Fact or Fiction
Let's debunk some common misconceptions in regards to alcohol and drugs.
People cannot become dependent on marijuana
FALSE: Heavy, long-term use of marijuana can result in both physical and psychological dependence. When heavy users stop taking the drug, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, which include irritability, sweating, tremors, sleeping problems and loss of appetite.
If you wait two hours after you last drink before driving home, you can be sure you are not legally impaired.
FALSE: It depends on how much you drank, not when you had your last drink. It takes time for your body to get rid of alcohol, so you can be legally impaired many hours after your last drink.
Only people that drink every day are alcoholics
FALSE: Some people dependent on alcohol drink every day. Others may be binge drinkers—that’s when there are periods of steady drinking followed by periods of abstinence (non-drinking).
One in four high school seniors have gotten into a vehicle with a high driver.
TRUE: Students and parents have been reported to believe high driving is not as dangerous as drinking and driving; however, this is not the case. You should always be safe and vigilent when you enter a vehicle. Never allow a friend or family member drink and drive or drive high.
Because alcohol is a depressant it will help you sleep better
FALSE: Alcohol is a depressant, and it may help you get to sleep by relaxing you. However, it interferes with restful sleep and you can wake up feeling edgy. This can get worse the more you rely on alcohol to get to sleep.
A woman who drinks alcohol during her pregnancy risks having a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome.
TRUE: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is an alcohol related birth defect. Children with FAS may have lower IQs, have physical abnormalities, be developmentally delayed, have attention deficit problems and/or be hyperactive. It is not known how much alcohol consumed during pregnancy will result in FAS.
Alcohol won't increase my chances of getting cancer or high blood pressure.
FALSE: Alcohol can do both of these things; colon, throat and lung cancer are the most common.
Once you're an addict, you're always an addict.
FALSE: There are always ways to turn your life in a different direction. If you feel like you need help, contact local healthcare providers to help you take the first step forward.
Humans between the age of 16-24 account for the highest amount of drug and alcohol related driving fatalities.
TRUE: Young people account for 27.6% of drinking and driving fatalities, and 26.9% of drug-positive driving fatalities.