4 Causes Of Alcoholism And How To Get Help

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental health condition. People with this disorder experience binge drinking and prolonged periods of heavy drinking.

While some people drink alcohol on occasion without developing an addiction, many others do develop alcohol dependence, especially when their reasons for drinking include coping mechanisms.

Here you’ll find four common reasons for developing drinking problems, as well as how to get help for substance abuse.

1. Environmental Factors

One of the most common risk factors for substance use, including alcohol abuse, is a person’s environment.

For example, if a person’s family history or past experiences include a large amount of alcohol consumption, they face a higher likelihood of developing AUD.

2. Social Activity

Some people may develop problem drinking habits as a result of social activity. For instance, peer pressure may cause people to consume alcoholic drinks.

However, even in the absence of peer pressure, social situations may still cause people to feel a “need” for alcoholic beverages.

Young people dealing with social anxiety, for example, might drink alcohol to lower their inhibitions at a party.

The easy accessibility of alcohol at parties also contributes to its widespread use.

3. Self-Medication

Self-medication is one of the most common reasons people develop an alcohol addiction. The short-term effects of alcohol use may provide a temporary distraction from emotional pain.

Unfortunately, the long-term effects of alcohol use, which include physical and mental health problems, can worsen these struggles.

Common reasons why people self-medicate with alcohol include:

• mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder
• trauma and related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
• physical pain
• loneliness
• stress

4. Withdrawal Symptoms

Like many other forms of drug use, prolonged drinking can cause withdrawal symptoms when a person stops consuming the substance.

Withdrawal symptoms include uncomfortable and even dangerous physical and emotional effects.

Many people continue drinking alcohol, even when they would like to stop, to alleviate these symptoms.

How To Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

People experiencing alcohol abuse have several treatment choices, including inpatient programs, outpatient programs, and medical detox.

If you deal with alcohol addiction, you might begin your search for treatment by talking to a healthcare professional.

You might also pursue help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Find Addiction Treatment Today

Alcohol addiction is a complex and difficult disorder that impacts many Americans.

However, treatment options are available to help you overcome substance use and regain a sense of well-being. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Addiction Resource today.

Published on December 6, 2023

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff