Social Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

Both alcohol abuse and addiction often have social consequences. These will vary depending on the type and severity of abuse. Indeed, one of the most common signs that a person has a problem with alcohol is that it is interfering with social relationships.

Significance

• A person who abuses alcohol may or may not use alcohol on a daily basis; however, she will have certain behaviors that are affected, which, in turn, affect social relationships. For instance, a person who does not drink daily but binge drinks on the weekend may become violent or decide to drive when under the influence--behaviors which will likely have a negative impact on social relationships.

Types

• Family strife is common for people who abuse alcohol. Family members of alcoholics frequently report feeling of guilt, anger, frustration and helplessness directly related to their loved one's drinking. These feelings usually stem from the unpredictability that surrounds the behavior of an alcoholic as well as their inability to control use or abuse.

Considerations

• According to the Betty Ford Center, it may not be just the stress of the abuse or addiction that contributes to relationship problems. Rather, there is evidence that alcoholics may misinterpret emotional facial expressions, leading to increased misunderstandings and, therefore, increased interpersonal and social consequences.