Social drinking is a term used to describe drinking alcoholic beverages in a social setting; i.e., a restaurant or bar, a party or other gathering, or even just two friends having a couple of drinks. In other words, social drinking is considered as something that is done with others.
Social drinking is considered by many to be a pleasurable way of enjoying the company of other people. Alcoholic beverages served at a social drinking setting may be as simple as a few different wine and beer offerings, or as complex as full bar service, where liquor is also available and mixed drinks can be enjoyed. Sometimes the host or hostess provides the liquor, and sometimes others are encouraged to bring their favorite wine, beer, or spirits to share with everyone.
As with any situation involving alcohol, and this includes social drinking, those who are hosting the affair have some duty of responsibility to make sure that drinks are served judiciously, that food, whether snacks or a full meal, is provided so that some of the alcohol can be absorbed. Further, a cut-off time of approximately thirty minutes to one hour should be set, and alcoholic beverages replaced with non-alcoholic ones, so that there is a time period between one’s last drink and one’s departure.
Further, hosts or hostesses should not hesitate to prevent anyone who has had too much to drink and will be driving from doing so. Ways of doing this can range from offering one a place to sleep for the rest of the night, to taking the keys and arranging other means of transportation.
Hosts and hostesses should also be aware of anyone who may be attending to suffers or has suffered from drinking problems. A wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages should be available, and as much care as possible should be taken to make sure that that particular guest is not served alcohol, whether purposely or inadvertently.
Social drinking is readily accepted by many people, and those who participate in social drinking may not have a problem with knowing when to stop, or when they’ve had enough. When drinking increases to the point of intoxication, however, even when one is still in the social setting, or when someone begins to drink alone more and more often, this may be a sign of impending or existing alcohol abuse.
For those who feel they have passed the limits of what is considered social drinking, and believe they need social drinking help, the first hurdle has been passed. That’s because recognizing that a problem exists is the first step in seeking help. South Dakota drug and alcohol treatment help is available when someone is ready to admit that social drinking has become more than that. Please call 1-800-559-9503 or visit our website at http://www.alcoholanddrugabuse.com for more information on help for out-of-control social drinking.
