Understanding the reasons behind this may help you or your loved ones develop a healthier relationship with alcohol. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function of their brains. These changes can compromise brain function and drive the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse, which can be difficult to control. The changes can endure long after a person stops consuming alcohol, and can contribute to relapse in drinking.

Causes of Alcoholism: “Why Am I An Alcoholic?”

Alcoholism is caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors, including family history, mental health conditions, stress, and early exposure to alcohol. Individuals who experience traumatic life events are much more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD develops after someone is exposed to emotional or physical trauma leading to long-lasting psychological consequences. 4 They often turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with PTSD symptoms, perpetuating a cycle of misuse and inevitable addiction. Unfortunately, trauma is a major risk factor that contributes to why some people become alcoholics.

Why Do People Become Alcoholics? Causes & Risk Factors

• However, if stress becomes chronic and someone doesn’t know how to cope with it, he or she may turn to alcohol for relief.
• People who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse or other forms of trauma are at higher risk for alcoholism.
• These influences can all drive an individual’s perception and behavior around alcohol.

If you or a loved one are suffering from drug and alcohol substance use disorder. Caregiver burnout addiction refers to the dangerous overlap between severe caregiver burnout and substance use disorders that can develop when caring for a loved one becomes overwhelming. For most people, the first exposure to alcohol was in a social setting. This initial introduction often occurs during the teenage years, a pivotal time for social development and experimentation.

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

A regular drinking habit, combined with why do people become alcoholics genes that don’t make you feel sick when you consume alcohol, could allow alcoholism to blossom. While many people who drink alcohol don’t use any drugs or other intoxicating substances, it’s not uncommon for people to combine substances either. Another risk less often discussed is that some people will skip a dose of their antidepressant in order to drink alcohol more safely. Without medication, some people with depression are at risk of self-harm. The short-term buzz of drinking alcohol in college is outweighed by the overwhelming possible risk factors and hazards that can be life-altering.

Why People Drink Alcohol? 7 Most Common Reasons

Symptoms include an inability to limit drinking, withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, and continued use despite negative consequences. Individuals with untreated mental health conditions often turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Treatment may include medical detox, medications, supportive care, and counseling to help you stop alcohol use. You may need to seek treatment at an inpatient facility if your alcohol use disorder is severe.

Emotional Regulation in Recovery

Media portrayals often glamorize drinking, presenting it as sophisticated, fun, or a standard part of adult life. The brain’s reward system undergoes profound alterations with prolonged alcohol exposure, as the substance hijacks dopamine pathways that evolved to reinforce survival behaviors. These structural changes correlate with the cognitive deficits commonly observed in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Therapy helps Drug rehabilitation uncover underlying causes and builds coping skills, while group support fosters connection and accountability, which are vital for sustained recovery.

#5: Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

When drinking starts, their off-switch fails, potentially leading to blackouts, lost weekends, and regret. Very few people easily and quickly accept the conclusion that they have a problem. Most struggle against it and craft a variety of arguments to demonstrate that they don’t have a problem. These arguments often rely on misdirection—moving the focus onto someone or something else. Once you’re well enough to return home, you usually continue treatment on an https://www.casablancaon12th.com/7-things-that-inevitably-happen-to-your-personal/ outpatient basis. The threshold is lower in females because they typically have proportionally less water in their bodies.