malt liquor- often contain more alcohol than beer!

Myth:  I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.
Fact:  If you're under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem:  it's illegal.  If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes.  Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school and are at higher risk for being a crime victim.