A social drinker usually drinks alcohol at social events such as parties, social gatherings with family and friends, and workshop events. Social drinking habits vary among different types of events and cultures or traditions. Social drinkers often consume a reasonable quantity of alcohol, but some may consume an extra amount of alcohol, which is not within normal safe limits.
Effects of Social Drinking
Effects of social drinking differ in people with different health states and alcohol use. Drinkers with health disorders and a high risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) may have trouble if they consume an increased amount of alcohol. However, if a person has less risk of AUD or has no health problems, he/she should not worry much about the amount of alcohol consumption.
Social drinking is considered acceptable in different cultures because of the various benefits related to social drinking. Common goals of social drinking include the following:
- Calm and relax drinkers in social situations and events
- Improves physical, mental, and emotional health
- Sharing different experiences with fellow mates regarding alcoholism
- Source of celebration and enjoyment during different occasions or achievements
To get these benefits, alcohol consumption should be done in moderation. Social drinkers should not experience alcohol cravings or use alcohol as self-medication for mental disorders. These problems usually arise due to the consumption of high amounts of alcohol.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood alcohol level or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream of a person. To measure BAC a device is used, which is named a breathalyzer. You can measure your BAC after 15-20 minutes of alcohol consumption. The normal BAC level is 0.0, however, 0.08 is considered as intoxicated.
If you consume one standard drink in an hour, your BAC level will remain within normal limits. A standard drink is half an ounce of alcohol per hour, which is determined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). If you exceed this limit, your BAC level will rise above normal.
Standard Alcohol Drink
Social drinkers should not consume alcohol more than the standard amount and keep BAC levels within normal limits, i.e. 0.0. One standard drink of alcohol is equal to one five-ounce glass of wine, or one 12-ounce beer, or one 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits. Social alcoholics should stop drinking before the blood level rises above 0.0.
The above values are not accurate, but they can give a good idea about the BAC or alcohol intoxication in a person. All these values are derived via conventional wisdom, which may be wrong in some situations.
Some people become intoxicated as soon as they consume their first drink of alcohol, while others are not intoxicated even after the consumption of more than the standard amount of alcohol.
Safety Measures Regarding Social Alcoholism
Do not drink or drive. Once your BAC levels reach above 0.08 because it can lead to accidents or adverse consequences. Above 0.08 BAC, a person is seriously impaired, and a BAC of more than 0.40 proves potentially fatal. If you are driving with a BAC level of 0.08 or above, you will be arrested. In case your BAC level is below 0.08, but you are intoxicated, you will be arrested in this condition as well.
Take Away Message
Do not drink or drive. Once your BAC levels reach above 0.08 because it can lead to accidents or adverse consequences.
