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The evidence that suggests you don’t need alcohol as a social crutch

A reader is worried about socialising without the confidence boost she gets from alcohol. But studies show that the chemical isn’t necessary for easing our social inhibitions, our columnist David Robson advises

By David Robson

16 January 2025

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Will cutting back on alcohol impact our reader’s social life?

Ian Dagnall/Alamy

Following the excesses of the holidays, many of us have opted for a Dry January. One reader tells me she hopes to keep cutting back on her drinking after the month ends, but she is worried about socialising. Alcohol raised her confidence with others and she is nervous about living without booze to lubricate her interactions.

I imagine this is a very common concern, but a survey of 342 US college students by Christine Lee at the University of Washington in Seattle and her colleagues might help…

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