Alcoholism: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment

Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience. Sometimes it can be hard to find the line between alcohol use and misuse. The following questions may be helpful in why do people become alcoholics considering your relationship with alcohol use. You and your doctor or therapist will determine their role in your recovery. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.

• By reaching out for help, individuals can take the first step towards a healthier and alcohol-free life.
• If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.
• For example, individuals who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety are much more likely to develop alcoholism.

What Are The Risk Factors For Alcoholism?

Experiencing high levels of stress may prompt you to turn to alcohol as a way to alleviate negative feelings—a behavior that can lead to abuse and eventual dependency. Effective management of alcoholism involves a multifaceted approach, combining medication, therapy, and support systems to help you achieve and maintain sobriety. Understanding these biological underpinnings gives insight into the factors contributing to alcoholism and the potential for developing addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, know that help is available. Understanding the complex causes of alcoholism is the first step toward personalized and effective recovery.

What Are Some Alcoholism Causes And Risk Factors?

Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Alcohol use disorder is characterized by excessive drinking, an inability to control alcohol consumption, and continued drinking despite the negative impacts of alcohol abuse on one’s life. A cure for alcohol addiction does not exist because it is a chronic brain disease with the potential for relapse, similar to many other physical and mental health conditions. The closest thing to a cure is to stop using alcohol and allow the brain and body to heal.

Familial Factors

While biology lays the groundwork, alcoholism can also develop from the experiences we have. Childhood and the messages we receive from society play a powerful role in shaping our relationship with alcohol. Behavioral treatments—also known as alcohol counseling, or talk therapy, and provided by licensed therapists—are aimed at changing Sobriety drinking behavior. These medications serve different purposes, but they all aim to support your journey to recovery.

Over time, these cravings can turn into automated behaviors that are difficult to control or resist, leading to a pattern characteristic of alcoholism. Depression and anxiety, for instance, are particularly prominent conditions that can influence your drinking patterns. When considering the causes of alcoholism, your biological makeup plays a crucial role.

Does Genetics Cause Alcoholism?

• Individuals with this genetic variant are more likely to experience facial flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat when they drink alcohol, which can act as a deterrent to excessive drinking.
• Your mental and emotional health plays a crucial role in your relationship with alcohol.

Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers. If individuals are able to monitor their alcohol intake in a healthy, recommended manner, this can prevent them from experiencing the many potential hardships that can follow alcohol abuse. While there is no universal indicating factor to one’s risk level, there are some factors that have historically been known to contribute to developing the disorder. Another gene variant, called ALDH2, affects the metabolism of alcohol by reducing the breakdown of a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as facial flushing, dizziness, and nausea.

Stress and Coping Mechanisms

Females should drink no greater than one drink daily, and heavy drinking is considered anything more than seven drinks in a given week or three drinks in a given day. According to the NIAA, over 5% of the U.S. population struggles with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder). Alcohol addiction also negatively affects the loved ones and caregivers of each person with this disorder—negatively impacting an incalculable number of human lives. When alcoholism affects a family member, helplessness and even anger are natural. It’s important to remember that there are ways to navigate this difficult situation and foster an environment that supports recovery. This doesn’t mean your future is predetermined, but it’s important to be mindful of your family history and take proactive steps to protect your health.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

Lead by peers, you get to meet others in recovery, share stories, and gain much-needed support. CMT uses a reward system like positive reinforcement to motivate you in recovery. You receive a reward for each milestone in recovery, like one month alcohol-free or 90 days in treatment.

However, a doctor may order blood work to check your liver function if you have symptoms of liver disease. While AUD can range from mild to severe, even a mild disorder can lead to serious health issues. Inpatient treatment is an effective https://mamba138.co/possible-effect-of-the-ingestion-of-alcohol-on/ option for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This type of treatment takes place at a licensed residential treatment center.

For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Alcohol is involved in 40% of motor-vehicle fatalities, 70% of drownings, 50% of suicides, and up to 40% of violent crimes, including homicide, rape, assault, and child and spousal abuse. The study found that bartenders demonstrated high rates of alcohol dependency. Almost 70% of survey participants had consumed alcohol during their shift. Their workplace became a toxic environment where alcohol was the central focus. Thanks to AlcoholAwareness.org, I navigated the complexities of recovery with their practical advice and empathetic support, leading me to a stronger, sober future.