As many Americans participate in “Dry January,” a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol after the indulgences of the holiday season, the Surgeon General’s timely advisory casts a sobering light on alcohol use, identifying it as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco and obesity.
Despite decades of research linking alcohol to cancer, the advisory reveals a startling gap in awareness: less than 50 percent of Americans realize that alcohol use significantly increases cancer risk.
Alcohol is Easily Accessible
As a clinician specializing in substance use disorder (SUD), this lack of awareness is, unfortunately, all too familiar. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how deeply ingrained societal norms around drinking, combined with misinformation and stigma, obscure the real dangers of alcohol.
We live in an alcohol-centered society. Many teens are introduced to alcohol during school and this behavior continues into adulthood, becoming at dinner tables, holiday gatherings, and celebrations. Alcohol is everywhere and easily accessible and some feel that pressure to hold a glass of wine or beer in order to “fit in” or have fun with others.
The Surgeon General’s advisory presents an urgent opportunity to challenge these narratives and bring alcohol’s risks into sharper focus. As someone who works directly with individuals navigating their relationships with substances, I’ve observed firsthand the gap between what people believe about alcohol and what science tells us. Starting and continuing more conversations like this will help bridge that divide, empowering more people to make informed choices and take steps to reduce harm.
Below are six prevalent myths about alcohol use—and the truths that can help us better understand its risks.
Myth 1: “Alcohol helps me relax and destress”
This is a sentiment I hear often from my clients. While alcohol may provide a temporary sense of relaxation, it’s a depressant that disrupts the brain’s natural production of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Over time, this can lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly during withdrawal. According to the Surgeon General’s recent advisory, alcohol’s impact on mental health and its role in increasing stress-related disorders underscores the need for more public awareness of its long-term risks (U.S. Surgeon General, 2025).
Myth 2: “I’m not drinking every day, so I’ll be fine”
The frequency of drinking doesn’t fully determine its impact on health. Binge drinking, even if infrequent, is associated with severe risks, including liver disease and an increased risk of cancer. The Surgeon General’s announcement highlighted that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., regardless of drinking patterns. Occasional overconsumption can still have cumulative effects on health, contributing to diseases such as esophageal and colorectal cancers.
Myth 3: “I eat healthy and work out, so drinking on the weekends is fine”
A healthy lifestyle can’t offset alcohol’s biological effects. Recent data cited in the Surgeon General’s advisory showed that even moderate drinking increases the risk of seven different cancers, including breast and liver cancer. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, and no amount of exercise or a healthy diet can fully counteract its harmful impact on the body.
Myth 4: “I only drink wine, that’s healthier than liquor!”
While wine has long been marketed as a healthier alternative due to antioxidants like resveratrol, the Surgeon General’s advisory emphasized that the type of alcohol doesn’t change its risks. All forms of alcohol—whether wine, beer, or spirits—are linked to cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular problems. The perception of wine as “healthy” is a misconception that continues to obscure the broader dangers of alcohol consumption.
Myth 5: “It’s ok since I’m not getting too drunk or blacking out”
The recent advisory clarified that alcohol-related harm isn’t limited to visible intoxication. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase oxidative stress and cellular damage, contributing to long-term health risks such as cancer and heart disease. For example, consuming as little as one drink per day can raise the risk of breast cancer by 7% (American Cancer Society, 2022).
Myth 6: “I maintain my job and responsibilities, so my drinking is under control”
Many people believe that functioning well in daily life means their drinking isn’t problematic. However, the Surgeon General’s advisory highlights how alcohol-related harm can be cumulative and insidious, often going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Chronic alcohol use, even without obvious dysfunction, increases the risk of developing life-threatening conditions over time. Functionality isn’t an indicator of safety.
The Surgeon General’s advisory serves as a wake-up call to rethink these common myths and misconceptions about alcohol. Curious to learn more about how to change your relationship with alcohol? Check out our Sober Curious Group starting in 2025.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Mountainside can help.
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