Shaan: Social drinking hides a complex truth

Singer Shaan recently shared his perspective on alcohol consumption, emphasizing that he identifies as a social drinker rather than someone who drinks alone or out of emotional distress. For Shaan, alcohol has always been associated with shared experiences, people, and positive occasions.

His reflections resonate with many who believe social drinking is harmless, often linked to joy rather than pain. However, experts like Dr. Murali Krishna, a Psychiatry Consultant, explain that alcohol's role in social settings can be more intricate. Social drinking often begins as a means to ease interactions and reduce social anxiety, particularly for extroverted individuals.

Over time, the brain can develop subtle connections between alcohol and feelings of confidence, comfort, and social connection. Dr. Krishna points out that dependence doesn't always manifest as solitary drinking; it can develop when individuals start feeling that social situations are incomplete without alcohol.

Warning signs include feeling uneasy in non-drinking gatherings or believing a drink is necessary to relax or socialize. The frequency of such drinking is also crucial, as regular social consumption can foster emotional reliance. Dr. Krishna explains that people become dependent on alcohol for its emotional effects, such as relaxation, stress relief, or social confidence, not solely because of the environment.