Social Drinking and Alcoholism

Social drinking is a term used for people who like to drink alcohol on occasion. A person who drinks socially knows their limit with alcohol. His or her day is not consumed with thoughts about drinking and when they will get their next drink. People describe a social drinker as a person who usually drinks with other people at social gatherings or during special events or activities.

Social drinking puts the person at high risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. A person with alcoholism does not know when to stop and thinks about drinking all the time. He or she cannot control their limit and sometimes drink until they black out. Many people who think they are social drinkers are actually high-functioning alcoholics.

A person with an alcohol addiction can develop serious physical and mental health problems. Drinking alcohol can cause brain damage and affect the brain’s normal activity. The brain controls a person’s body. Alcohol interrupts the brain’s neurotransmitters, which act as a line of communication for the body to function. Alcohol affects the body’s organs and can lead to liver failure, heart disease, cardiac arrest, and high blood pressure.

Social drinking can lead to alcoholism. Over time, a social drinker could need more and more alcohol to feel euphoric effects. People who drink regularly build a tolerance to alcohol and need more to feel pleasure from the brain’s release of dopamine. A social drinker with an underlying mental condition is at risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. A person with depression, anxiety, or PTSD may drink to escape reality.

The term, social drinker, can give a false perception of a person’s alcohol addiction. People with alcoholism may unintentionally think they are a social drinker and not realize their drinking is a problem. Different factors can determine a person’s risk of alcoholism such as his or her physical condition, mental health issues, and genetics. Other things to consider are the duration, how much, and what kind of alcohol consumed.

People with an addiction to alcohol are usually in denial about their problematic drinking. An addiction to alcohol ruins relationships, causes harmful effects on the body, and can be fatal. Alcoholism can affect the brain and cause brain damage or memory loss. There is help for people who have an addiction to alcohol. Just because social drinking sounds less harmful does not mean drinking alcohol is safe.

 Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call (844) 234-LIVE today for information on our partial care programs.