When Does Social Drinking Become Alcohol Abuse?

Alcoholism is only one type of alcohol problem.  Alcohol abuse can be just as harmful.  A person can drink too much but not be dependent on drinking alcohol.  Social drinking is referred to as casual drinking, usually without the intention of getting drunk.  A social drinker respects alcohol and the effect it has on the body.  A social drinker has a problem with alcohol once they lose this respect and thus lose control.  Social drinking is not based on or defined by consuming a certain number of drinks.  Social drinking is perfectly acceptable provided the individual does not drink in excess.  To drink in excess varies from individual to individual.  A social drinker has control over when they drink, how much they drink and where they drink.  A problem drinker has lost that control and usually drinks to intoxication.  How can you tell when social drinking becomes alcohol abuse?

*Have you ever felt like you should cut down on your drinking?

*Have people around you criticized your drinking?

*Have you ever felt guilty or bad after drinking?

*Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to “settle the nerves” or battle a hangover?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this is not an issue of social drinking—this is alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.  Manifestations of alcohol abuse include:

1. Failure to fulfill one’s responsibilities at work, school or home due to drinking.
2. Drinking in dangerous situations (i.e. driving, operating machinery, etc.).
3. Legal problems that result from alcohol use.
4. Continued drinking despite problems that are worsened by drinking.

 

Alcohol abuse, similar to social drinking, can lead to alcoholism.  Social drinkers may become alcoholics if any of the factors listed above become a problem. 

Other warning signs may include:
*The individuals inability to decrease or quit drinking despite repeated attempts
*The individuals inability to remember events that occurred while drinking
*The inability to attend social functions without drinking in order to “loosen up”
*An increase in the amount of alcohol an individual consumes
*If the individual commonly drinks alone

Most adults can safely drink up to two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women and older people.  However, because alcohol affects people differently this is only a guideline.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism cut across gender, race and nationality.  1 out of every 13 adults in the United States abuse alcohol or are alcoholics.  The incidence of problems with alcohol is highest among young adults age 18-29 and is lowest among adults age 65 or older.  Study after study have also shown that people who started drinking alcohol socially at an early age will develop alcohol problems at some point in their lives.

It is also important to note that the drinking limit for women is lower because women’s bodies have less water.  Alcohol mixes with water in the body and women have less water in their body, thus the concentration of alcohol required for women to become intoxicated is much less than a mans. 

If you suspect that your social drinking has become an issue of alcohol abuse, there are a number of resources that will provide educational information, support and guidance.

 

 

Alcohol and Alcoholism Information

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