Feeling a Bit Tipsy? Time To Put Down Your Phone

Technology is at our fingertips almost all the time. You can share your ideas through texts, posts, and videos with millions of people instantly. But those messages can also get you in trouble, especially when your judgment is cloudy from a few cocktails. So, when you pick up a drink (or 2) be careful before you comment!

Alcohol-induced Communication

Alcohol interferes with how the brain functions, resulting in impaired balance, speech, memory, and judgment.¹ If you are drinking and using your phone, conversations can get more revealing, truthful, and potentially damaging. Texting and social posting can leave a digital trail that can’t always be deleted.

You may feel safe texting because that stays between two people, right?  Not always, thanks to screenshots your messages may not stay private. Posting on social media is accessible to the public which potentially includes collogues, supervisors, family, friends, and many others. In some cases, alcohol-induced communication can lead to losing your job.²

Substance-induced Celebrity Posts

Celebrities are not exempt from the consequences of sharing their thoughts under the influence. In 2018, Roseanne Barr posted a racist tweet about former White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett that she later took down and apologized for. Rosanne claimed her judgment was affected by Ambien (a prescription medicine prescribed for sleep issues) when she wrote the tweet at 2 am. As a result of her tweet, Rosanne was fired from her rebooted show (it was rebranded as “The Connors” ) and her original program was pulled from streaming.³

Famous artists have released songs about their drunk texting/calling experiences. Drake released Marvin’s Room in 2011 where he sings “I’ve been drinking so much / That I’ma call you anyway.” In 2017 Drake released another song in which he sings “I drunk text J.Lo / Old numbers so I bounce back.” Looks like Jennifer Lopez wasn’t too happy with the intoxicated messages and changed her number.^4,5

Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse

A 2021 study found that drunk texting behavior predicted heavy drinking.⁶ The study also found drunk texting and problematic drinking are associated with emotional regulation.  If you or a loved one are sending a lot of intoxicated messages, it may be a sign of a larger problem. A problematic pattern of using alcohol can lead to clinically significant distress or impairment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5^th edition) used by medical professionals to diagnose addiction, signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder may include: ⁷

• Alcohol is consumed over longer periods of time or in larger amounts than intended.
• There are unsuccessful efforts, despite a persistent desire, to cut down alcohol consumption.
• A lot of time is spent getting alcohol, drinking alcohol, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
• There is a strong urge to consume alcohol, also referred to as a craving.
• A failure to fulfill major obligations at home, school, or work due to recurrent alcohol use.
• Continuing to consume alcohol despite persistent or reoccurring interpersonal or social problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
• Significant recreational, social, or occupational activities are reduced or given up due to alcohol use.
• Continued alcohol use in physically hazardous situations (such as driving).

If you think you or a loved one has an Alcohol Use Disorder, there are treatment options available to help.

Texas Rehab for Alcohol & Drug Addiction

Greenhouse Treatment Center located near Dallas, Texas offers drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. The facility offers treatment on a full continuum of care including:

• Medical detoxification.
• Inpatient/residential rehab.
• Outpatient treatment services.
• Sober living.
• Aftercare.

If you have more questions about alcohol addiction, the right level of care for you or your loved one, or the admissions process, reach out to our admissions navigators available 24/7 at .