Alcohol is a psychoactive substance, meaning it can drastically alter our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, a drink or two can make us feel ecstatic, while other times, it can make us feel depressed. The key factor? Your social environment. When you’re enjoying a drink with friends, you tend to feel happier, more sociable, and energetic. But when drinking alone, those feelings might not be the same, and you might even feel a little depressed. What’s going on in your brain for this to happen? Let’s dive into the science.
How social environment affects your alcohol consumption
“The social environment has a major influence on how we respond to alcohol, yet we don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind it,” says Kyung-Ann Han, PhD, a biologist at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Han and his team conducted research to explore the neurobiological processes involved in social drinking and its effect on feelings of euphoria. Their findings were published in the journal Addiction Biology.
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Fruit flies and human behavior: A surprising connection
Han explained that fruit flies, which share about 75% of the genes associated with human diseases, were used in the study to gain insight into human behavior. The researchers exposed the flies alone or in groups to ethanol vapor (the alcohol in beverages) and measured their movement to find out their response to ethanol. Flies living alone showed a slight increase in movement, while flies living in groups showed significantly more activity.
Regarding dopamine (the ‘happiness hormone’), the study found that flies, regardless of their dopamine levels, responded similarly to ethanol when alone – a slight increase in activity. However, in a social environment, flies with higher dopamine levels were even more hyperactive.
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“We have shown that both social context and dopamine work together to increase flies’ responses to ethanol,” Han explains.
Tips for drinking safe beverages
Whether you’re with friends or alone, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Set a drinking limit.
- Track your consumption.
- Eat something before and while drinking.
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Never leave your beverage unattended.
- Avoid drinking too quickly.
- Don’t mix alcohol with stimulants such as energy drinks.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are sick or taking medication.
- Avoid drinking alcohol to deal with stress.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Drink responsibly and follow these tips to ensure a safe drinking experience.
