Alcohol Addiction – How Casual Use Can Turn into a Problem

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Consuming alcohol in and of itself isn’t necessarily a risky behavior, but over time, sustained alcohol use can become a problem.

Has Alcohol Use Become an Issue?

Here are a few simple questions to ask:

  • Have you ever thought about or tried to cut down on your drinking?
  • Have others in your life expressed their concern about your alcohol use?
  • Have you ever felt badly or guilty about your drinking?
  • Have you ever had a drink in the morning to calm your nerves or manage the symptoms of withdrawal?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time to contact a licensed treatment provider for help.

So how does casual alcohol use turn into a problem?

Alcohol is Legal

Due to alcohol being legal, it is more available and accepted in American society. It can be easy for a person to justify their use even if it is excessive. Also, people often don’t recognize the problems that drinking can create due to acceptance within a social group.

Alcohol is Used Socially

Acceptance and tolerance of binge drinking and risky or harmful behaviors is a common route for the development of an alcohol use disorder. It’s natural that people who are heavier drinkers would associate themselves with other heavy drinkers. This can help to isolate a person from recognizing that their drinking has become a problem.

Alcohol is Advertised

Advertising has a real effect on how people perceive the use of alcohol.

Alcohol companies benefit by making it’s use seem fun or glamorous. The reality is that alcohol is a psychoactive drug that affects a person’s thinking and behavior and can have real consequences.

On the one hand, moderate use of alcohol has been shown to have some health benefits. On the other, alcohol is a factor in an estimated 88,000 deaths in the United States annually.

Getting Help

The onset of an alcohol use  disorder can sometimes be difficult for a person to recognize.

If you can understand the risks associated with alcohol use in general, you can be more equipped to monitor your own intake over time and assess if you might have a problem.

If you need help for an issue with alcohol or are seeking advice when it comes to helping another, contact us for more information. Our licensed clinicians are here to help.


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.