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Alcohol Abuse Info




Social Drinking Can Lead to Alcoholism

How much is too much? It’s an important question where alcohol consumption is concerned. “Moderate” drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for a woman and no more than two per day for a man.

A social drinker is someone who – like the name sounds – drinks primarily during social situations; a birthday, work party, etc. It is generally accepted as a safe form of drinking. But few people realize that it can lead to alcohol abuse, or even dependence.

Someone who drinks socially can develop a tolerance for alcohol, which may cause him to drink more. He thinks it’s ok, because he’s not getting drunk, or even “buzzed”. But if a tolerance continues to build, a person can find himself physically dependent, meaning he’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when he stops drinking. He’s not addicted; he doesn’t crave alcohol, but his biological make-up has changed so that his body now has an adverse response to abstinence. This is not a common occurrence but is possible.

A person who drinks socially can also find herself turning to alcohol in times of stress or grief. Many people drink at social gatherings because it helps them to relax. Again, they don’t drink to get drunk, or even get “buzzed”, but just to help ease some of the anxiety caused by social situations. A person who is suddenly faced with undue stress or grief may make a connection (either consciously or sub-consciously) between alcohol and relaxation, or feeling good. This connection can turn alcohol from a social component to a coping mechanism.

It’s possible for someone to consider himself a social drinker when, in reality, he’s abusing alcohol or is addicted. A person doesn’t have to get drunk to be abusing alcohol, or even to be addicted; though drunkenness is often a sign of addiction. As stated in the previous paragraph, someone who uses alcohol as a coping mechanism is abusing.

If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you use alcohol to cope with stressful or painful emotions?
  • Do you resent having other people express concern or advice about your drinking?
  • Do you defend your drinking habits, hide or lie about how often you drink?
  • Has your tolerance to alcohol increased?

    • A “yes” answer to one or more of these questions indicates that you may be more than a social drinker. Seek the advice of a health care professional or counselor, be honest about your drinking, and let them evaluate you.

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