They come to believe that they can only have fun or be fun and be acceptable if they drink. This way the individual never learns that his or her acceptability is not dependent upon drinking, but depends on him or herself. If he or she can learn to be more self- accepting, she or he can also learn to consume less alcohol. Let at least one half hour lapse between finishing one alcoholic drink and beginning the next alcoholic drink. Se if you don't feel more relaxed and consume less alcohol.
Some people are just plain thirsty after arriving at a party.
Try drinking two glasses of soda or ice water before consuming your first alcoholic beverage. This helps quench your thirst. Eat to relieve your empty stomach instead of having a drink first. Another drinking stimulus is anger. Instead of dealing with the angry feelings directly, drinking is substituted.