The Difference Between Social Drinking vs Alcoholism

Culturally in the United States, alcohol is everywhere. It is a stable of small and large parties, wedding celebrations, tailgating events, and other sports viewing. Because it is legal and ubiquitous, it can be a challenge recognizing when you, someone you know, or someone you care about is abusing alcohol. Many people can recognize when they or someone else has had too much to drink, but how do you know whether you’re crossing the line with your alcohol consumption towards developing a problem? Is there a litmus test that helps you differentiate social drinking from alcoholism or what we now call alcohol abuse? At Beaches Recovery, we can help guide you through understanding how and when alcohol use becomes alcohol abuse to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction. Then, we can get you or a loved one the support necessary to heal, like in our 12 step alcohol rehab program.

A Day in the Life of a Social Drinker

In the discussion of social drinking vs. alcoholism, it’s important to notice that days can go by without a drink with a social drinker. The social drinker may go multiple days – or even weeks – without a drink. They drink to augment the taste of a meal. They can have a drink or two and then walk away.

How to Determine If You Have a Drinking Problem

You worry that you drink too much, which leads you to hide your alcohol consumption. You might take out empty bottles before your family wakes up in the morning after drinking every night. Some people might go so far as to put alcohol into different containers. This is a significant warning sign.

Using alcohol as a crutch is another warning sign. You can’t relax or feel at ease with others unless you’ve had a few drinks. When things get tough, you need a drink to take the edge off. You rationalize that you’ve earned a few shots after the work you’ve put in at the office.

Besides that, you might drink to get drunk. Drinking becomes an event of importance. You might notice that you’re scheduling your activities around alcohol consumption. Maybe you’re no longer participating in some things because they interfere with your drinking.

In the Discussion of Social Drinking vs. Alcoholism, Don’t Miss out on the Solution

If you’re struggling with a drinking problem, it’s never too late to seek help. Similarly, it’s never too early to do so. If you notice that your drinking has only recently become a problem, get help now. If you have struggled with alcohol abuse for years, don’t wait to ask for assistance.

One solution to a drinking problem is a 12 step alcohol rehab program. It introduces personal accountability as well as relapse prevention training. Besides that, it encourages peer interactions that help you form a support network for sustainable sobriety. Another solution is a non-12-step approach that focuses on personal responsibility. Work with a rehab facility that offers both paths. Therapists integrate them with modalities such as:

• Behavioral therapy interventions that encourage pattern recognition and change
• Emotional regulation is a way to gain control over your emotions
• Treatment of co-occurring mental disorders that contribute to alcohol abuse
• Mindfulness-based treatment, which teaches you body awareness and healthy stress responses
• Group therapy sessions, which encourage peer interactions and coping skills development

Reach out for Help from the Experts at Beaches Recovery

Where do you see yourself in the social drinking vs. alcoholism discussion? If you’re not sure, talk to an unbiased expert in the field of addiction treatment. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help you heal and recover at your pace, such as:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization program
• intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment

Beaches Recovery therapists routinely work with people just like you. Call 866.605.0532 now.