Drinking has been a social activity for centuries, but for many people, it’s about more than just having a good time.
While some drink for the taste or the buzz, others are drawn to alcohol for reasons they don’t always acknowledge — or even realise themselves. Whether it’s a way to cope, connect, or escape, drinking can serve a deeper purpose beyond the surface-level fun. Here are some of the less talked about reasons why people enjoy getting drunk.
1. It quiets their overthinking.
For people who constantly overanalyse conversations, second-guess decisions, or struggle with racing thoughts, alcohol provides a temporary escape. It slows down the mind and dulls the inner critic, making everything feel lighter and less complicated.
While this relief can feel freeing in the moment, relying on alcohol to turn off an overactive brain can lead to a cycle of dependence. Finding healthier ways to quiet overthinking, like mindfulness or therapy, can offer more sustainable relief.
2. It makes socialising easier.
For many, alcohol acts as a social lubricant, easing anxiety and making interactions feel smoother. It removes the fear of awkward silences, helps people feel more confident in conversations, and reduces self-consciousness.
While this can be helpful in certain situations, relying on alcohol to feel socially comfortable can mask deeper issues with confidence or social anxiety. Learning to socialise without needing a drink can help build genuine, long-lasting confidence.
3. It provides an escape from stress.
Life can be overwhelming, and for some, alcohol offers a quick way to temporarily forget responsibilities, pressures, or emotional struggles. It provides a mental break from worries and can make stress feel distant, at least for a little while.
While it’s normal to unwind with a drink occasionally, using alcohol as a primary coping mechanism can create more problems in the long run. Finding healthier ways to manage stress, like exercise, hobbies, or talking things out, can be more effective without the potential downsides.
4. It gives them permission to let loose.
Source: Pexels Some people feel pressure to always be responsible, composed, or in control. Drinking allows them to temporarily step out of that role and just have fun, without feeling guilty about it. While letting loose is important, finding ways to do it sober, whether through dance, music, or laughter, can make fun feel more authentic and less dependent on alcohol.
5. It makes them feel more attractive.
Alcohol can boost confidence, making people feel more desirable, flirty, or bold. It lowers self-doubt and creates a sense of ease in romantic or social situations. However, this can sometimes lead to regret or misjudgment, as alcohol clouds perception. Developing self-confidence without needing alcohol can help people feel just as attractive while fully in control.
6. It blurs emotional pain.
Many people drink not for the fun of it, but to numb feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety. Alcohol temporarily dulls emotions, creating a sense of detachment from problems. While this might offer short-term relief, avoiding emotions rather than dealing with them can prolong inner struggles. Finding healthier outlets, whatever those might be, can help process feelings in a way that leads to real healing.
7. It makes time feel different.
Source: Unsplash Alcohol has a way of altering perception, making moments feel more intense, funny, or dramatic. A regular night out can suddenly feel like an unforgettable experience when drinks are involved. For those who crave excitement or novelty, alcohol offers a shortcut to making things feel special. But finding ways to create excitement without it through travel, new experiences, or creative hobbies can lead to more meaningful memories.
8. It helps them bond with people.
Drinking can create a shared experience, making people feel more connected in social settings. Whether it’s celebrating, commiserating, or simply unwinding together, alcohol can create a sense of camaraderie. While shared experiences are valuable, true bonding comes from deeper conversations and emotional connection, not just drinking together. Strengthening friendships beyond alcohol makes them more genuine and lasting.
9. It helps them feel rebellious.
For some, drinking represents breaking free from rules, expectations, or societal pressures. This is especially common in cultures where alcohol is discouraged or seen as taboo. While rebellion can be fun, finding ways to express individuality beyond drinking, such as through creativity, travel, or personal growth, can be more fulfilling in the long run.
10. It makes them feel in control, ironically.
Even though alcohol impairs judgment, some people use it to feel like they’re taking control of their emotions, their social life, or their confidence. It gives them a temporary sense of power over their mood. But true control comes from mastering emotions without needing a substance. Building emotional resilience and self-awareness can create a more stable sense of confidence.
11. It allows them to be someone else for a while.
Alcohol can lower inhibitions and make people act in ways they wouldn’t normally. For some, this means feeling more fun, outgoing, or uninhibited, like a different version of themselves. While stepping outside your comfort zone can be great, doing it in a way that aligns with your authentic self without alcohol can lead to more fulfilling experiences.
12. It creates a sense of nostalgia.
For some, drinking is tied to fond memories — university days, holidays, or carefree times with friends. The act of drinking can bring back feelings of youth, freedom, or a time when life felt simpler. While nostalgia is powerful, finding ways to create new, meaningful experiences without relying on alcohol can keep life exciting and full of positive moments.
13. It’s the easiest way to feel different fast
At the end of the day, alcohol provides an instant shift in mood, perception, and energy. Whether someone wants to feel happier, braver, or more relaxed, drinking offers a shortcut to changing their state of mind. However, true happiness, confidence, and relaxation come from within. While drinking can be fun, learning how to access these feelings naturally — through mindset changes, personal growth, or deep connections — creates a lasting sense of fulfilment.
