Why Do Some People Drink More Than Others?

Think back to your college days. You probably had roommates at some point, and there was likely plenty of alcohol around. While it might have seemed like "everyone" was drinking, that's often not the case. People drink at different levels: some only on rare occasions, others regularly but moderately, some heavily, and some develop a full-blown addiction.

Why do some people drink more than others? And why do some develop alcohol use disorder (AUD)? The answers might surprise you!

Why Am I Drinking So Much?

Why do some people keep their drinking minimal while others slide into addiction—sometimes with devastating results? Whether or not someone develops AUD, common threads appear in the stories of those who find drinking has taken hold. From genetics and environment to the nature of alcohol itself, various factors can be at play.

1. You’ve (Accidentally) Rewired Your Brain

First and foremost: alcohol is addictive. It triggers the brain’s reward system and keeps us coming back for more. Here’s how it works:

• Alcohol makes us feel good—briefly. It boosts dopamine, the neurochemical "gold star" for habitual actions. This reward system, meant for survival habits like eating and socializing, can be hijacked by substances like alcohol. But the brief euphoria soon gives way to anxiety, restlessness, or mood swings after heavy drinking.
• It causes relaxation—temporarily. Alcohol increases GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and lowers glutamate (an excitatory one), leading to short-term relaxation followed by drowsiness. Hours later, a rebound effect can cause restlessness and disrupted sleep.
• Dependence develops over time. To adjust to alcohol, the brain reduces natural dopamine production, raising tolerance. Misuse turns into dependence, where you need alcohol just to feel normal.
• Withdrawal and cravings make quitting hard. Dependence brings symptoms like shakiness, nausea, or seizures, along with intense cravings. This often signals alcohol use disorder (AUD), a condition marked by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences.
• The brain "remembers" past misuse. Even after quitting, changes in dopamine pathways can persist. Picking up alcohol again might reactivate these pathways, restarting the cycle.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone: in 2023, 28.1 million U.S. adults struggled with AUD. To learn more, check out resources on alcohol use disorder.

Tip: Many treatment options can help, including inpatient care, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and apps like Quitemate. The key is working with your brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to rewire itself.

2. The Media Sealed the Deal

As Annie Grace notes in This Naked Mind, in our society, "alcohol is the only drug on earth you have to justify not taking." We often see alcohol linked to celebrations, socializing, and relaxation—and the media reinforces this illusion.

• TV shows like How I Met Your Mother or Cheers normalize and glamorize drinking, making it seem routine and fun.
• Reality shows and social media posts often portray alcohol in a positive light, rarely showing hangovers or rehab stays.

Tip: If media triggers unhealthy drinking, be mindful of what you watch. Choose shows that don’t focus on drinking, and on social media, avoid content that stirs cravings.

3. It Might Be in Your Genes

Research shows AUD is partly genetic. Differences in genes affecting alcohol metabolism can influence how quickly your body processes alcohol.

• Your liver uses enzymes to break down alcohol into acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct) and then into harmless acetic acid. Genetic variations in these enzymes affect how efficiently you metabolize alcohol, which can be a risk factor for AUD.
• Your dopamine pathway’s structure might also make you more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.

Tip: Look into your family history for patterns of heavy drinking. Discuss it with supportive relatives to better understand your risks.

4. The Economy Is Bad

Economic factors like unemployment and financial stress can impact drinking habits:

• During economic crises, overall drinking may decrease, but high-risk drinking often rises in certain groups.
• Men, especially if unemployed, are at higher risk, along with those facing severe economic loss or with less education.
• The 2008-2009 recession saw more binge drinking, and the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 38% rise in alcohol-related deaths from 2020-2022.

Stress, boredom, and loss of daily structure can drive people to drink for temporary relief, but alcohol ultimately increases anxiety.

Tip: Maintain a structured daily routine, engage in meaningful activities, and reach out to friends, family, or support groups like the Quitemate Forum for guidance.

5. The Music Is Too Loud

Ever notice bars playing loud music? Studies show it can make you drink more:

• Background music, especially fast or loud tunes, leads to faster drinking. One study found a 31% increase in consumption when music was at 88 dB compared to 72 dB.
• Loud music increases arousal and makes conversation difficult, prompting more drink orders.

Tip: Be aware of how environment affects your drinking. If loud music triggers urges, choose quieter venues or pause to reaffirm your intentions for the night.

Summing Up

Whatever your reasons for drinking too much, recognizing them is the first step. Set healthier drinking goals—or take a break altogether. Develop coping skills like exercise, journaling, or meditation, and surround yourself with supportive people. Remember, Quitemate is here to cheer you on every step of the way!