Social media is almost unavoidable in today’s culture. Billions of people are multiple social media platforms, using them as a way to stay in touch with distant friends and stay on top of the news. But excessive social media use can lead to some problems. Could social media be contributing to unhealthy drinking behaviors? Drinking and social media use occur often, and when it does, it can be putting you at risk for alcohol addiction. If you like to post and share what you are doing, what you are drinking, and what risky behaviors you take on, that could be putting you at risk. At Serenity Light Recovery, our team is here to support your recovery.
Why Is Drinking and Social Media Use Bad?
Social media is not a bad thing. It can provide great opportunities to connect with new people and to engage with the world. How you use it, though, can impact your overall wellbeing. You have had a long day and just want a drink. You head over to your social media account and you see friends – many of them who share the same lifestyle you do – ready to find a glass of wine. People are talking about going out for the night to let go of the stress.
In those moments, drinking and social media can seem like a relief from stress and a long day. Yet, they can also contribute to an unhealthy drinking problem. There are studies that show the relationship between alcohol-related social media activity and the development of substance use disorders. Social media does not turn you into an alcoholic, but repeated use and the positive encouragement to keep drinking can put you at high risk for doing so.
Do You Have a Problem?
Drinking and social media often go together. How do you know if what you are doing is healthy and not something more worrisome like the beginning of addiction? Look for a few key signs:
- Do you use social media posts to justify drinking at any time of the day or night?
- Do you feel a sense of pride when you are drinking and sharing it on social media?
- Are you using alcohol as a way to deal with stress and frustration?
- Are you drinks progressive from wine to liquor?
- Are you drinking more often than you used to?
- Is alcohol impacting your ability to meet family or work obligations?
- Are you hiding your alcohol use?
If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to get some treatment and support. Social media can often influence us in ways we do not notice.
When You Need Help, Do Not Wait
Drinking and social media use may lead to addiction. If you are using alcohol readily, it may be necessary to seek comprehensive care. At Serenity Light Recovery, we offer a range of treatment options to help you including:
- Alcohol detox programs
- Inpatient drug rehab
- Outpatient alcohol rehab
- Holistic recovery services
- Intensive outpatient treatment
Recognize the connection between drinking and social media in your life. Then, take steps to get the care you need. It is best to get help for these problems sooner rather than later.
Are You Ready for Change? Turn to Serenity Light Recovery
When drinking and social media use are taking over your life, you may be ready for a change. Addiction is a serious, life-changing complication. When it happens to you, realizing what is occurring is the first step you have to take in getting help. Serenity Light Recovery has compassionate counselors to help you. Call us today at (281) 431-6700 for fast, reliable support.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
