blog posts Social drinking could mask alcoholism, or provoke problem drinking May 8, 2025 9:45 am by Discover MagazineIllinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Discover Magazine (May 6) Illinois professor Catharine Fairbairn says problem drinkers sometimes use social settings to provide cover for their behavior, rationalizing that 'the mere presence of other individuals exerts a beneficial effect.' Share on Facebook Tweet Email