Why Claims That Alcohol Is Good For You Are Lies

Why Claims That Alcohol Is Good For You Are Lies

Every so often, you may stumble across a headline or a feature story that sings the praises of alcohol. These articles often hinge on the claim that moderate drinking, particularly of red wine, can have a positive effect on heart health and longevity. But do these claims stand up to scrutiny? This article endeavors to unmask the truth and expose the damaging myths propagated by the alcohol industry.

Unveiling The Truth

These health 'benefits' are usually based on studies that find correlations between moderate drinking and lower rates of certain diseases. But correlation is not causation. For example, moderate drinkers may have healthier lifestyles overall, which might be the real reason for their better health outcomes. Unfortunately, the manipulative tactics of the alcohol industry often obscure these facts.

The danger is when these claims become an excuse for excessive drinking. We need to ask, what does 'moderate' really mean? More importantly, are the alleged benefits of moderate drinking significant enough to risk the harm of potential addiction, liver disease, brain damage, and a plethora of other health issues?

Unmasking The Lie

These alleged benefits crumble when scrutinized by scientific scrutiny. In 2018, a landmark global study published in the Lancet showed that the safest level of drinking is none. It debunked the myth that one or two drinks a day is healthy and that drinking could be beneficial. The reality is that alcohol is a potent toxin. According to the World Health Organization, it is a causal factor in over 200 disease and injury conditions and is responsible for around 3 million deaths globally each year. You can learn more about this in our blog post on how alcohol kills.

Moreover, when you quit drinking, the health benefits are numerous and immediate, including better sleep improved liver function, and a decrease in blood pressure. So, if the healthiest level of drinking is not drinking at all, why does the myth of the health benefits of alcohol persist?

The Propagation Of Myths

One reason is the influence of the alcohol industry. They want to highlight and exaggerate any potential benefits while downplaying the risks. The lies of the alcohol industry have been remarkably successful, creating a world in which alcohol is not just accepted but often expected.

Another reason is our societal love affair with alcohol. It's often seen as a social lubricant, a way to relax, or even as a reward for a hard day's work. These attitudes make it easy to accept the 'good news' about alcohol and dismiss the bad. But it's high time to challenge these misconceptions.

Take Action Today

If you're concerned about your drinking or simply curious about the effects of alcohol, visit Stop Drinking Expert, where we provide resources and support to help people understand and manage their relationship with alcohol. We offer a free quit drinking webinar where you can learn about the techniques and strategies that have helped thousands of people to quit drinking successfully. As a bonus, all participants will receive a free copy of the book 'Alcohol Lied To Me'. This book offers a unique insight into the lies we tell ourselves about alcohol and arms readers with the knowledge and motivation to break free from addiction.

Don't fall for the lie that alcohol is good for you. Look beyond the marketing, challenge the social norms, and choose a genuinely good choice for your health. Visit Stop Drinking Expert today to start your journey towards a healthier, happier life without alcohol.

References:

World Health Organization. (2018). Global status report on alcohol and health 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639

Griswold, M. G., Fullman, N., Hawley, C., Arian, N., Zimsen, S. R., Tymeson, H. D., ... & Gakidou, E. (2018). Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis