Basically, there's this assumption that that low levels of drinking are not harmful at all and might even be beneficial for health. Witkiewitz: I think it's interesting because there is mixed research on even the health benefits of alcohol, supposed health benefits of alcohol.
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Luna: Let's explore that presumption of safety because you said it's legal, of course, and it's socially acceptable, so how does that affect people's drinking knowing that it is quote unquote a safe thing to be doing? It's not too surprising that we see alcohol everywhere and we as a culture of most Americans use alcohol, drink alcohol. Given it's legal, it's widely available, it's socially accepted. It's generally a drug that provides a lot of different potential short-term benefits in the moment. Also, this other side of helping to relieve distress so relieving negative states, negative emotions that relieving pain. Because it is a legal psychoactive drug that many people view as safe although we could talk about that assumption and that people just generally use to socialize and to have fun.
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I think alcohol is a part of life and part of society. Or when they're not feeling good, it can provide some relief of negative feelings and is commonly used in celebration and generally brings people small amounts of joy in their life. Alcohol is a legal substance and it's a legal psychoactive drug that in many cases makes people feel better either in celebration. Witkiewitz: There's a quote of it being a pervasive fact of life and I think that quote really captures alcohol in our society even since before prohibition, but especially during and after prohibition. First, I want to start off with why do you think alcohol has such a tight grip on American society? Luna: We are really happy to have you on our show today. Witkiewitz: Thank you, Kaitlin, it's great to be here. She's part of the university's Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. Katie Witkiewitz from the University of New Mexico. Because it allows us time to explore our relationship with alcohol with a clear head.” Today, we're talking to addiction researcher and psychologist, Dr. For the sober curious crowd, this can mean taking a break from alcohol for a set period such as during specific months, you may have heard of Dry January or Sober October, or it can mean quitting altogether.Įither way, as our guest for this episode, says, “Stopping drinking even for a short period can be beneficial. Sobriety is having a moment in the spotlight. In the midst of all this booze, there is a burgeoning movement in the opposite direction. Alcohol flows freely at brunches, baby showers, and birthday parties, not just in bars.
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It's hard to go out and not see people imbibing. I'm your host, Kaitlin Luna.ĭrinking is ubiquitous in American culture today. Kaitlin Luna: Hello and welcome to Speaking of Psychology, a biweekly podcast from the American Psychological Association that explores the connections between psychological science and everyday life.