Causes of Alcoholism: Understanding Risk Factors & Triggers

23 Jun Causes of Alcoholism: Understanding Risk Factors & Triggers

Yes, genetics play a significant role in AUD, with studies showing that 40-60% of the risk is hereditary. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to physical dependency, where the body and brain adapt to the presence of alcohol. Twelve-step program In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal.

• As alcohol consumption increases, the liver adapts to break down alcohol more quickly.
• This makes it harder to stop drinking, as cravings and withdrawal symptoms kick in.
• People with mental health issues are sometimes more likely to drink alcohol and become addicted.

Chronic Stress and Painful Life Events

During economic downturns, some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. While overall drinking may decrease, heavy drinking often rises, especially in individuals facing unemployment or financial stress. Genetics plays a role in how our bodies metabolize alcohol and how our brain responds to it. Some people have genetic variations that make them more sensitive to alcohol’s effects, which increases their risk of developing AUD. Over time, repeated alcohol exposure can lead to substantial changes in the brain’s neurochemical balance, enhancing the user’s dependence on alcohol to stimulate these reward pathways. Prolonged alcohol use also affects other neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA, which are involved in the brain’s reward circuits and stress responses.

The Brain and Alcohol Use Disorder

• However, an individual who struggles with drinking may struggle to avoid alcohol consumption.
• This contributes to increased tolerance and the individual needs to drink more to produce the same effect.
• Low self-esteem and social and cultural factors can further increase the likelihood of drinking under peer pressure.
• Contact us today and let us help you find a supportive and nurturing centre where you can begin your path to recovery.
• Not only do these environmental factors serve as triggers for alcoholism, but they are exacerbated as well by the alcoholism itself.

Individuals with prior alcohol use disorders are more likely to drink excessively following exposure to stressful life events, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Recognizing the impact of these stressful life events can help individuals seek appropriate support and prevent the development of alcohol dependence. Research shows that people with a history of childhood maltreatment are more likely to engage in alcohol use as a means of coping with stress. This reliance on alcohol can perpetuate a cycle of dependence and exacerbate underlying mental health issues. About 15% to 30% of individuals with alcohol use disorder also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Community characteristics, such as the density of alcohol outlets, can affect individual drinking behaviors. Additionally, alcohol marketing is often targeted towards specific demographic groups, influencing their drinking behaviors. Children or spouses of functioning alcoholics who witnessed their loved one slipping deeper into addiction often use this as a cautionary tale. Genetics plays a significant role in increasing the chances of someone becoming an alcoholic.

Teenage Drug Addiction

Because the body has adapted to deal with an alcohol-rich environment, the alcoholic physically needs it to avoid the painful symptoms of withdrawal. These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics. Despite heavy alcohol consumption, they may show few signs of intoxication or ill effects from drinking, such as a hangover. And as tolerance builds, they’ll begin to drink more and more to achieve the same buzz or high they’re used to. To be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, or AUD, we need to meet certain Alcoholics Anonymous criteria outlined in the DSM-V. Some of these include the impaired ability to stop drinking, significant time spent recovering from the negative effects, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

What are the symptoms of alcohol use disorder?

Alcoholism can be a long-standing, debilitating illness affecting the body and the mind. In most cases, alcohol addiction may not have one primary cause, but many contributing factors could lead someone to physical and psychiatric dependency. But if you could get to the root of the problem, it could be a massive breakthrough. It could unlock the key to rehabilitation and show you how to live without alcohol.

You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. We understand that you are more than your addiction and we want to be your guide on the road to recovery. We offer therapy, detox, and a variety of outpatient programs as well as partial hospitalization treatment in Columbus, Ohio. Instead, the more you drink, the higher your chances of becoming addicted to alcohol become.

• The lowest (2%) were identified as African Americans and whites, and the highest (9%) were American Indians and whites.
• However, though there is no easy ‘cure’ for an alcohol use disorder, the condition is treatable.
• Alcohol use disorder is a medical and mental health condition with identifiable causes and risk factors.
• A doctor can help assess your situation and recommend treatment to reduce these symptoms.
• Alcoholic tendencies are enhanced by other factors, such as stress, trauma, depression, or societal pressures.

By exploring what causes alcoholism, we can develop more effective strategies to combat this challenging issue. For instance, those who use alcohol to self-medicate may need therapy that addresses the root causes of their addiction and helps them learn healthier coping mechanisms. To find alcohol addiction treatment, talk to a medical professional.

• Clients at Carolina Center for Recovery will undergo a personalized journey through one of our highly effective treatment programs.
• These drinkers may be new to different forms of alcohol and likely to test their limits.
• Structure is everything — it’ll keep cravings at bay, keep your mind active and engaged while making you feel productive and optimistic.
• Alcohol use disorder is a condition that makes it difficult for you to regulate your drinking or quit drinking, despite the numerous negative consequences of your drinking.
• Similarly, social and cultural factors can impact our attitudes towards drinking and drinking habits.

Alcoholism Risk Factors

If you or a loved one are suffering from drug and alcohol substance use disorder. We always encourage seeking professional help for treating your alcohol addiction. This is applied regardless of the intensity and longevity of your alcohol consumption. As the dependence grows, alcoholics begin to experience trouble maintaining personal relationships with family and friends. They avoid responsibilities and social interactions as they become more dependent on alcohol.