Your Social Network And Drinking Habits Connected
May people consider alcoholism to be a problem just with an individual, not so much with society. However, it’s important to understand that human beings are born to be social creatures. People don’t make decisions in a vacuum, particularly about things they do in social settings. Ultimately, people like to know that they belong to a group. Any behavior or choice that could help them stay connected can affect the decisions they make. Take a closer look at how this influence can alter someone’s drinking habits and put them at risk for alcoholism.
Study Shows Influence of Social Group With Alcohol Consumption
A recent study done at Harvard University took a examined how much influence social connections had on a person’s likelihood to drink heavily. As you might expect, the most directly connected people had the highest influence, such as a personal friend. But even people up to 3 degrees of separation (friend of a friend of a friend) still has some effect.
Let’s explore this concept one step further. It’s not just about whether that individual person wants to drink because of their own ideas or desires. Their choice to drink excessively becomes part of the group activity. They are more likely to go along with what their social network is doing as a part of staying identified with them. There is a sense of social permission within the group, and even possibly an expectation of drinking heavily.
Social Network Big Part Of Drinking Decisions
This absolutely illustrates why a person in alcoholism recovery needs to reevaluate their social network. Anyone who continues to allow or demonstrate heavy drinking while in their midst ultimately goes against the alcoholic’s greatest need, which is support for sobriety. Granted, recovering alcoholics cannot expect that no one will ever drink around them for the rest of their lives. However, recovery is the time for a reevaluation and rebuilding one’s support system in the healthiest way possible.
Recovering alcoholics are very likely to feel vulnerable after coming home from alcohol rehab. They may feel like many of their friends are off-limits, yet they don’t have many new connections. Drug treatment alumni programs and involvement with support groups can keep a recovering alcoholic moving in the right direction. Sober support after alcohol rehab can keep any social influence more positive. In other words, don’t tempt the devil by keeping drinking friends around.
Restarting Social Network After Alcohol Treatment
Restarting a social network can be difficult. Recovering alcoholics can feel a mixed sense of loss while also feeling rejuvenation by meeting new people. As the familiarity with social drinking habits is replaced with sober activities, this adjustment can get better. However, a person in recovery must never forget the powerful influence of their social network. They can make the most of their work from alcohol rehab by surrounding themselves with others who have a sober vision for their life. If you feel your social network puts you at risk for relapse, call today to get help and stay on track with your sobriety.
