Here are 5 common myths about drinking alcohol.

Myth 1: Alcohol kills brain cells.
Fact: Alcohol does not kill brain cells. It does damage dendrites however. Dendrites are the branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell. This damage is completely reversible. Moderate consumption is actually associated with better thinking and reasoning skills and memory. Years of alcohol abuse can cause serious neurological damage, but there is no evidence that alcohol kills brain cells.

Myth 2: A “beer belly” is caused by drinking beer.
Fact: Researchers have found no significant link between drinking beer and gaining weight or the “beer belly”. A “beer belly” is simply caused by eating too much. Drinking alcohol is actually associated with small weight loss in women.

Myth 3: Drinking coffee will sober up an intoxicated person.
Fact: Drinking coffee will not sober you up. Nor will cold showers. The only thing that sobers you up is time. You’ll be good to go in several hours.

Myth 4: Switching between beer, liquor and wine will lead to intoxication faster than just drinking one type of alcoholic beverage.
Fact: Your Blood Alcohol Content determines how drunk you are not the flavor or type of alcoholic beverage. The combination, however, will make you very sick.

Myth 5: The United States has lenient underage drinking laws.
Fact: The United States actually has the strictest underage drinking laws in the western world. The United States also has the highest minimum drinking age in the world.