Understanding why some choose to drink alcohol can be difficult, especially if you have never desired alcohol or have little experience with it. There is no one reason why drinking is popular, as there are many factors that impact an individual’s desire to drink.
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Why Do People Drink Alcohol?
One way to better understand why people drink is to recognize and learn more about the reasons behind the choice. There are biological, social, and cultural factors that influence drinking patterns. However, these factors will not be the same for every person – someone may resonate with one of these or all ten.
10 reasons people drink alcohol include:
1. To Escape Problems or Stress
Managing and coping with everyday stressors can pose a challenge for many. Our bodies respond to stress in different ways, and our ability to cope is not universal. For some, they might drink to escape problems or chronic stress. Engaging in heavy drinking can provide the individual with a false sense of relief, and many report it settles their racing thoughts.
2. To Enjoy Themselves
Drinking in a social setting can be enjoyable if done safely and many choose to drink as it allows them to “loosen up” and become more social. More often than not, if you choose to go out with friends and connect with others, alcohol is likely to be served. However, it does not have to be.
3. Peer Pressure
The power of peer influence is significant, and this rings true for most ages, not just adolescents. As humans, we value connection with others and the community, which is why it can be so difficult to turn down a drink from a peer. Peer pressure is a major factor when looking at why people pick up that first drink.
4. Mental Health Disorders
Many will use alcohol to cope with mental health disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Although it might seem harmless, there are significant risks associated with using alcohol as a coping strategy, including the potential for the development of addiction.
There is a correlation between alcohol use and depression as well as social anxiety and alcohol to cope. The dangerous part is that using alcohol to cope with mental health symptoms will only exacerbate the symptoms, worsening your mental health.
5. Genetic & Environmental Factors
Genetics and Environmental factors are perhaps the most significant factors that play into alcohol use. Our genetic makeup can contribute to addictive behaviors and how these show up in our lives. Additionally, with genetics being unique to the person, our bodies respond to substances in various ways. For example, genetics may not allow someone to have an enjoyable experience, whereas another person could have an opposite, more pleasurable experience.
The environment in which you grew up can have a significant impact on current drinking behaviors. This can be viewed from different lenses, including past trauma, parent’s drinking patterns, and peer pressure.
6. Social Norm
Societal norms will vary depending on geographic location. However, in the United States, drinking continues to be socially acceptable. It is difficult to leave your house without running into an advertisement, convenience store, or restaurant that is normalizing drinking and making it available to consumers.
7. Rebellion
Engaging in risky or rebellious behaviors can be one way to act out, especially if you grew up in a tightly managed household. Drinking can offer the individual a sense of power, control, and autonomy which they might have never felt before.
8. Easy Accessibility
With drinking being so normalized, as you can imagine, it is easily accessible. Drinking is made easier through convenience, as it is offered in almost every food or beverage establishment. This can also be a contributing factor as to why it is difficult to turn down when alcohol is readily available.
9. Culture Norms
Cultural norms are traditions, behaviors, and ways of living that are normalized in a particular society. For example, the cultural drinking norms in European countries will vary compared to The U.S. This is due to the legal age difference, access, and normalizing drinking during meal times from a young age.
10. Special Occasions
Alcohol is often accessible during celebrations, important life events, and during social gatherings. Those who normally don’t drink regularly will be more inclined to drink during a special occasion as they consider it to be expected.
Help for Alcohol Use
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Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz
When Does Drinking Become a Problem?
If someone is not careful, they are at an increased risk for developing addictive behaviors concerning alcohol. There is always a chance that binge drinking or alcohol abuse can turn into alcoholism if someone is not aware of their drinking habits. Increasing awareness can involve drinking in moderation, limiting the number of drinks, and being mindful of how your body is responding to alcohol consumption.
Signs Your Drinking May Be a Problem
Often, there are clear signs that someone is drinking too much. Being able to recognize signs of alcoholic personality changes can allow for early intervention. The sooner someone gets help for substance misuse, the better their prognosis and decreased risk of long-term consequences.
Signs that someone is drinking too much include:
- Blackout often
- Frequent hangovers
- Becoming unreliable
- Poor performance in school or work
- Personality changes (fatigue, irritability, etc.)
- Smelling alcohol on them
- Frequently going out to drink
- Drinking to excess at every social event
Alternatives to Alcohol
It is important to know that there are alternatives to alcoholic beverages. Not every person chooses to drink
Alternatives to alcohol include:
- Mocktails
- Soda
- Juice
- Sparkling water
- Water
Alcohol Treatment Options
Although seeking help can seem daunting, there are simple steps you can take to get support, including individual therapy, couples counseling, and alcohol treatment programs. There are different options based on the level of care you need (detox, residential, day treatment, outpatient, etc.), affordability, and preference.
Individual Therapy & Rehabilitation
Individual therapy can allow space to process why you started drinking and why it is difficult to cut back. There is a reason for everything we do, and sometimes, it takes a mental health professional to help us uncover the “why.”
Couples Counseling & Support Groups
Destructive drinking patterns can create immense stress on couples and their relationships. Couples counseling can offer an unbiased, professional mediator to facilitate difficult conversations and increase healthy communication. Another treatment option is joining a support group, where you can relate to and connect with others who struggle with drinking.
Alcohol Treatment Programs
It can be incredibly beneficial to engage in an alcohol treatment program, where they have professionals who specialize in treating substance misuse. These programs are designed to remove you from your environment, eliminating triggers that make it difficult to stop drinking.
When to Seek Professional Help
It is time to seek professional support when you want to cut back on drinking but are not able to or if you find your alcohol use is interfering with certain areas of your life (school, relationships, family, work, hygiene, etc.) An online therapist directory or online therapy platform is a good place to start when searching for a therapist who specializes in alcohol use. If you feel like mental health concerns are fueling the drinking, it would be helpful to see a psychiatrist. There are online psychiatrist options that can help you find medication management for mental health symptoms and alcohol use.
In My Experience
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Alcohol Treatment – Cut Back or Quit Entirely
Ria Health – Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health
Drinking Moderation
Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz
Detox or Rehab Center Covered by Insurance
Recovery.com – Find the best local detox or rehab center covered by your insurance. Search our unbiased and thorough list of the best mental health and addiction treatment centers. Read reviews. Start Your Search
Treatment for Mental Health Conditions That Coexist With SUD
Talkiatry – Get help from a doctor who can treat the mental health conditions that commonly lead to or coexist with substance use disorders. Take our online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Take Assessment
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Best Online Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs
Online medication-assisted treatment programs are fairly new to the telehealth industry, but existing companies are expanding quickly with new programs emerging every day. It’s important to explore your options and understand the level of virtual care available so you can choose the best addiction treatment program for you.
Best Mindful Drinking Apps
If you’re thinking about joining the sober curious movement and you’d like to cut back on drinking, mindful drinking apps are a great place to start. Practicing mindful drinking can take some time, attention, and patience, but with the help of the right app, you can completely transform your relationship with alcohol.