07 Oct Causes of Alcoholism: Why Am I An Alcoholic?
Research highlights a genetic component to the disorder, as about half of one’s predisposition to alcoholism can be attributed to genetic makeup. People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with trauma or other, often unrecognized psychological disorders. Socially, alcoholism may be tied to family dysfunction or a culture of drinking.
Environmental and Social Factors
If you or a loved one are seeking help for alcoholism, there is help available. Alcohol treatment professionals work with you to create a personalized comprehensive recovery plan with measurable goals. Comprehensive recovery plans may include inpatient or outpatient treatment, medication-assisted therapy, counseling and support groups.
Specific Chemical Imbalances in the Brain
People with an addiction often develop rigid routines that revolve around uninterrupted access to alcohol and other drugs; they may be irritated by schedule changes and blame their frustration on others. They may have powerful mood swings that seem to change their personality. Relationships may deteriorate, as their social circle narrows to other drug or alcohol users. Their work may decline as well, and they may Twelve-step program lose a spiritual or religious practice they once valued. Children of alcoholics are particularly vulnerable to experiencing trauma, neglect, and dysfunction within the family dynamic, which can have lasting psychological and emotional repercussions. Seeking support, therapy, and family interventions are crucial for healing and rebuilding relationships affected by alcoholism.
Increased Drinking Behaviors Over Time
Alcoholism impacts families, causing conflict, communication breakdowns, emotional distress, and financial strain. Loved ones may experience feelings of betrayal, anger, guilt, or shame as they witness the deterioration of the alcoholic’s health and behavior. This dopamine release initially acts as a reward for drinking behavior, reinforcing alcohol consumption. In 2021, 11.3% of people aged 18 years and above were found to have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), according to case study data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Furthermore, during the same period, approximately 894,000 individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 (equivalent to 3.4% of this age group) were categorized as alcoholics or alcohol-dependent. Scientists have suggested that alcohol dependence might be related to approximately 51 genes in different chromosome regions.
- Developmental factors play a significant role in the development of alcoholism.
- By enhancing our understanding of why people become alcoholics, we can promote early intervention, prevention, and effective treatment strategies.
- If the drinking world is conceptualized as a spectrum, normal social drinking is one on end (a few drinks per month, almost always in a social context) and alcohol use disorder is on the other end.
- Moderation management or moderation treatment can be an effective approach, in which people learn responsible drinking habits through a structured program.
This refers to a wide range of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions that push you to drink, even if you do not want to. However, an individual who struggles with drinking may struggle to avoid alcohol consumption. Sahil enjoys taking time and listening to better understand what his patients are experiencing. He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess.
Let’s talk about your recovery
At Carolina Center for Recovery, we work with family members, co-workers and other professionals, as well as directly with the individual in need of support to provide comprehensive care and treatment for addiction. We can offer guidance and insight into the recovery process, and will work to provide you with clarity into the steps that lay ahead. At Carolina Center for Recovery and affiliates, we aim to provide readers with the most accurate and updated healthcare information possible. Our certified medical reviewers are licensed in the mental health and addiction medicine fields and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ are dedicated to helping readers and prospective clients make informed decisions about their treatment.
About Our North Carolina Addiction Treatment Programs
If you’re seeking alcohol rehab services for yourself or a loved one, don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to find out which of our treatment options if right for you. You may need to seek treatment at an inpatient facility if your addiction to why do people become alcoholics alcohol is severe. These facilities will provide you with 24-hour care as you withdraw from alcohol and recover from your addiction.
Social and Cultural Factors
Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. Alcohol use disorder develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol.
People may know they have a mental health problem but don’t know a healthier way to cope with it and turn to alcohol instead. Someone may also have an undiagnosed mental health issue and use alcohol to deal with it. People with poor drinking habits also have fewer brain cells than usual in the brain’s prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. One of the parts of the brain known to adjust from long-term drinking is the prefrontal-striatal-limbic circuit. For more information on alcoholism, including treatment resources, check out the links on the next page.