About alcohol
There are lots of false ideas out there about alcohol, but can you spot fact from fiction? Time to find out.
Some alcohol beverages like spirits are ‘hard’ and others like beer are ‘soft’.
False. Spirits contain more alcohol by volume than most wines, which contain more than most beers. But, despite some popular notions, there’s no such thing as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ alcohol, or, as it’s called in some places, ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ drinks. Beer, wine, distilled spirits and mixed drinks all contain the same type of alcohol called ethanol, which is responsible for the effects you feel regardless of what you’re drinking.
All countries use the same standard ‘unit’ to ensure that servings of beer, wine and spirits are the same.
False. There’s no single standard drink size across the world. While the definition in the UK is eight grams of ethanol (1), different countries use different definitions, and some unit sizes contain as much as 14 grams of ethanol (2). However, within each country, a ‘standard’ serving of beer, wine or spirits is defined in exactly the same way. In practise, drinks are often not served in standard sizes, but the concept of a standard unit is important.
The effect alcohol has on you depends on whether you’re drinking beer, wine or spirits.
False. Beer, wine and spirits all contain the same type of alcohol, ethanol, which has the same effect on your body regardless of what you’re drinking. The important thing is how much ethanol you’re drinking and how quickly. The higher alcohol by volume the drink contains, the smaller the serving (think of spirits compared to beer). However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t always translate into how drinks are actually served – for example, if you’re drinking at home in glasses that aren’t the standard size.
Units can help you make sure that your drinking stays within recommended guidelines and doesn’t harm you.
True. The UK drinking guidelines offer advice on levels and patterns of drinking using units as a reference (3). The UK Chief Medical Officer’s guideline for both men and women is not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis to minimise any health risks from alcohol. Understanding the concept of a unit can help you relate your own drinking to recommendations that are consistent with a balanced lifestyle. Drinking in excess of recommended guidelines may increase your risk of harm.
Are you concerned about the effects of drinking on your body?
Whether it's about yourself or someone else, use our drinking self-assessment to understand the risk.
If you or someone you know is drinking problematically, our list of support networks is a good place to start.
How much do you really know about alcohol?
Find out with our five-minute quiz on drinking and its effects.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of alcohol-related topics, and I can provide evidence-based information to differentiate fact from fiction. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about alcohol:
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'Hard' and 'Soft' Alcohol:
- Myth: Some alcohol beverages like spirits are ‘hard’ and others like beer are ‘soft.’
- Fact: Spirits, wines, and beers all contain the same type of alcohol, ethanol. The terms 'hard' and 'soft' or 'hot' and 'cold' drinks are not scientifically accurate. The alcohol content varies, with spirits having more alcohol by volume than wines, and wines having more than beers.
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Standard 'Unit' Size:
- Myth: All countries use the same standard 'unit' for servings of beer, wine, and spirits.
- Fact: There is no universal standard drink size worldwide. Different countries have varying definitions, with unit sizes containing different amounts of ethanol. However, within each country, a 'standard' serving of alcohol is defined consistently, even though drinks may not always be served in standard sizes.
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Effect of Alcohol Type:
- Myth: The effect of alcohol depends on whether you're drinking beer, wine, or spirits.
- Fact: The type of alcohol (ethanol) is the same in beer, wine, and spirits, leading to similar effects on the body. The crucial factors are the amount of ethanol consumed and the rate at which it is consumed. Higher alcohol by volume in a drink results in a smaller serving size.
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Use of Units in Drinking Guidelines:
- Myth: Units do not help ensure that drinking stays within recommended guidelines.
- Fact: Understanding units is important in managing alcohol consumption. The UK drinking guidelines, for example, recommend not exceeding 14 units a week for both men and women. The concept of a unit provides a reference to help individuals relate their drinking to recommended guidelines and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Health Risks and Drinking:
- Myth: Drinking within recommended guidelines does not minimize health risks.
- Fact: Adhering to recommended guidelines, such as not exceeding 14 units a week, helps minimize health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Drinking in excess of these guidelines may increase the risk of harm.
It's crucial to stay informed about alcohol-related facts to make responsible and informed choices regarding consumption. If you have any further questions or need clarification on specific points, feel free to ask.
