6 Common Alcohol Myths (6 Photos)

American researchers have finally uncovered the real reasons behind heavy drinking. Their study shows that people who abuse alcohol simply fail to grasp the severity of their situation. We decided to build on their findings and debunk six common myths about drinking.





1. The Food Cushion Myth

Myth: Eating a huge meal while drinking prevents a hangover.

That is simply not true. Heavy food in your stomach merely delays the absorption of alcohol. You end up drinking more while feeling less drunk, which easily leads you to exceed your limits. But every drop you consume will eventually hit your bloodstream, meaning the hangover will match the exact amount you drank. Factor in that rich, fatty food places an extra strain on your liver, and it becomes clear why many fatal alcohol poisoning cases happen during lavish feasts.



2. The "Beer Before Liquor" Myth

Myth: Switching from weaker drinks to stronger ones results in a milder hangover than doing the opposite.

In reality, mixing different types of alcohol is always a bad idea. The order in which you drink them makes no difference whatsoever.





3. The Fat Trick Myth

Myth: Eating a slice of lard before drinking keeps you sober longer—a trick supposedly used by Soviet spies.

To make a real difference, you would need to eat a massive amount of fat—at least a couple of pounds ???? Besides, a hangover is inevitable: its severity depends on how much you drank, not on how sober you felt at the time.



4. The Hydration Myth

Myth: Drinking plenty of water while partying guarantees you won't get a hangover.

In truth, you will just end up with a swollen face the next morning. The issue isn't a total lack of water, but rather fluid imbalance in the body. You should drink water—preferably mineral water—the morning after to restore blood volume. A glass of pickle brine can also help, but limit yourself to one glass before switching back to plain water.



5. The Calorie Myth

Myth: Alcohol is packed with calories, so drinking it directly makes you gain weight.

If you burn ethanol as fuel, it does release a lot of energy. However, the human body doesn't absorb these calories in the traditional sense. In fact, your body burns significant energy trying to break down and flush alcohol out of your system.



6. The Warming Effect Myth

Myth: Having a drink warms you up in the cold.

You might feel warmer, but it is an illusion. Alcohol doesn't actually raise your body temperature; it dilates your blood vessels, causing heat to escape faster. Using vodka or mulled wine to "warm up" only works once you're already indoors. Drinking alcohol out in the freezing cold is extremely dangerous!