Why bother to expose a bunch of harmless myths about drinking?
Because they're not harmless. There are 12 million alcoholics in this country and if you start drinking before age 15, you are four times more likely to become an alcoholic than those who begin drinking after age 21. More than 50% of alcoholics in the U.S. are under the age of 25.

MYTH: You can't be an alcoholic if you only drink beer.
FACT: Any type of alcohol abuse can trigger alcoholism. One type of alcohol is just as addictive as another.

MYTH: People are friendlier when they're drunk.
FACT: Maybe. But they're also more hostile, more dangerous and more criminal. More than half of all murders, one-third of all suicides, and many family abuse cases are alcohol related.

MYTH: Black coffee can sober up a drunken person.
FACT: It might keep them awake, but they're still drunk. Cold showers and fresh air don't work either. So what you end up with is a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time can get alcohol out of their system.

MYTH: Alcohol isn't a drug.
FACT: Alcohol is a drug. It alters your mind, body and emotions. It is also our nation's largest youth drug problem killing 6.5 times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined.

MYTH: I don't know any drunks.
FACT: In fact, one in 10 people are alcoholics. You probably do know one; you just don't realize it.

MYTH: Alcohol is a stimulant.
FACT: Small amounts of alcohol may initially lower inhibitions, but it is a central nervous system depressant. The more you drink, the more your body slows down.