Wish Recovery’s Blog Category

Alcohol is a ubiquitous part of many cultures around the world. From champagne toasts at weddings to after-work happy hours, drinking is often seen as a social activity that brings people together. However, for some individuals, a drink is more than just a drink; it is a part of their cultural identity and can lead to alcoholism (severe alcohol use disorder).

According to the CDC, if you exclude traffic-related and intentional alcohol-related deaths, the total number of alcohol-related fatalities in the US in 2021 was more than 54,000. That's a staggering number, highlighting many people’s complicated relationship with alcohol. Cultural alcoholism and social drinking are two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, it can be a fun way to bond with friends and celebrate special occasions. On the other hand, it can quickly spiral into a dangerous addiction that wreaks havoc on both physical and mental health.