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Speaking of stress, it plays a large role in what makes alcohol addictive. After all, many people are convinced that social occasions need to include alcohol for them to be fun. As a result, it’s easy for peer pressure and social cues to drink to become overwhelming.
With alcohol being so common, it can be hard to differentiate between casual use and abuse. While no amount of alcohol is risk-free, certain drinking patterns lower the chances for health risks and the formation of an AUD. On the other hand, an addiction occurs when extensive drug or alcohol use has caused a person’s brain chemistry to change.
Health Complications From Alcohol Abuse
If they spend a lot of their time drunk, they will not have much of an appetite. Hardcore drinkers may look older than they actually are, with wrinkles and brittle hair.
- During a blackout, a person may perform regular actions like walking or talking, but just not remember doing so.
- Reward and pleasure centers in the brain become overloaded, causing cravings for those emotions again.
- Hormonal imbalances are another result of long-term alcohol abuse.
- People develop tolerances when they repeatedly abuse substances over time.
- An alcoholic who wants to stop drinking will physically be unable to, as a result of the rewiring of their brain.
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. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. 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. The time it takes before someone addicted to drinking can safely drink again varies on a case-by-case basis. Depression and anxiety are other effects of alcoholism that manifest themselves. When a person has been drinking alcohol for many years, especially daily or in high amounts, it can cause them to feel extremely depressed and anxious about things that were never an issue before.
Why Is Alcohol So Addictive?
Because it is so common in today’s culture, alcohol is often abused alongside other drugs. As a CNS Depressant, alcohol poses a serious risk when mixed with other drugs of the same class like Benzodiazepines and some Painkillers. Alcohol on its own can be dangerous, but combining it with other substances can quickly prove lethal. High-functioning alcoholics, who are not medically diagnosed as such, do not fit the typical characteristics of a person struggling with an AUD. People who are high-functioning alcoholics are capable of keeping their alcoholism from interfering in their professional obligations. They may appear to have their lives together, but they likely struggle with intense cravings for alcohol and many unsuccessful attempts at stopping use. If a person of legal drinking age chooses to drink, it is recommended that they do so moderately.
How can I live my life without drinking?
- Find New Hang Outs. That doesn't necessarily mean an establishment that doesn't serve alcohol, but someplace where you can redefine fun for yourself.
- Fill Your New Fun Hangouts With Supportive Friends.
- Redefine Fun For Yourself.
- Mock It Up.
- Find Healthy Ways to Destress.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Alcohol AbuseAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the numbers of alcohol abuse have continued to rise, causing concern across America. Alcoholics Why is Alcohol Addictive Anonymous is available almost everywhere and provides a place to openly and non-judgmentally discuss alcohol problems with others who have alcohol use disorder.
Causes of Alcohol Addiction
Skin problems such as jaundice, spider veins, and a yellowish complexion are common in alcohol addicts because of the damage that ethanol causes to their liver. This will cause skin issues because toxins from this substance enter the bloodstream and travel around one’s body, causing damage to various organs. Anemia is an effect of alcohol addiction on the body, which occurs when a person’s bone marrow ceases to produce red blood cells effectively because of chronic ethanol abuse.
If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, reach out today. Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the tools to help you get and stay sober. Your treatment setting will depend on your stage of recovery and the severity of your illness.
Psychological Factors
Oftentimes, alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism and thus is considered a “mild” for of Alcohol Use Disorder. Those abusing alcohol should be closely monitored for signs of severe alcoholism. 1 in 10 adults die from alcohol abuse each year in the United States. As the most common addiction in the country, there are numerous resources to help you or your loved one get the help they need. Speak with The Hope House addiction specialists today to learn more about your options.
Research shows that teenagers and young adults are drinking increasing amounts of alcohol. Since youngsters often hang out in groups, they want to keep up with the rest; they do not want to be a wimp. Consequently, they usually participate in order to experiment a little and be cool. Alcohol addiction is characterised by mental and physical dependency. Mental dependency is expressed by the desire to drink, the loss of control and the inability to stop. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider.