Cheers! 4 Main Motivations for Why People Drink Alcohol 0 7

The safest alcohol is the one that remains in the glass or bottle. Doctors have long agreed that there are no doses of alcohol that do not harm the body. A glass of beer or a glass of wine is dangerous for the brain, heart, and liver, even if you think you’ve only had a little.

So why do people drink? Specialists from Pennsylvania State University, together with colleagues from the University of North Carolina in the USA, conducted a study examining the latent motives of people.

The experiment involved 630 participants aged 18 to 57. 55% of them were women. All volunteers described situations when they consumed alcohol, their motives, and the consequences.

As a result, experts concluded that how a person understands their motives and the degree of control over their behavior is directly related to the frequency of alcohol consumption and its consequences.

The researchers identified five types of regulation. Some had internal regulation — "I drink because I like the taste or the atmosphere"; others had only external regulation — "I drink to fit in with the group." Some participants did not even fully understand why they were drinking, writes the Telegram channel "School of Polymorbidity."

Based on all the findings, experts formed four motivational profiles.

1. "Aimlessly Drinking"

This cohort included 12% of participants. People with this motivation have vague reasons for consuming alcohol and do not derive much pleasure from the process.

This type is associated with the most risky consumption style and pronounced negative consequences. Aimlessly drinking individuals were most often men.

2. "Flexible"

The largest cohort, which included 42% of participants. Their motives are diverse, ranging from pleasure to social pressure.

Such people mostly drink moderately, but the consequences can still be unpredictable at times.

3. "Externally Controlled"

This cohort includes 28% of participants. For such individuals, alcohol becomes a way to boost confidence or meet expectations. They may drink for courage or to lift their mood.

This profile is associated with frequent and intense consumption, scientists warn.

4. "Drinking for Pleasure"

This group accounted for 18% of participants. The motive is internal interest. Such individuals drink moderately, control themselves, and very rarely have negative experiences.

This motivational profile is more common among older adults and seniors — likely due to greater self-control.

Scientists believe that everyone needs to understand their motive. This will help them view their relationship with alcohol differently and seek professional help if necessary.