No one is ever having a bad time in an ad for alcoholic beverages—at least not by the end of the ad. If someone in a commercial is down in the dumps during the first moments on screen, they will inevitably be cheered up by the end. Their improved mood will involve an alcoholic beverage.
The prevailing message of alcohol advertising is simple: drinking is part of having a good time. In fact, these ads would like to convince you that alcohol is actually essential to having a good time.
That is a dangerous message. It is dangerous for people who might be encouraged to take up drinking and eventually develop a substance use disorder as a result. And it is dangerous for those in recovery from a substance use disorder who might let the alcohol ads weaken their resolve to leave alcohol (or other drugs) in the past.
Given how prevalent this kind of advertising is—commercials, sports sponsorships, signage in restaurants, and more—it might seem like you cannot help but let the messaging seep into your mind. But even though you are likely going to encounter alcohol marketing more often than you might like, there are some things you can do to shore up your resolve to ensure you can keep your recovery intact (or avoid drinking in the first place).
Let’s take a look at how you can keep your focus in the face of an unrelenting marketing blitz designed to get you drinking.
The Power of Premium, Delayed Viewing, and Mute
If you are old enough, you might remember when commercials on television and radio were basically unavoidable. When it was time for a commercial break, you just had to watch or listen to the ads. Sure, the ads might give you an opportunity to run to the bathroom or grab a snack from the kitchen, but the commercials were going to air, and your show would not return until they were done.
These days the media landscape is much, much different. One of the biggest differences is how many ways there are to minimize or even entirely avoid commercials.
For example, many streaming services let you pay a little more each month to simply keep ads out of the content you watch or listen to. However, those extra charges can add up quickly and might not be a viable option for everyone.
Another option, particularly for sporting events—which very often are filled with alcohol advertising—delayed viewing can be a good option. If you stream a game after it has aired live, the playback likely will not include the commercials. In some cases, you might also be able to start a program a little late so that you can fast-forward through the commercials.
Do not have any of those options? The mute button can be your friend. Not having to listen to the upbeat music and party atmosphere that often are part of alcohol commercials can work in your favor. And, of course, you could try the old-school method—heading to the bathroom or to get a (healthy) snack when the commercials come on.
Have a Plan in Advance
When you are at the ballpark or out at a restaurant with friends, there is likely to be alcohol marketing that you cannot easily avoid. That does not necessarily mean you have to avoid those activities and locations. But it does mean that you will be best served if you have a plan in advance.
That plan does not have to be complicated. Just reminding yourself that you will get a bottle of water or a soda at the game or that you will order a soft drink at dinner can help ensure you do not make a snap decision that you will regret later.
When possible, it is also a good idea to see if the folks you are hanging out with would be willing to order non-alcoholic beverages as well. Your most supportive friends and family members will likely be happy to support you in this way. And when they do, it can be a powerful reminder that you can have a really good time without alcohol—no matter what the ads say.
Get the Help You Need at The Aviary Recovery Center
Year after year, The Aviary Recovery Center is recognized as one of the best substance use disorder treatment facilities in the nation. Located near St. Louis, Missouri, The Aviary relies on evidence-based practices, high levels of expertise, years of experience, and an ethos of empathy to deliver the highest quality care to those who are struggling with drugs or alcohol.
Importantly, we understand that no two people have exactly the same story or exactly the same needs. That is why our approach to treatment is built around personalization. There are no cookie-cutter solutions on offer at The Aviary Recovery Center.
We provide inpatient and outpatient treatment options, and we are able to address mental health disorders that may be tangled up with your issues with drugs or alcohol. From our medically supervised approach to detoxification to our rehabilitation programming and on through our robust alumni services, the staff of The Aviary Recovery Center is always working to help you reach your recovery goals.
