The Psychology of Drinking: Why Do We Drink Alcohol?

The history of alcohol use goes back to the beginning of human life. It is a common practice that spreads throughout the world. But what makes us decide to drink alcohol? One requisite for the problem is correct; there are many causes of the habit of drinking with synergists in the same period: psychical, social, and biological variables. However, let us dig deeper into these reasons and better comprehend their influences on issues in our lives. Historical Evidence Alcohol is not a novelty. From about 7000 BC, people have ingested fermented beverages. Dating back to past centuries, alcohol has always influenced crucial roles, whether socially or in religious rituals. We could not imagine medicine with alcohol. To be more precise, celebrations, social gatherings, and the influence of medicine are the reasons drinking has been a routine in different places. Why Do We Drink? Social Reasons Peer Influence and Social Norms The biggest reason people are found to drink is peer pressure. Naturally, we human beings are social animals, and the practice of merging with our peer groups becomes more compelling. Drinking is an international activity and is part of social gatherings, essential events, and celebrations in most cultures. Because one is reluctant to drink, the crowd forces the behaviour through pressure. Social Enhancement We used to think of alcohol as an agent responsible for helping to communicate. It is a tranquillizer, which lowers barriers and allows an open exchange of ideas, etc. People can improve this practice by doing it in a comfortable environment. Psychological Reasons Respite from Stress Escape and imaginary negative situations are the main reasons why people include alcohol in their list of daily must-haves. In a way, it works as a refreshment, which is the cool thing about it. Through drug usage, alcohol can fight—and at least temporarily—anxiety, depression, psychological schisms, and daily worries by making a person peaceful and happy. One of the leading causes of consumption is its ability to resolve problems quickly. Such a very short time is needed to give the body a good retreat and ensure a good dream. It provides a bit of hope. It eases the anxiety, depression, frustration, and disillusionment which humans are frequently bothered by. The next question is - Does alcohol help people escape? Some people, beyond the directly intentional stress relief, escape by drinking liquor. Alcohol is a brief getaway from a very demanding and hectic life. Alcohol, when taken in moderate doses, acts as an analgesic drug and temporarily removes the person from the problems of life. Gratification and Reward Pleasure To most, drinking is a pure pleasure. The pleasure of drinking a favourite drink, relaxation, and the overall experience bring pleasure. Favouring social life greatly encourages satisfaction and happiness. Brain Rewards Above all, drinking alcohol triggers a higher release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that produces good feelings. It is the reward stimulation that makes them want to drink more. The subsequent habituation of drinking calculation usually brings about long-term effects. Cultural/Societal Influences Traditions and Rituals Alcohol cultivation is closely bound to traditions and rituals in practically all societies. The plant is used in almost all religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and other commemorations within the community. The advancement of these habits brought about a feeling of community, and each is set to drinking, which is prevalent. Media and Advertising Media and advertising are two of the most viral in this sector. This may include promoting liquor as a means of fulfilment, relaxation, and attainment of social status. They claim to build a connection with alcohol and positively form people's opinions. Biological Factors Genetic Predisposition A person's genetic predisposition fetching from their parents or the lines they are directed to plays a role in the manifestation and development of alcoholism. A simple explanation would be a person who has ancestors known to have partaken in the addiction to alcohol; one parent, for instance, will have a higher level of vulnerability due to the genes they inherited. Brain Chemistry As per our interactions with neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine, alcohol reorders the thinking in men's & women's brains. The brain chemistry of alcohol drinkers experiences alterations which allow the person to feel good after drinking due to changes in mood, behaviour, and thought processes. Drinking in the long term may manifest in such a way that one will start developing tolerance, which means one will need more of the same drug to achieve the effect that was attained with a small dose initially. This is to eventually end up in dependence—having an uncontrollable urge to drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A part is played by the changes in brain chemistry and neural pathways in this scenario. Psychological Theories Social Learning According to the social learning theory, kids learn behaviour from their peers, parents, and other adults. By observing and then imitating the behaviours of others, we master them. That is to say, if you see essential persons appear in your life-consuming alcohol, you are more likely to follow their behaviour. The experience of positive reinforcement concerning feelings of pleasure and the company of friends will further fortify such behaviour. Cognitive-Behavioural The cognitive-behavioural theory's main subject is how our thoughts and beliefs determine our actions. For instance, if you are sure that alcohol relaxes you or that you are in a better mood after drinking, you will most likely consume more beer. Moving thoughts of this kind of efficacy is the magic bullet for reducing drinking problems. Self-Medication Self-medication, as a hypothesis, explains that people, especially those who are suffering from anxiety, depression, or psychological trauma, drink alcohol to manage stress and mental health questions. Drinking temporarily provides relief that, in a way, proves drinking is a method of self-service. A person goes into a state of addiction, which is a dependence marked by a weakening mental state, and the process leads down the addiction path. Effects of Alcohol Short-Term Effects Physical Coordination loss, slurred speech, and prolonged reaction time tell you that one is drunk from short-term drinking. That is to say, the occurrence of accidents and trauma rises during the period of the party, especially the younger generation, who usually drink and drive. Psychological Within a short period of using alcohol, the central nervous system changes, such as relaxation and psychoactivity. In the situation that an individual has consumed more alcohol than allowed, they might act uncontrollably such that they use aggressive speech and, thus, disrupt the party. Long-Term Effects Physical Health The liver suffers long-term damage from conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. To not even talk about the fact that it does increase the risk of potential cases such as heart disease, some forms of cancer, and neurological problems. Mental Health Habitual drinking is associated with mental health issues; for instance, it can cause depression, anxiety, and, of course, alcohol use disorders. Usually, it seems that alcohol will worsen already existent psychological conditions, and then, such a situation will end up. A self-perpetuating vicious circle is going to be set up by both drinking and psychological deterioration. Social and Economic Costs Relationships Having more than enough to drink can badly affect relationships as it is the overconsumption of drinks that causes problems in relationships, which are domestic violence and aggression. Through alcoholism, family processes are hampered, and it comes with a lot of issues, beginning from domestic violence and abuse to child neglect. Economic Impact Alcohol's economic damage is very significant. Among the contributors are health and productivity loss and the legal burden. Alcohol-induced health issues strain health care services, while work absences and injury accidents result in increased insurance costs. Reducing Harmful Drinking Public Awareness The consumption of alcohol and alcoholism could be one of the problems that is addressed through public awareness campaigns. The scenarios will depict alcohol users reducing consumption and help them understand how to access support resources. School Programs Young people may be saved from the initiation of irreversible drinking if they are informed about the dangers of alcoholism at school. Teens are taught decision-making skills and coping mechanisms to lessen the risk of harmful drinking events in the future. Treatment and Support Counselling and Therapy During counselling and therapy, clients reflect on and deal with the issues of drinking in their lives. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing styles are the best methods that alcoholics can use to acquire new and healthier coping skills. Support Groups Providing a shoulder to crutch to these individuals with the disease of alcohol dependence is the social support that support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide. The first solution may be walking through the problem with the patient, which may be later utilized for group therapy. Policy Interventions Regulation Lower alcohol availability tends to lower the general public's alcohol consumption. This can be effectively accomplished through policy interventions. Some steps that can be carried out include increasing alcohol taxes, setting a minimum alcohol drinking age, and altogether banning advertisements. Thus, one can experience a decrease in total consumption. Screening Screenings of SBIs are done in the healthcare setting to reveal potentially weakened drinkers, thus triggering notions of benefits from a change of life due to health and behaviour-related factors. Indeed, the interventions proposed by the SBIs commonly involve a screening for drinking patterns and then brief counselling or a referral of the clients to the treatment service. Conclusion There is also evidence that psychological, social, and biological factors are the three main reasons that we consume alcohol—those who drank regularly reported anxiety if they had to quit drinking, though. Asking why people drink alcohol is the first step to stopping the behaviour; this is a necessary condition for some individuals to take steps to reduce drinking and opt for healthier lifestyles.