Review: Social Drinking as a Pathway to Alcohol Use Disorder

Recent research highlights the significant role of social drinking in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Traditionally, stereotypes focus on solitary drinking habits when imagining alcohol problems, but a new review in Current Directions in Psychological Science emphasizes the social origins and influences that often contribute to problematic drinking behaviors. According to the researchers, Catharine Fairbairn from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Dahyeon Kang from the University of Washington, social motives are central to alcohol consumption. Evidence indicates that individuals tend to drink more in social settings than alone, and heavy drinking peers often influence initiation and continuation of alcohol use.

While solitary drinking is associated with more severe AUD cases, Focusing solely on lone drinking behaviors overlooks the broader societal harms linked to social drinking. Many negative outcomes—such as alcohol-related violence, risky sexual behavior, and traffic accidents—are predominantly social phenomena. Alcohol’s ability to reduce anxiety and inhibit social fears makes it appealing as a social lubricant, reinforcing its role in social bonding. Interestingly, those who enjoy social drinking tend to experience higher levels of intoxication and are at increased risk of developing alcohol-related problems.

The review also discusses how the social context of drinking influences behaviors across different age groups. Young people often start drinking within peer groups, which can facilitate heavier and more frequent consumption. Additionally, social drinking is connected to the highest rates of binge drinking and related harms. With changing societal attitudes and the growing acceptance of substances like cannabis, understanding alcohol’s social function offers crucial insights into future legal and healthcare challenges.

Overall, the research advocates for viewing alcohol use disorder through a social-cognitive lens, recognizing that social environments and motives play a crucial role in both the initiation and escalation of problematic drinking. Addressing social motives may be key to developing more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-social-worn-path-alcohol-disorder.html