The aim of the study was to examine the separate and combined influence of perceived norms, negative reinforcement drinking motives, and social anxiety on alcohol outcomes. Participants (N = 250) completed measures of injunctive norms, social anxiety, drinking motives, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems. Data collection occurred in 2010. When examined separately, motives emerged as a stronger predictor of alcohol outcomes over norms. When tested jointly, findings suggest that for drinkers higher in social anxiety, normative perceptions are relevant and to such a degree that norms actually supersede their motivation to drink to conform. Implications and limitations are discussed.