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.

According to SAMHSA’s 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 29 million Americans aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year, but fewer than 10% received treatment.

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

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.

Genetics also plays a significant role in AUD risk. Research suggests that roughly half of a person’s susceptibility to alcohol use disorder is influenced by genetic factors.

Having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with AUD meaningfully increases risk, independent of environmental exposure. Understanding this genetic component can help people make more informed decisions about their own drinking habits.

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.

It’s also worth noting that alcohol affects men and women differently. Women typically develop alcohol use disorder more quickly than men at lower consumption levels, a phenomenon sometimes called “telescoping.”

Women are also more vulnerable to alcohol-related organ damage, including liver disease and heart problems. Despite this, women are less likely than men to seek treatment, often due to stigma or caregiving responsibilities.

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.

Alcohol withdrawal is one of the most medically serious forms of withdrawal. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and life-threatening complications.

For this reason, people with significant alcohol dependence shouldn’t attempt to stop drinking abruptly without medical supervision. A medical detox program can provide medications and monitoring to manage withdrawal safely.

How To Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

People experiencing alcohol use disorder 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.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff