3 mitos sorprendentes sobre el alcohol

Don’t be fooled.

From drinking a beer at a backyard barbecue to sipping a glass of wine before bed, alcohol can be a shortcut to socializing or winding down. Alcohol use is an increasing problem — and it’s a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so we’re sharing surprising myths to help you think before you drink.

El alcohol le ayuda a dormir mejor por la noche.

Beber en la noche puede provocarle somnolencia al día siguiente. El alcohol puede ayudarle a relajarse, pero también puede causar problemas para dormir o empeorarlos. Too little sleep is linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Try trading your nightcap for a cup of decaffeinated tea instead.

Tener alta tolerancia significa que es seguro beber más.

Over time, drinking alcohol can increase your tolerance. You might drink more before you can feel the effects. Excessive drinking may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say.

Having less alcohol is better for your health than having more. If you drink daily, try to do so in moderation. For women, try having one drink or less. For men, aim for two drinks or less, the CDC says.

Excessive drinking is the same as alcohol use disorder.

People who drink excessively increase their risk of illness, injury and chronic disease. Excessive drinking includes:

Atracones de alcohol: 4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men
Consumo excesivo: 8+ drinks for women or 15+ drinks for men per week
Drinking under age 21
Drinking during pregnancy

Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a disease that can cause:

Alcohol cravings
An inability to stop drinking after starting
Anxiousness and irritability when not drinking

People who are dependent on alcohol may struggle to stop or control their alcohol use, but help is available.

Cómo encontrar apoyo

If you or someone you know needs help, Sharp McDonald Center offers addiction treatment, aftercare and educational programs. You can also talk to your primary care physician about other in-network treatment options. Learn more about how to get support for alcohol use with resources from the National Institutes of Health, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups.

As a Sharp Health Plan member, behavioral health services are covered under your benefits and can help you feel your best. We partner with Magellan Healthcare, Inc.¹ and offer thousands of providers for you to choose from. In-person and convenient video visits are available. You don’t need a referral for outpatient therapy with a provider in your network. To get support, find a provider near you.

1. En California, Magellan opera como Human Affairs International of California, Inc.

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