By: AndreaBergman
Alcohol producers spend a lot of money each year marketing their products, and social media has become a popular place to advertise. With platforms like Facebook attracting more than two billion users, it’s no wonder that experts are starting to make a connection between social media and alcohol consumption. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse that’s been influenced by social media, it’s time to find help from an alcohol addiction treatment program.
What is the Connection Between Social Media and Alcohol Consumption?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States. From big brands that showcase their newest products on Facebook to local restaurants that post pictures of their signature drinks on Instagram, social media provides sellers of alcohol to connect with the public.
Marketing goes beyond advertising campaigns, too. People get together virtually and talk about drinking. They show a picture of the glass of wine they are having with dinner or the bottle of whiskey they got for their birthday. It all makes the idea of having a drink very appealing, especially to young people. “Influencers” or those who have a large base of followers on social media tend to also glamorize drinking. From pictures of drinking at parties to talking about drinking in their videos, younger audiences and even those in recovery are constantly seeing images that promote alcohol consumption.
Is There a Connection Between Social Media and Alcohol Abuse?
Research shows there might be a relationship between how much time someone spends on social media and whether or not they drink alcohol. In other words, if someone sees a friend talking about drinking or an appealing ad, they may be more likely to drink themselves.
There’s also speculation that social media time promotes alcohol use by making it seem like a socially normal thing to do. It is an aspect that impacts teens most of all.
How Social Media Influences Treatment Choices
It’s not all bad news, though. There is some indication that may open up treatment opportunities, too. People are more aware of what others are doing because of social media platforms If a friend or family member talks a lot about drinking or frequently posts while drunk, it can be a flag.
Treatment centers often use social media sites to talk about the advantages of rehab and how getting help can change someone’s life. Social media offers in a new place for people to go to do research about treatment programs and gather information necessary on their own so they can make informed decisions about recovery options.
What to Watch for on Social Media
People who have an addiction to alcohol tend to have problems they may post about on social media such as:
- Blackouts
- Car accidents
- Depression
- Hangovers
Their activity can also show other signs of alcohol addiction, like changes in their appearance or changes in their social circles. The time of day that they’re active on social media can also be an indication that there’s a problem.
Lakeview Health for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you feel as though social media is influencing your alcohol consumption, or you believe you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s time to seek out help from Lakeview Health. At Lakeview Health, we understand the different factors that might influence your drinking. This is why we create individualized plans for each of our clients. These plans help us provide the necessary care and guidance each person needs as they work towards their long-term recovery goals.
Some of our addiction treatment programs and services include the following:
- Men’s rehab center
- Women’s rehab center
- Alcohol detox center
- Medical detox center
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare program
- Alumni program
There is no reason alcohol use needs to take over your life. Treatment can offer you a new way to live. Contact Lakeview Health at [Direct] to find out more about us and the programs we offer that can put you on the path to recovery.
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We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. We do not currently accept Medicare, Medicaid, or Florida Blue.
