If passed on from generation Sober living house to generation, family members are more susceptible to developing drinking problems. If a person grew up in an alcoholic home, there’s a high chance of developing alcoholism. Recovering alcoholics often experience challenging withdrawal symptoms that make it easy to relapse. In many cases, those suffering from alcoholism relapse to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These influences can all drive an individual’s perception and behavior around alcohol. The combination of normalizing alcohol use, and even overindulgence, with direct pressure from friends and family, can result in someone drinking more (or more often) than they prefer.

What are the risk factors?

In some cases, the first step in treating alcohol use disorder is detoxification—experiencing withdrawal in a safe setting with medical professionals. Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. Our online health insurance verification system will estimate your in-network and out-of-network deductibles, coinsurance percentages and out-of-pocket maximums. Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge. People with the condition may not fully understand AUD and what causes alcoholism, so seeking out a professional opinion and treatment options is always recommended to limit the risks.

What Causes A Person To Be Alcoholic?

• It is important to note that while biological factors contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism, they do not solely determine an individual’s fate.
• Additionally, physiological factors, such as age, gender, and overall health, can influence the development of alcoholism.
• They should emphasize linking different phases of care, such as connecting patients to mental health professionals, housing, and peer support groups when transitioning out of the acute phase of care.
• Most teens and underage young adults who abuse alcohol engage in binge drinking.
• If you find that you’re feeling down, take a healthier route to feel better.

However, in addition to chronic drinking, there are many components that make one person more likely to abuse alcohol than another. While having one or more of these risk factors puts an individual at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder, being aware of them can help prevent engaging in unhealthy behaviors that lead to alcoholism. If you have a loved one suffering from alcoholism, it’s important to understand that alcohol use disorder is a chronic, yet treatable condition. Whether someone develops alcoholic drinking patterns quickly or more gradually over time, there are numerous treatment options available. During treatment, patients work with skilled mental health counselors and addiction specialists to get to the root causes and conditions of their drinking. This can help individuals begin to break old habits, learn new coping skills, and adjust to life in sobriety.

Why Do People Become Alcoholics? Causes & Risk Factors

Keep in mind, though, that a genetic risk does not mean a person is destined to develop alcoholism. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Physical symptoms may also occur as a result of heavy drinking, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and neurological damage. By enhancing our understanding of why people become alcoholics, we can promote early intervention, prevention, and effective treatment strategies.

Health Conditions

Prevention and intervention may require individual and systemic action. We can work together to minimize the risk of AUD with various strategies. They succumb to the pressure of their peers or situations they are in (celebrations, parties, weddings, etc.) much more quickly than adults. Simple steps, creativity, and clear, caring communication https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can make it easier for those you care about who have addiction to navigate holiday celebrations.

Prolonged mental health conditions are a why do people become alcoholics common risk for developing drinking habits. Alcoholics resort to binge drinking as a way to escape stress, mask their depression, or relieve anxiety. Chronic alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system, disrupt hormonal balance, and damage vital organs, resulting in long-term health complications and reduced life expectancy. Seeking treatment and adopting healthier lifestyle choices are essential for mitigating these risks. Peer pressure can play a significant role in the initiation and continuation of alcohol use, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood.

We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting.

Genetics plays a significant role in the risk of developing alcohol addiction, though it is not the sole factor. Some people are predisposed to alcoholism for various reasons, while others aren’t. Alcoholism is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, upbringing, and mental health. Some people may be hesitant to seek treatment because they don’t want to abstain entirely.

These chemicals cause feelings of pleasure and relaxation, causing a sense of calm and euphoria and alleviating feelings of stress. Just as it did thousands of years ago, alcohol use is affected by a wide variety of social and cultural influences. From weddings and parties to movies and social media, drinking is woven into our social interactions. 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. The five subtypes of alcoholics include young adult, functional, intermediate familial, young antisocial, and chronic severe.

Chronic Stress

It is important to approach alcoholism with a comprehensive and holistic perspective, considering the complex interactions between these factors. Additionally, major life transitions and periods of change can contribute to the development of alcoholism. These transitions, such as entering college, starting a career, or experiencing a divorce or loss, often come with increased stress levels and changes in social networks.

• Whether at home, at work, or in any other environment that causes stress, some people will have a drink to unwind and relax.
• People struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other substance use experience significant psychological, emotional, and physical consequences.
• The mental health professional focuses on treating the underlying mental health condition alongside helping the person recover from alcohol addiction.
• As the dependence grows, alcoholics begin to experience trouble maintaining personal relationships with family and friends.
• The five subtypes of alcoholics include young adult, functional, intermediate familial, young antisocial, and chronic severe.
• Before it becomes problematic, why do people turn to alcohol in the first place?

Self-Medicating: Drinking to Cope

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.