Without proper treatment and intervention, alcoholism can have severe consequences on an individual’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. It is marked by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences.
Alcohol and the brain
Alcohol’s effect on neurotransmitters creates a feeling of pleasure, which can lead to a craving for more, increasing the risk of developing dependence. Outpatient treatment helps people with less severe alcohol use disorders. It works around a person’s schedule and does not provide 24-hour medical supervision. When you engage in frequent alcohol consumption, your body develops a tolerance, and a dependence forms over time.
Trauma History
- Alcoholism doesn’t have to run in a person’s family for them to develop an alcohol disorder.
- Additionally, exposure to stressful or traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, can contribute to the development of alcoholism as a coping mechanism.
- On top of that, alcohol can actually make mental health symptoms worse at times.
- Alcohol use disorder is a medical and mental health condition with identifiable causes and risk factors.
A lack of out-of-pocket funding for addiction treatment should never be a barrier for those seeking sobriety. Whilst paying for residential rehab privately is undoubtedly the fast way to begin treatment, this does not mean there are not alternative ways of starting treatment. These people are a negative influence that could cause you to fall back into an old lifestyle.
Causes of Alcoholism: “Why Am I An Alcoholic?”
One key genetic factor linked to alcoholism is the presence of specific variations in genes responsible for alcohol metabolism and neurotransmitter function. A history of emotional or physical trauma can increase the risk of AUD. Your environment, life choices, and personality also play a critical role. Although the why do people become alcoholics drinking age is 21, teens often disregard the law to experiment with alcohol.
What is alcohol withdrawal?
The presence of any of the below factors can make a person more at risk of developing alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, upbringing and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders. While the factors that determine someone’s drug addiction likelihood of becoming an alcoholic are complex and can only be interpreted by a clinician, the symptoms are much easier to spot. If someone is concerned about their or a loved one’s alcohol use, they can look for some straightforward signs and symptoms. It’s extremely common for people who suffer from alcohol use disorder to have a co-occurring mental health condition.
Personalized and holistic treatment
However, this can worsen anxiety symptoms or lead to panic attacks over time, creating a cycle that perpetuates anxiety and alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a complicated issue, influenced by many genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Understanding the reasons why people struggle with alcoholism is essential for professional treatment providers to know which treatments may be most effective. In dual diagnosis treatment, healthcare providers collaborate to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses both the addiction and underlying mental health conditions. This may involve a combination of therapy, medication, behavioral interventions, and support services to promote recovery and emotional well-being.