What is 'planning around drinking'?
Direct Answer
Planning around drinking refers to organizing one's schedule, social engagements, or daily activities specifically to include or enable alcohol consumption. This may involve ensuring access to alcohol, timing events to allow for drinking, or making arrangements to manage effects of drinking. This action does not automatically mean a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.
Common Misunderstandings
Some people believe that any planning involving alcohol indicates an alcohol use disorder. This is not always the case; casual social planning may include alcohol without problematic patterns. Others may think that if drinking does not interfere with obligations, it cannot be a concern. However, planning activities primarily to facilitate drinking can still represent a shift in priorities.
In Practice
If a person consistently adjusts their daily routines to ensure opportunities to drink, this is an example of planning around drinking. For instance, declining an early morning activity to avoid disrupting a night of drinking is an example. Choosing specific venues primarily because alcohol is served there also applies. Repeatedly anticipating and arranging for alcohol availability during events falls under this description.
What This Does NOT Mean
This does not mean that every instance of considering alcohol in plans indicates a problem. Casual social drinking often involves some level of planning for beverages. This does not automatically include impaired decision-making in other life areas. This does not guarantee the presence of dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Scope
This information is for reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional clinical evaluation.