Should I be concerned about my husband's apparent increase in social drinking? He has taken on added duties at work in recent times following a restructuring exercise.

Once one drinks within the confines of social drinking then it is usually all right. Some research shows that some persons, who drink socially, tend to experience certain health benefits.

However, an increase in social drinking could lead to problems. The increase in social drinking by your husband could be an indication that he is masking pain and might also be a cry for help from you.

Drinking safely

Social drinking is defined as the consumption of alcohol without reaching the point of being drunk. It is drinking in a safe, legal, appropriate and responsible manner. It allows one to socialise. For it to be considered social drinking it should not exceed the equivalent of three pints of beer. The three pints is an estimate to guide you. However, the number of drinks consumed is often a poor measure of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), largely because of variations in weight, gender, and body fat. The better measurement is that the drinks should not raise the blood alcohol level above 0.05 per cent. Unless a person has developed a high tolerance for alcohol, a BAC rating of 0.20 per cent represents very serious intoxication and most first-time drinkers would be unconscious with 0.15 per cent.

Some persons engage in social drinking as a means of relaxing among a group of persons. Others drink to feel comfortable in a new situation or among new persons. It can also allow the drinker to feel good about himself/herself.

However, your husband seems to be drinking not for relaxing among friends or to meet new associates. He seems to be masking the stress related to the restructuring, possibly feeling guilty that others were laid off and he is still with a job, or it could be that he is overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities. If it is the latter situation, it could be indicative that he is not managing his new assignments well. He should be warned that an increase in social drinking could affect his performance and ability to retain his job.