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What Is A Social Drinker?
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Ferri
October 22, 2024
Table of Contents
Alcohol consumption is a part of many social gatherings, from casual get-togethers to formal events and deeply rooted in American culture. Many people drink to wind down after a long week. Some people drink occasionally and in moderation, a behavior commonly referred to as “social drinking.”
While social drinking may seem harmless, it’s important to understand the fine line between responsible consumption and the potential for alcohol abuse. Often, many who are social drinkers. However, how do you know when social drinking becomes problematic?
If you or a loved one are suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Music City Detox offers multiple detox programs in Nashville.
What Is A Social Drinker?
Social drinking is clinically defined as “low-risk drinking.” A social drinker is someone who consumes alcohol in social settings, typically in moderation and without dependence. Social drinking often occurs during special events like weddings, parties, or happy hours. Social drinkers may have parameters set in place to know when to stop drinking, such as:
- Making sure they’ve eaten and are well hydrated before they start drinking.
- Avoiding alcohol when they are tired, stressed, or emotional
- Not drinking to just get drunk
- Not drinking and driving.
Generally, social drinkers do not rely on alcohol to cope with stress, nor do they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they do not drink. They can have one or two drinks without feeling compelled to continue or binge drink, and alcohol does not dominate their social life or personal well-being.
Is Social Drinking Harmful?
While social drinking is usually considered safe when done in moderation, it can still pose risks.
Drinking alcohol, even occasionally, can lower inhibitions, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of accidents or poor decision-making.
For some, social drinking can evolve into more frequent or excessive consumption, potentially leading to dependence. It’s also worth noting that for individuals with a family history of alcohol abuse, even light social drinking could increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the future.
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Social Drinker vs Problem Drinker
The difference between a social drinker and a problem drinker lies in the frequency, amount, and consequences of drinking.
While social drinkers drink alcohol in moderation and without negative impacts on their lives, problem drinkers may start relying on alcohol more frequently, experience a loss of control when drinking, and notice negative effects on their relationships, work, or health.
Problem drinking often includes patterns such as binge drinking or using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression. In addition, problem drinkers may have a history of family alcoholism, begin to drink to cope with life changes, or have existing mental health conditions that can contribute to their drinking.
Social Drinking vs Alcoholism
Unlike social drinkers, alcoholics have developed a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition that impacts a person’s ability to control their drinking, leading to compulsive alcohol consumption, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
While social drinkers can choose to drink or abstain without difficulty, individuals struggling with alcoholism feel compelled to drink, often to the point where it affects every aspect of their lives, including their health, relationships, and daily functioning.
Signs You May Have A Problem With Social Drinking
If you’re wondering whether your social drinking habits might be problematic, consider the following signs:
- You find it difficult to stop drinking once you start, even in social settings.
- You often drink to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotions.
- You frequently drink more than you intended, or binge drink in social situations.
- You feel guilty or anxious about how much you drink.
- Your drinking has caused problems at work, school, or in your relationships.
- You have begun to drink alone or outside of social settings.
If any of these signs resonate with you, it may be time to assess your drinking habits and consider whether social drinking has developed into a more serious issue.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s important to know that help is available.
Alcohol rehab options for alcohol use disorder range from alcohol detox programs to inpatient rehab to outpatient counseling and long-term rehab.
At Music City Detox, we can provide therapy, medical support, and tools to help you regain control of your life.
Our programs often include immersive therapy options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare planning to ensure long-term recovery.