The numbers say it all when it comes to alcohol abuse in our country. In 2023 alone, nearly 30 million Americans ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder.[1] While there are many driving factors behind this statistic, no one can deny that the prevalence of a drinking culture has an impact. This not only impacts people’s decision to drink but also impacts their efforts to remain sober.
Meeting a friend for a drink after work or having a glass of wine at home at a party is socially acceptable in many circles. While many people may not think twice about this activity, it creates a real problem for those who are trying to remain sober. When drinking is more of the norm than remaining sober, those fighting for their sobriety have to learn how to cope with the social pressure to drink. We’re going to look at the pressures a drinking culture can have on sobriety and offer some tips to help you stay on your sober path. We’ll also share ways that Ocean Hills Recovery can help in the efforts to get sober and stay that way.
What is a Drinking Culture?
When someone talks about a drinking culture, they are referring to the customs and social behaviors that surround alcohol consumption. It varies widely in different areas. In some areas, it is common to have a drink with dinner, while binge drinking at parties is considered the weekend norm in other circles. Whatever the case, this type of behavior is not an activity that those trying to remain sober can engage in.
Pressures That a Drinking Culture Can Have on Sobriety
Media Pressure
Many people may feel pressure from the media when it comes to drinking. Whether it’s watching your favorite actor drink and have fun on television or seeing people drinking and partying in the movies, people are led to believe that bonding over drinks is a necessary part of life.
Scrolling through social media posts can also influence our views on alcohol consumption. One study found that 32% to 65% of social media users were exposed to alcohol from other users and that most posts displayed alcohol in a positive setting, promoting the behavior.[2] This can pressure people to drink even when they don’t want to.
Peer Pressure
If you thought that peer pressure was only for teenagers, think again. Adults can also feel pressured by their peers to drink. Whether at a party or a simple dinner, they may feel they won’t be accepted unless they order a drink. This can be an extreme problem for anyone trying to remain sober while still having a social life.
Cultural Celebrations
New Year’s Eve is synonymous with drinking and raising a glass of champagne to celebrate the new year. The same is true when watching sports; thus, the prevalence of many sports bars makes it the social norm to drink while enjoying a game. Many young people yearn to turn 21 years old so they can legally have a drink. All of these celebrations have been engrained into our brains and society, which makes remaining sober. In reality, all of these celebrations can still be done in a fun fashion without the presence of alcohol.
Workplace Culture
Going to happy hour after work is the norm in many offices. This can create an environment where drinking is viewed as a way to build relationships and advance one’s career. For those trying to remain sober, being kept out of these activities may lead them to feel as though they are inferior and will not have the same opportunities as their drinking co-workers.
How Drinking Culture Impacts Society
While the drinking culture tries to glamorize drinking, it rarely shows the negative impacts it can have on society. As people try to maintain their sobriety, they can remember these negative effects as a way to help them stay on the path to sobriety.
Economic Costs
Drinking culture can impact society in many negative ways.[3] This includes many economic costs, such as healthcare expenses caused by the damage alcohol can have on the body. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to chronic conditions as well as many cardiovascular diseases. Billions of dollars are spent on alcohol-related health care each year.
Legal Consequences
There are also legal consequences from drunk driving accidents and increased crime that drinking too much can cause.
Increased Violence
When people drink too much alcohol, it can lead to increased violence as people may not make the right decisions. They may also put themselves in dangerous situations.
How to Handle Social Situations Where People Are Drinking
While all of these pressures can threaten a person’s sobriety and, in some cases, even compromise it, there are things you can do to handle social situations where people are drinking and you are not.
Practice Saying No
Many people cave into the pressures of drinking because they don’t know how to say no. Practice scenarios with a trusted friend where you can think about how you will respond when asked to drink. This will make you more prepared and less prone to cave into the pressure.
Limit Your Time
If you want to attend a social gathering but know that there will be drinking, limit your time there. This way, you can still say hello without feeling pressured to drink.
Plan Your Own Activities
One way to ensure that you won’t feel pressured to drink is to plan gatherings yourself. You can be the next office party organizer by planning events that don’t include drinks. Try making “mocktails” or have a theme that doesn’t involve alcohol.
Coffee Dates
Look to see if you can schedule coffee dates. They do not include alcohol and offer a great opportunity to get together and spend time with friends and family.
Look for Support Groups
Looking for support groups to help handle delicate situations surrounding drinking pressure can also help people maintain sobriety. Hearing from people who have been in similar situations and have stayed sober can help others stay on track.
Seek Sobriety Help at Ocean Hills Recovery
Ocean Hills Recovery offers personalized programs for people seeking sobriety. We understand that each patient is different and that each treatment plan needs to be different as well. Our individualized plans include detox programs, inpatient residential treatment, 12-step recovery, and much more.
We also offer patients the tools they need to cope once they finish their treatment programs. This helps them to navigate the real world and deal with social situations where alcohol is present. Our patients learn the tools they need to survive in the relaxing environment our Orange County, CA, facility offers.
At Ocean Hills Recovery, we also understand the importance of family in the recovery process. Through family addiction counseling, families come together to support their loved ones. During these sessions, families not only learn how to help one another but also about what issues may have led to their addictions. We believe in treating all problems surrounding an alcohol use disorder.
Contact Ocean Hills Recovery today to learn more about how our substance use treatment programs can help you seek the sobriety you deserve.
Sources:
[1] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
[2] https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/alcohol-use-disorder-technology-and-treatement
[3] https://www.verywellmind.com/impact-on-society-63268
About the author:
As CEO of Ocean Hills Recovery, Robert Leigh brings forth an immense passion for helping those suffering create change in their lives. With years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Robert’s active role at Ocean Hills helps integrate his philosophy that addiction and recovery is a personalized journey, and addiction treatment should echo the same mission. Robert’s innovation in the addiction treatment industry has involved integrating exceptional and effective treatment to those that walk into the doors of Ocean Hills, creating a truly unique and individualized treatment program – ensuring that individuals have the foundation and tools they need to live successful lives long after treatment has been completed.
