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What Causes People to Drink Alcohol?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2006, approximately 30.5 million people said they had driven under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. Knowing why people drink alcohol helps clarify how drinkers descend into alcoholism.

  1. Social

    • Alcohol is accepted and encouraged in many instances; it is advertised through the media and in restaurants and bars. Although the legal drinking age in America is 21, it is socially acceptable to drink alcohol and it is perceived as normal behavior.

    Peer Pressure

    • In social settings, friends may dare each other to drink. In the workforce, co-workers may incorporate alcohol into their after-work activities. These settings are high-pressured environments that can create the urge to drink.

    Unwanted Inhibition

    • Drinking alcohol can make the individual feel relaxed and less inhibited. Individuals who are shy or inhibited may use alcohol as a means of overcoming these traits.

    Stress Alleviator

    • When stressed, some people turn to alcohol as a way of relieving their problems. This is a temporary solution, because it does not eradicate the issues.

    Means of Escape

    • Boredom or depression can cause an individual to drink alcohol; his goal is to escape from these feelings. Long-term drinking coupled with borderline abusive behavior can intensify an individual's need for escapism.

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