Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
Alcohol can be addictive because of how it affects your brain and body. When you drink, it boosts chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, making you feel good and acting as a painkiller. Even with the downsides of drinking, people might keep using it, which can effect their impulse control and decision-making, raising the chance of addiction. It’s really important to understand alcohol’s addictive nature and be aware of its potential for causing addiction.
How Addictive is Alcohol?
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 14.5 million people ages 12 and older have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States. This includes an estimated 414,000 adolescents ages 12 to 17 with an AUD. Additionally, the NSDUH estimated that 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had AUD in the past year, which accounts for approximately 10.5% of this age group.
What makes alcohol addictive?
Regular use of an addictive substance can alter the chemistry of your brain and body. This habitual use can disrupt your brain’s dopamine system, the part responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. As a result, your brain might start producing, absorbing, or transmitting dopamine less efficiently, leading to a chemical imbalance.
For you, this imbalance could mean facing tough withdrawal symptoms, strong cravings, and difficulty controlling how much or how often you drink. Your brain might start to feel as if it needs alcohol to function normally. Correcting this imbalance is not a quick process; your brain needs time to recover and regain its natural balance.
Why Alcohol is Addictive?
Genetic Predisposition:
Genetics plays a role in alcohol addiction. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition that causes their brains to release higher levels of pleasure chemicals in response to alcohol. This heightened sensitivity increases the risk of developing a physical dependency.
Social Pressure and Influence:
Alcohol consumption is often a social activity, and social pressure can contribute to addiction to alcohol. People may drink because their peers, colleagues, or family members do. Studies have shown that individuals feel encouraged to drink more than intended due to social influences, making it challenging to break free from the cycle of addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
One reason people remain addicted to alcohol is the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. When individuals with an alcohol use disorder abruptly stop drinking, they face intense cravings and distressing physical symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, tremors, an elevated heart rate, and insomnia. These symptoms can be overwhelming, leading individuals to continue drinking to avoid the discomfort.
Positive Associations and Rewards:
Alcohol is often associated with positive experiences, such as celebrations and achievements. It is frequently featured in events and seen as a reward for a hard day’s work or personal accomplishments. These positive associations reinforce the desire for alcohol and contribute to its addictive nature.
Self-Medication for Mental Health:
There is a strong correlation between alcohol addiction and mental health disorders. Many individuals with alcohol use disorders also have concurrent mental health diagnoses, known as dual diagnosis. People with untreated depression, anxiety, or PTSD may turn to alcohol as a means of self-medication. However, this self-medication can lead to increased alcohol consumption, exacerbating the addiction.
Is Binge Drinking Considered Heavy Alcohol Use?
Binge drinking is defined as consuming alcohol that raises a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08%. For men, this means consuming more than five drinks in two hours, while for women, it means consuming more than four drinks in two hours. Although not everyone who binge drinks develops AUD, they are at a higher risk of doing so.
Read more about binge drinking.
What are the potential risks of abruptly stop drinking alcohol?
If someone addicted to alcohol attempts to stop suddenly, they may experience uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. They can even go into shock and die.
Alcohol Addiction Help: Find Support and Recovery Options
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
Seeking professional assistance from an addiction treatment center is crucial for a safe and successful recovery journey. Comprehensive programs that include medical detox, individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based treatments can provide the necessary support for individuals overcoming alcohol addiction.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
In dual-diagnosis treatment, individuals facing alcohol abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders receive comprehensive care that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of alcohol use disorder and conditions like depression, allowing for more effective treatment outcomes.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
Taking a holistic approach to recovery by focusing on overall well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health, can enhance the chances of long-term sobriety. Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices, self-care practices, and alternative therapies can complement traditional treatment methods.
Alcohol Rehab in Florida
At Still Detox Luxury Rehab in Boca Raton, Florida, we provide expert assistance and resources for those seeking alcohol addiction help. Our comprehensive program offers medical detoxification, individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based treatments. With a focus on holistic wellness, we support individuals in their journey toward recovery. Find the help you need to overcome alcohol addiction and reclaim your life at Still Detox.
