Many of us enjoy having a nice glass of wine with dinner, or throwing back a beer while watching the game with friends. And you’ve probably noticed that drinking to celebrate happy occasions, such as weddings and holiday gatherings, is very common in our society.
But when does social drinking cross the line and start inching toward alcohol use disorder (AUD)? There is actually no definitive moment—nor is the answer the same for every person—but there are some indicators. Let’s look at the definition of social drinking, why people drink socially, and some red flags to look out for.
One might ask “what is a social drinker?” A social drinker is someone who often drinks in social settings, such as bars or parties, but doesn’t experience a related life disruption. In other words, alcohol doesn’t lead them to any serious physical, mental, or emotional issues.
Social drinking has been a part of world cultures for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to early American settlers, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages have forged human connections. Just picture long tables, loud singing, and big goblets!
So, why do people drink socially? There are actually several reasons, and fortunately many people do so without any harmful consequences. The most common reasons people drink socially include:
Social drinking is generally safe, so long as the person remains well within their limits of safe alcohol consumption and does not engage in risky behaviors, such as driving or other misconduct.2 In most cases, safe social drinking is similar to moderate drinking.
What is considered a social drinker? The distinction is “low-risk drinking” versus “harmful drinking.” Social drinking can be low-risk for most people if they know their limitations and can pace themselves. They don’t put themselves or others in danger.
Here are some common signs that your relationship with alcohol may be in trouble. You don’t have to experience all of these in order to seek support. Ask yourself if you are:
A common question among people who struggle with alcohol use is “do I really have to stop drinking permanently?” They want to know if they can learn how to drink in moderation or become social drinkers.
For years, the implication was that an alcoholic could never drink again. However, today there are programs which allow for a certain level of controlled drinking, with appropriate support. Many people have relearned moderate social drinking through these approaches.
One example is the Sinclair Method (TSM), a medication-based approach to alcohol addiction treatment. It allows people to reset their drinking habits by using targeted doses of the drug naltrexone. Many people find they can eventually drink moderately, or that they even lose interest in alcohol, after enough time on TSM.
Still, moderation programs are not the right match for everyone, which is why professional supervision is critical. There are many people who struggle with AUD, try moderate drinking programs, and come to realize that abstinence is the only option for them.
Social drinking continues to be prevalent in our society, and for many people there is no cause for concern. Their drinking is controllable and low-risk. But there are many other cases in which drinking alcohol becomes habitual for a person, and leads to dependency.
Some people can see the problem coming and get a handle on it by avoiding triggers, developing new habits, and switching to nonalcoholic options. However, others may require professional support.
Ria Health offers alcohol treatment from the comfort of your home through a smartphone app, including anti-craving medications and weekly coaching meetings. We support both moderation and abstinence as goals, and can help you work towards a healthier relationship with alcohol on your schedule.
