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Survey: How Many Couples View Alcohol as Essential to Their Relationship?

By:
Shaun Connell
Updated
July 24, 2024

We recently surveyed 3,000 couples across the U.S., providing fascinating insights into the role that alcohol plays in modern relationships. The results are below.

Key Findings

  • Prevalence of Alcohol-Dependent Relationships: National average stands at 16% of couples considering alcohol a cornerstone of their relationship.
  • Regional Variations: States such as Idaho (31%), Mississippi (28%), and Nevada (27%) show significantly higher percentages of alcohol-dependent relationships.
  • Frequency of Drinking Together: Couples drink together about three times a week on average.
  • Perceived Benefits: 28% of people believe that sharing a drink brings them closer, facilitating shared experiences and intimate conversations.
  • Conflict Resolution: 23% of couples use alcohol specifically to smooth over disagreements.
  • Similar Drinking Habits: 60% of couples have similar tastes and habits when it comes to drinking.
  • Boosting Intimacy: Nearly half (47%) of couples believe that alcohol enhances intimacy.
  • Decision-Making Under Influence: 23% of couples make significant life decisions together while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Escaping Problems: 25% of couples use drinking as a way to avoid facing their issues.

 The Double-Edged Sword of Alcohol in Relationships

 While our study reveals that many couples perceive benefits from shared drinking experiences, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and drawbacks:

  • Health Concerns: Regular alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, both physical and mental, which could strain relationships in the long term.
  • Dependency Issues: Relying on alcohol to facilitate communication, intimacy, or conflict resolution may hinder the development of healthy relationship skills.
  • Impaired Decision Making: Making important life choices under the influence of alcohol could lead to regrettable decisions with long-lasting consequences.
  • Masking Problems: Using alcohol to escape relationship issues may prevent couples from addressing and resolving underlying problems, potentially leading to deeper issues over time.
  • Financial Strain: Regular drinking can be expensive, potentially adding financial stress to relationships.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

While shared activities can indeed strengthen bonds between partners, relying on alcohol to maintain a relationship is a risky strategy. It's crucial for couples to develop healthy communication skills and address issues directly, rather than using alcohol as a crutch. We recommend that couples who find themselves relying heavily on alcohol should:

  • Seek professional help if they feel unable to communicate or resolve conflicts without alcohol.
  • Explore alternative shared activities that don't involve drinking.
  • Be honest with each other about their alcohol consumption and its impact on their relationship.
  • Consider setting boundaries around alcohol use and agree on alcohol-free days or activities.