A Drink A Day Keeps The Doctor Away? Half Of Floridians, Believe In The Perceived Health Benefits Of Alcohol

The old saying goes: ‘an apple a day, keeps the doctor away,’ but, what about, when it comes to Alcohol, instead of apples? You may have heard, that a daily glass of red wine, could make you live longer, or that a couple of drinks per day, can reduce your risk of Stroke. Although a recent study by the University of Oxford, found that there is no safe level, of Alcohol Consumption, for Brain Health, some have convinced themselves, of the perceived, health benefits, of drinking.

Rehabs.com, a leading provider of resources, relating to addiction and recovery, conducted a survey of 3,000 people and found, that almost half of Floridians (43%), believe in the perceived, health benefits of Alcohol - this compares, to a national average, of 39%.

• 1/3 admit, they would continue to drink Alcohol, even if, it was proven, to be damaging to the brain.

• 38%, would continue to drink, even if it was shown, to reduce, life expectancy.

The survey also asked respondents, what they believed, to be the main benefits, of Alcohol Consumption. Forty-six percent thought, that it reduces an individual’s risk, of developing Cardiovascular Disease and 31%, believed it can increase life expectancy. An additional 15%, were under the impression, that it prevents you, from catching a Common Cold and 8%, believed, it lowers the risk, of Diabetes.

Although The University Of Oxford's study, found that increased consumption of Alcohol, correlated with a decreased volume, of information-processing gray matter, more than, a third of respondents, (39%) said they would continue to drink Alcohol, even though, it was proven to be damaging, to the brain.

In fact, more than half, (58%) admit, they don’t even take notice of studies, linking Alcohol consumption, to health problems. Perhaps ignorance is bliss?

Thirty-eight percent, also stated, that they would still continue to drink, if trials showed, that Alcohol, reduces life expectancy, by five years.

Lastly, it’s well known, that leading an unhealthy lifestyle, such as poor diet, excessive drinking and lack of exercise, can have negative health consequences. While each of these factors contributes, in its own way, to a lack of good health, more than half, (62%), of respondents, believed that eating junk food, has worse health implications, than consuming Alcohol.