Social drinking is a common pastime throughout America. This term refers to the casual use of alcohol in certain kinds of social situations. Year in and year out, young adults make up a large percentage of all social drinkers. Most people in this category don’t experience any serious problems as a result. However, far too often, social drinking leads to alcohol abuse and other forms of harm. If this has happened to you, a Tampa alcohol rehab center can help you recover.
Defining Social Drinking
Alcohol use is widespread in the vast majority of the U.S. Much of this use takes place in common social situations such as:
- Parties
- Evenings out with friends
- Sports events
- Picnics and cookouts
- Casual gatherings
Social drinking is an accepted norm for a variety of reasons. For example, many people drink to feel more relaxed in social situations. Others use alcohol because doing so is expected in their peer group. In addition, you may drink socially as a form of celebration or simply because you like the effects of alcohol.
Social Drinking Vs. Alcohol Abuse
Many people who drink socially do so in moderation. In other words, they stay within general guidelines for relatively safe alcohol use. Under these guidelines, most men can consume up to four drinks in a 24-hour period. They can also consume a total of 14 drinks per week. Most women can consume up to three drinks in a day and seven total drinks per week.
If you regularly exceed these daily or weekly totals, your chances of alcohol problems increase. Two terms can describe such behavior: alcohol misuse and alcohol abuse. Today, more and more experts use the term alcohol misuse. That’s true because alcohol abuse also has a separate definition as an official, diagnosable type of drinking problem.
Binge Drinking
Unfortunately, many social drinkers take part in a practice known as binge drinking. You engage in this practice whenever you drink enough to get legally drunk in two hours or less. Almost a third of all young adults binge on alcohol in a typical month. This is the highest rate among any age group.
Binge drinking exposes you to a wide range of serious consequences. The long list of these potential outcomes includes:
- Developing an addiction to alcohol
- Involvement in a serious accident
- Being raped or physically or sexually assaulted
- Raping or physically or sexually assaulting someone else
- Overdosing on alcohol
- Having risky, unprotected sex
You also increase your chances of developing major problems with your liver, kidney, and cardiovascular health.
Young Adults and Alcohol Use Disorder
If you’re addicted to alcohol, you have a condition known as alcohol use disorder or AUD. You also have this disorder if you’re not addicted but still suffer significant harm as a result of your drinking. Recent figures show that young adults have the highest AUD rate for any age group in America. More than five million people between the ages of 18 and 25 meet the criteria for this condition.
Learn More About Social Drinking and Alcohol Problems at Coalition Recovery
Do you want to learn more about the difference between safe social drinking and alcohol misuse? The specialists at Coalition Recovery are standing by to assist you. We can help you determine if your current level of drinking puts you at risk for serious problems. We can also help you determine if such problems are already affecting you.
Need help with an alcohol use disorder? Coalition Recovery supports you with a comprehensive, customized treatment program. We can help you overcome even the worst effects of AUD. For more information, just call us today at 888.707.2873 or contact us through our online form.
