Almost everyone can come up with a number of reasons they believe is the cause they drink.
But understanding the real motive can lead to interventions to reduce harmful drinking in those that consume alcohol in excess.
Researchers developed a motivational model of alcohol use to help treat heavy drinkers. It suggests we drink to change how we feel, the Daily Mail reported.
There are four main categories for all drinking motives.
1. Social drinking: Research collected from people in various countries has shown the most common reason for drinking is social motives. It may be about having as much fun as you can with your friends. This reason of drinking is considered to be linked to moderate alcohol use and for pastime.
2. Drinking to conform: People who drink to fit in on social occasion rather than because they want to, are considered to drink very little.
3. Drinking for enhancement: People in this group are considered to be extroverted, aggressive and impulsive. They are more likely to drink to feel drunk.
4. Drinking to cope: Those who consume alcohol for coping purposes have very high levels of neuroticism and low self-esteem. People in this category are using alcohol to cope with life, anxiety and depression.
