Alcohol, Truth, and Why We Lie About Drinking

The Urge to "Do Well"

In a classic Seinfeld episode, Jerry does a bit about medical tests and our universal desire to perform well. He recalls school hearing tests where he'd try so hard that he imagined officials telling him, "We think you may have something close to super hearing."

This same urge to impress can backfire when we're asked about our drinking habits. Picture yourself at a doctor's appointment, mentally calculating your weekly alcohol consumption. You might say "five or six drinks" when the real number is closer to ten, fifteen, or even more.

Why We Lie About Drinking

There are several reasons we might not be completely honest:

• We underestimate drink sizes (that large restaurant wine glass might contain 2-3 standard drinks)
• We feel embarrassed about the actual amount
• We've genuinely lost track of our consumption

Does Alcohol Make Us Tell the Truth?

Many people view alcohol as a "truth serum" that lowers inhibitions and prompts honesty. Another Seinfeld episode plays with this idea when a character becomes compulsively truthful after drinking.

However, the reality is more complex. Alcohol affects the brain in ways that actually distort truth-telling:

• Reduced inhibitions: Alcohol suppresses the prefrontal cortex, making us more likely to share things we'd normally keep to ourselves
• Impaired thinking: As a depressant, alcohol slows cognitive processes and can create distorted thought patterns
• Memory issues: Alcohol affects the hippocampus, making memories less reliable

The Consequences of Lying to Your Doctor

Surveys show about 1 in 5 Americans admit to lying to their doctors about alcohol consumption. This deception comes with real risks:

• Missed health guidance: Doctors can't provide proper advice about alcohol-related health risks
• Undetected conditions: Alcohol use can affect blood pressure, liver enzymes, and other health markers
• Dangerous interactions: Many medications and medical procedures don't mix well with alcohol

Finding Your Way Back to Truth

If you've been less than honest about your drinking, there are practical steps to regain clarity:

• Listen to discomfort: Feelings of shame can signal that your actions don't align with your values
• Notice physical signals: Pay attention to how alcohol actually makes you feel during and after drinking
• Be honest with your doctor: They're there to help, not judge
• Keep a journal: Track your drinking patterns and associated feelings
• Find support: Connect with the Quitemate community or trusted friends who understand your journey

A Better Future

The most encouraging part of being honest about drinking is discovering a version of yourself that's healthier and happier. As habit expert Gretchen Rubin notes, "Habits are the invisible architecture of daily life. If we change our habits, we change our lives."

By facing the truth about alcohol, you open the door to genuine well-being that might surpass your expectations.