Breaking Down the Types of Drinking Culture

This article was written and published by RCA.

For some, having a name to put on their drinking habits can make problematic drinking more palatable—after all, if it’s a cultural norm, then how bad can it really be? From parent drinking culture to college binge drinking, there are various types of drinking cultures that can become labels for people’s drinking habits. However, these labels can often be misleading and mask the underlying issues that may be driving a person’s relationship with alcohol. Alcohol addiction treatment can help people who are struggling with unhealthy drinking regardless of the cultural label attached to their habits.

Parent Drinking Culture

The reality of parents turning to alcohol for stress relief is not a new problem, despite recent trends like the term “wine mom” that see alcohol and parenting go hand-in-hand.

Parents indulging in a glass or two of wine after a long day of parenting might not start out as a problematic habit, but it can easily escalate into an unhealthy coping mechanism. Alcohol doesn’t care why you’re drinking—it just knows how to keep you coming back for more.

These signs can indicate that you or a loved one is starting to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism:

• Drinking alone or hiding the amount of alcohol being consumed.
• Using alcohol as a reward or “treat” for getting through the day.
• Feeling guilty or defensive about drinking habits.

It’s important to recognize that wine mom culture is not only limited to mothers, but can apply to anyone who turns to alcohol as a way to cope with stress. Seeking help and finding healthier ways to manage stress can be crucial in breaking this cycle.

College Binge Drinking

Many students view heavy drinking as a rite of passage and a necessary component of the college experience. However, binge drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within a two-hour period, can have serious consequences.¹

Binge drinking is not only a problem among college students, but it can also be prevalent in any social setting that promotes excessive alcohol consumption. This type of drinking culture often glorifies drunkenness and the antics that come with it rather than acknowledging the potential harm it can cause.

Potential consequences of binge drinking, aside from the potential to develop an alcohol use disorder, include:

• Alcohol poisoning.
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries.
• Impaired judgment and decision-making lead to risky behaviors.
• Negative impact on academic performance.

This kind of drinking culture can be difficult to break out of, especially when it is seen as the norm among peers. However, seeking support from friends and family and finding alternative activities can help someone struggling with binge drinking find healthier ways to socialize and have fun without relying on excessive alcohol consumption.

Corporate Drinking Culture

This type of drinking culture often revolves around networking events, happy hours, and client dinners. While there has been a definite cultural shift away from heavy drinking in professional settings due to liability issues, there can still be an unspoken expectation to drink and keep up with colleagues or clients.

Is Any Kind of Drinking Culture Healthy?

Any type of excessive or unhealthy drinking is not healthy, regardless of the cultural context in which it occurs.

Rather than focusing on fitting into a certain drinking culture, try to assess your own relationship with alcohol and seek help if needed. Some questions to consider include:

• Do I feel like I need alcohol in order to relax or socialize?
• Have friends or family expressed concern about my drinking habits?
• Am I experiencing negative consequences due to my drinking, such as problems with relationships or job performance?

Categorizing types of drinkers can even be a way for people to feel like they don’t have a problem—they’re not a wine mom, a college binge drinker, or a corporate partygoer—so they must be fine. However, if alcohol is causing problems in your life, it’s important to address the issue regardless of what label may be attached to your drinking habits.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Offers a New Path Forward

Whether you identify with a specific drinking culture or not, seeking help for alcohol addiction can provide a fresh start and new tools for managing stress, socializing, and dealing with life’s challenges without relying on alcohol.