Social inhibition is what keeps humans from becoming involved in potentially objectionable actions and/or expressions in a social setting. The significance of this inhibiting behaviour varies greatly from person to person, and may be closely linked to a person's confidence. Many people use the effects of alcohol to free themselves from these inhibitions, providing more active experiences in society, however this can become over enhanced when too much alcohol is taken. On a contrary thesis that has been well tested with the classic "alcohol: without alcohol" experiment which shows people often simply need the alcohol as an excuse to free themselves.
Many recreational substances can significantly lower a person's inhibitions, notably alcohol. Alternatively, some substances may actually strengthen these inhibitions. As an example, abuse of stimulants may lead to anxiety and heighten inhibition. This is more common in drugs with dysphoric effects.
Hypomania and mania often present themselves with lowered social inhibition.
See also
audience effect ("in subjects ranging from cockroaches to humans")
Top