Science Confirms What You Definitely Already Know About Breakups And Getting Drunk
If the love of your life just decided to call it quits, chances are, you're not going to feel very good about yourself.
It's common to seek out a way to numb the pain of being rejected (especially if you didn't see it coming). Breakups do suck, after all. So what do you do when trying to erase that person from your brain? Well... you drink.
And as it turns out, social rejection and subsequent alcohol usage go hand in hand.
According to a new study from the Research Society on Alcoholism, the type of relationship you have with the person rejecting you will predict whether or not you reach for that bottle of Cuervo.
Researchers surveyed 77 people (41 women and 36 men), who recorded their interactions with other people and their booze consumption over the course of two weeks.
What they came to find (which you probably already know) is that you're more prone to drinking when you're rejected by someone you're much closer with, like a best friend, a family member or a romantic partner.
On the other hand, the chances of participants drinking didn't increase at all when they experienced rejection by strangers or acquaintances.
So basically, being you could be pounding back drinks much harder if you're turned down by your long-term partner than by a random drunk guy at the bar down the street.
To me, all this science mumbo jumbo makes complete sense.
When someone you care about doesn't reciprocate those feelings and, in turn, rejects you, it's heartbreaking. And for some, alcohol is an easy alternative. I mean, who hasn't blacked out to forget our problems at least once?
If some no-nothing jerk-off rejects your advances, you can move on easier, and you're less likely to dwell on it. But it takes a lot more to get over someone whom you once trusted.
And, alcohol is much cheaper than a therapist, after all, and wine will never let you down.
Citations: Social rejection by those closest to you can lead to subsequent drinking (Science Daily)
