Some people use substances like alcohol to treat distressing mental health problems, like symptoms of anxiety. However, over time, this type of self-medication can lead to an alcohol use disorder. Research has found that nearly a quarter of individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Often, the mood or anxiety disorder started first, with a secondary substance use disorder developing later on. Alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction, is considered a disease and chronic medical condition. They continue to drink alcohol because they experience significant psychological and physical symptoms when they attempt to stop.
Family History of Alcoholism
- Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can lead to anxiety, depression, and a host of physical ailments.
- The reason may be that alcohol tamps down working memory and therefore sparks people to think outside the box.
- With the love and support of your family, and loved ones, we make sure to treat your addiction by understanding the root reasons behind it.
Without appropriate treatment, the symptoms and effects of alcoholism will get worse, which is again similar to other recognized diseases. People with this gene are at a slightly higher risk of mental health issues like depression, and they’re more likely to become problem drinkers. Researchers say multiple genes could increase your risk of developing alcoholism. Those genes could make alcohol more rewarding for you, making you more likely to keep drinking when you start. BAC measurements can be utilized in medical settings to measure the severity of alcohol intoxication and monitor withdrawal symptoms. They can also inform treatment decisions for individuals suffering from alcohol-related disorders, especially in the event of an emergency admission while under the influence.
Causes of Alcoholism
- Alcoholics Anonymous, behavioral therapy, holistic care, and family counseling are all viable options.
- However, this avoidance can lead to a cycle of dependency and exacerbate underlying problems.
- Ongoing treatment from healthcare providers and continued recovery efforts can help manage an alcohol use disorder and prevent relapse.
- In previous generations, the shift wasn’t so much whether people were drinking but what they were drinking.
Alcohol use is common in young people due to their adolescence and interest in experimenting with adult activities. Additionally, if they have parents or guardians who tend to abuse alcohol, this behavior can rub off on them. Positive and fun past experiences with alcohol Oxford House may make someone drink again.
- Recognizing the impact of these stressful life events can help individuals seek appropriate support and prevent the development of alcohol dependence.
- The reality is that alcohol can be an addictive substance and, when used in large quantities, can be harmful regardless of why one chooses to drink.
- This form of drinking typically doesn’t disrupt their lives or cause any personal or major health problems long-term.
- According to the University of Stirling, 85% of people have been pressured to drink alcohol in social situations.
- Regardless of what motivates a person’s alcohol consumption, it’s important to recognize when their use has gone beyond what they can control.
- According to the 2022 NSDUH, 1,090,000 college students have alcohol use disorder.
The Risks and Consequences of Excessive Drinking
Many people drink to “self-medicate” when therapy or support isn’t accessible. A history of trauma, neglect, or abuse — especially in childhood — significantly increases the risk of addiction. For some, alcohol becomes a way to manage memories or feelings they don’t know how to https://quickgearfix.us/ecorehab-takes-on-new-leadership-remains-focused/ process.
Starting to Drink at a Young Age
It impairs judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviors that can compound existing trauma. The temporary relief morphs into dependence, as the brain adapts to the presence of alcohol, requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect. This vicious cycle deepens the mental health struggle, creating a downward spiral that’s incredibly difficult to break free why do people become alcoholics from.
These environmental factors, combined with genetic and social influences, create a complex web of risk factors for developing alcohol use disorders. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder significantly raise the likelihood of alcohol abuse and addiction. Approximately 20% of individuals suffering from depression also abuse or are dependent on alcohol. This co-occurrence necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the mental health condition and the alcohol use disorder simultaneously.
