Is It Social Drinking or a Substance Use Disorder?
Nov 20, 2025
For many adults, social drinking is a normal part of life — a glass of wine with dinner, a beer with friends, or a toast at celebrations. But for some, what starts as occasional, social use can gradually turn into something more serious.
The difference between social drinking and a substance use disorder isn’t always easy to spot, especially because alcohol is so normalized in our culture. Yet understanding the signs of when drinking begins to interfere with daily life is an important step in preventing long-term harm and seeking help early.
Alcohol use exists on a spectrum. On one end, you have light or social drinking — occasional use without negative effects. On the other, there’s alcohol dependence — when drinking becomes compulsive, and stopping feels nearly impossible.
Between those two extremes lies a gray area where many people find themselves: drinking more often than they intended, or using alcohol to cope with emotions rather than just for enjoyment.
Nicole Hewer, MA, LPCC, LADC, and the Waypoint Program Coordinator, explains that one of the first signs of concern is when, how often, and why someone is drinking.
“When we’re looking at the differences between social drinking and when it’s starting to become a problem, we want to look at how often it’s happening, when it’s happening, and whether it’s starting to impact our functioning,” says Hewer.
If alcohol use begins to affect relationships, school, work performance, or emotional well-being, it may be time to take a closer look.
Red Flags That Drinking May Be Becoming a Problem
While everyone’s relationship with alcohol is different, there are some clear indicators that drinking may have crossed into unhealthy territory.
Loss of Control
Social drinkers typically can stop after one or two drinks. But when someone regularly pushes past their limits, despite good intentions to “take it easy,” that loss of control can signal the beginnings of a problem.
“We might start to see people struggling to manage their own consumption,” says Hewer. “Maybe they’re pushing past the limits or drinking alone.”
Drinking alone is particularly significant. It can indicate that alcohol is no longer about social connection, but about coping or self-medicating emotional distress.
Changes in Priorities or Interests
When alcohol begins to take up more time and energy, other interests often fade. A person might skip activities they once enjoyed or choose drinking over hobbies, exercise, or social connections that don’t involve alcohol.
At this stage, the function of drinking changes. It becomes a way to relieve stress or numb feelings, rather than a social activity.
Impact on Relationships
Conflict with partners, friends, or family members is another sign of concern. Loved ones may start to express worry or frustration about drinking habits.
“We might see relationships start to get impacted,” says Hewer. “Work and school can be affected, too.”
When alcohol becomes a source of tension or secrecy, that’s a strong indication that it’s taking a toll beyond the individual.
Using Alcohol to Cope
Occasional drinking in social settings is one thing, but if alcohol becomes a go-to strategy for managing stress, anxiety, or sadness, it can quickly create dependency.
This type of emotional reliance is one of the earliest — and most dangerous — signs of a developing substance use disorder.
Why It’s Hard to Recognize the Shift
Because drinking is so culturally accepted, it can be difficult to tell when it’s gone too far. People often rationalize their behavior — “everyone drinks like this,” or “I just need to relax.”
But Hewer notes that the key difference lies in functioning and reliance.
“It’s not just about celebrating or being social,” she explains. “It’s taken to that next level when it becomes something we rely on to manage our emotions.”
In other words, the issue isn’t just how much someone drinks — it’s also about why and what happens as a result.
The Role of DBT in Treating Substance Use Disorders
At MHS, our DBT for Addictions programs are designed to help individuals who are struggling with substance use — including alcohol — develop healthier ways to cope and build stability in their lives.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that teaches practical, skill-based tools in four main areas:
Mindfulness: Becoming more aware of thoughts, emotions, and urges without acting impulsively.
Distress Tolerance: Learning to manage painful emotions and situations without turning to substances.
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and reducing emotional vulnerability.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building and maintaining healthy, supportive relationships.
By integrating these skills, individuals gain the ability to manage urges, cope with distress, and rebuild their lives with greater emotional balance and control.
MHS offers DBT for Addictions programs for adults and teens to help individuals cope at different stages of life.
Breaking the Stigma Around Getting Help
Many people hesitate to seek help because they don’t think their drinking is “bad enough.” But waiting for a crisis to act only makes recovery harder.
Acknowledging that alcohol is playing a larger role in your life than you’d like doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re self-aware and ready to make a change.
At MHS, we often remind clients that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to ask for help. Early intervention leads to better outcomes — and DBT offers a compassionate, structured path forward.
How MHS Supports Clients on Their Recovery Journey
Through our DBT for Addictions programs, clients gain the structure, accountability, and support needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Our approach focuses on:
Immediate access – no long waitlists
Individualized treatment plans to meet each person’s needs
Integrated support for co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns
Skills-based tools that clients can apply in daily life
Group and individual therapy for ongoing connection and accountability
We believe recovery is not just about stopping substance use, it’s about building a life that feels worth living
Taking the First Step
If you’ve noticed that alcohol or other substances are starting to interfere with your life, or if you’re unsure whether your drinking is still “social,” reaching out for an assessment can be a powerful first step.
Our clinicians at MHS provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your relationship with substances and begin learning the tools to move forward.
Recovery is possible — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
