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Why You Can’t Just Have One Drink: The Dangers of Problematic Drinking Behavior
We’ve all heard it before, “I’ll just have one drink.” It’s a common phrase many use when engaging in social activities involving alcohol. However, this statement can spiral into a cycle that leads to problematic drinking behavior for some individuals.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical term that describes an individual’s inability to control or stop alcohol consumption despite its adverse effects on their social, occupational, and health aspects. This disorder isn’t about the quantity of alcohol consumed but rather the unhealthy pattern and the inability to control the consumption.
The Myth of Moderation
The idea of “just one drink” can be deceiving, especially for those who struggle with alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse. For years, the assumption was that there was no room for a single drink for anyone with a drinking problem. This stems from the fact that alcohol can create a powerful physical and psychological dependence. Once a person has developed a pattern of chronic drinking, one drink can quickly lead to another, making moderation difficult, if not impossible.
