1: Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant

Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. It slows brain function and neural activity.

2: Your liver can only process one standard drink per hour

3: What constitutes binge drinking

Binge drinking = 4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men in 2 hours. It’s more common than you think.

4: Alcohol affects every organ in your body

Alcohol affects every organ in your body — not just your liver.

5: It takes just 6 minutes for alcohol to reach your brain

It takes just 6 minutes for alcohol to reach your brain.

6: Alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries

Alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries.

It’s not just about hangovers.

7: 1 in 20 deaths worldwide is alcohol-related

1 in 20 deaths worldwide is alcohol-related.

That’s over 3 million people each year.

8: What constitutes moderate drinking?

Moderate drinking = 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men.

More than that? It’s not “moderate.”

9: Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but…

Alcohol may help you fall asleep — but it disrupts deep sleep.

10: Alcohol increases inflammation in the body

Alcohol increases inflammation in the body, which can contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis.

11: Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen

Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen — same category as tobacco and asbestos.

12: Alcohol can shrink your hippocampus

Alcohol can shrink your hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

13: Cutting back on alcohol can improve your mood, energy, skin, and sleep

Cutting back on alcohol can improve your mood, energy, skin, and sleep — often within just a few weeks.

14: Mixing alcohol with energy drinks can mask intoxication.

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks can mask intoxication.

You feel alert, but you’re still impaired.

15: Alcohol is a diuretic — it dehydrates you.

Alcohol is a diuretic — it dehydrates you.

That’s one reason hangovers hit hard.

16: Hangovers are partly caused by acetaldehyde.

Hangovers are partly caused by acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol.

17: Alcohol can increase anxiety and depression over time.

Alcohol can increase anxiety and depression over time.

It’s not the stress reliever it seems.

18: Long-term alcohol use can lead to cognitive decline and memory problems.

Long-term alcohol use can lead to cognitive decline and memory problems — even in moderate drinkers.

19: Alcohol can raise your blood pressure.

Alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

20: Why you should track your alcohol intake.

People who track their alcohol intake are more likely to reduce consumption and make healthier choices.

Awareness = power.

21: Alcohol can hinder muscle recovery and athletic performance.

Alcohol can hinder muscle recovery and athletic performance, even in small amounts.

Fitness and drinking don’t mix well.

22: Alcohol weakens your immune system.

Alcohol weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness.

23: Red wine has antioxidants. But…

Red wine has antioxidants — but the health benefits are often overstated.

24: Women feel alcohol’s effects faster than men.

Women feel alcohol’s effects faster than men due to body composition and metabolism.

25: Zero alcohol is safest for cancer prevention.

Zero alcohol is safest for cancer prevention.

Even small amounts increase risk.

26: Alcohol can interfere with medications and worsen side effects.

Alcohol can interfere with medications and worsen side effects.

Always check with your doctor.

27: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair decision-making and impulse control.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impair decision-making and impulse control, especially in social settings.

28: Building tolerance doesn’t mean you’re safe.

Building tolerance doesn’t mean you’re safe — it means you’re at risk of dependence.