Your brain is consumed with thoughts of the next time you can drink. You tell yourself a beer or two midweek won’t hurt anyone, and so, you seek it out again. You get drunk again and the cycle continues until the only way you feel anything at all is if you’re drunk.
Is Alcohol Addiction Genetic?
The risks above are important to observe and note when analyzing what may increase a person’s chance of developing an alcohol addiction. Most people try alcohol at some point in their lives, but only some progress to alcohol use disorder or addiction, also known as alcoholism. Of people who drink, about 22% will become dependent on alcohol at some point during their lives. Alcohol affects the way the brain works by altering the activity of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry messages between brain cells. It increases the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is linked to the reward system in the brain and makes people feel good.
Important Factors Contributing to Alcohol Addiction
Long-term drinking alters the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and control impulses. These changes contribute to the compulsive nature of alcohol addiction. Everyone’s road to addiction is different, so it’s challenging to pinpoint exactly why some people may develop AUD while others don’t. Alcohol stimulates the release of endorphins, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which create a sense of relaxation and well-being. This instant gratification can be particularly seductive to individuals dealing with high stress, anxiety, or depression.
- You may need to seek treatment at an inpatient facility if your alcohol use disorder is severe.
- No, alcohol use does not directly cause schizophrenia, but it can worsen existing symptoms if a person with the condition attempts to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can be dangerous if it’s not treated properly.
- Call Recovery Centers of America at RECOVERY for information about alcohol detox and treatment.
- Therapy can help individuals address the psychological effects of alcohol dependence and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Seeking Help and Support
People prone to alcoholism may have a genetic predisposition, mental health issues, or be in an environment that encourages drinking. Treatment of alcohol dependence requires a comprehensive approach, including medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support. The National Institutes of Health and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health provide valuable resources for those seeking help. Programs for alcohol use, such as rehabilitation centers and self-help groups, can provide the necessary tools for a successful recovery journey. Alcohol has profound effects on the brain, altering neurotransmitter function and brain structure. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and alcohol-related dementia.
Start Recovery Today
”—the answer often depends on safety, support, and long-term success. Professional rehab programs offer more than just detox; they provide a structured, holistic path to recovery that addresses both the physical and emotional sides of addiction. As with other addictive behaviors, alcoholism is a learned behavior that is influenced by a person’s thoughts and beliefs. People who don’t believe in treatment and recovery are less likely to make the effort required to successfully complete treatment. The symptoms of stress can also contribute to addiction, with the use of alcohol becoming a temporary and unhealthy way to cope. This observed change in neurobiological functioning may be part of why once AUD develops, many individuals required alcohol addiction treatment to become and stay sober.
Genetics Factors
Even if you know how to spot an alcoholic face, you may not be able to help your loved one find help if they are a functioning alcoholic. People with a family history of addiction or who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may be more likely to develop an https://dev-alltech-e-co2-2020.pantheonsite.io/prescription-drug-abuse-increasingly-seen-as-major/ addiction. Additionally, some people may have a higher level of impulsivity or sensation-seeking, which may be what makes alcohol addictive for them. Traumatic events, whether from childhood experiences or an accident, can have a lasting impact on the brain and lead to alcohol addiction. Trauma can cause brain changes that make it difficult to regulate emotions and cope with stress.
The Disease Model of Alcohol Addiction
At Crest View Recovery Center, we will help you reach the height of sobriety. We combine our education and expertise with our empathy to provide the highest quality addiction treatment in this region. Crest View Recovery Center is here to help you start your journey toward a healthier, sober life. With a dedicated team of professionals and Halfway house a comprehensive approach to recovery, we provide the tools and support needed for successful long-term sobriety. Understanding how addiction hijacks the brain is the first step to breaking free and regaining control of one’s life. There is hope, and many have successfully overcome addiction with appropriate help and support.
Additionally, the assessment for alcohol scale is used to measure the severity of alcohol addiction and determine the best course of treatment. When considering the question, “Why is alcohol so addictive,” you absolutely cannot disregard good ol’ peer pressure. Peer pressure plays a significant role, especially in adolescence and early adulthood. Different models of alcoholism identify various stages of alcohol use disorder ranging from three stages to seven stages. In general, there is an early stage, a middle stage, why is alcohol addicting and a final stage. As mentioned, AUD is progressive and an individual with an AUD will progress unless proper treatment is received.