Alcoholism is a major problem across the world, affecting nearly 29 million people in the United States alone. Alcoholism refers to having challenges with alcohol use, but the term itself can be more specific. A better way to understand alcohol abuse is the spectrum of unhealthy alcohol patterns. These include heavy drinking, alcohol addiction, and alcohol use disorder (AUD), a severe brain disorder that can be called alcoholism. But how do people develop AUD? Is it something that is passed down genetically or something they develop throughout their life?
Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Alcoholism, also referred to as alcohol use disorder in its most severe form, is largely developed through one’s lifestyle. Your habits around drinking form the basis of your relationship with alcohol, including determining whether you’ll develop an addiction. For example, if you drink large quantities in a short amount of time, and you do this regularly, you’re placing yourself on the path towards addiction. This is because alcohol modifies your brain chemistry with each use. Over time, you’ll develop tolerance and the need to drink more due to dependency. From here, it’s a short road toward alcohol use disorder (AUD).
However, genetics can play a role in alcoholism as well. Genetics are a major risk factor for developing AUD. Your genes determine details like your tolerance, preferences, addictive tendencies, and withdrawal sensitivity. While there isn’t any gene that determines whether you’ll become addicted to alcohol, you could have a higher likelihood because of genetics.
What Other Factors Contribute to Alcoholism?
Overall, developing an alcohol use disorder comes down to multiple combined factors called risk factors. Genetics and lifestyle are two major players. Here are some additional elements that contribute to alcoholism:
- Mental health issues
- Exposure to trauma
- Environmental circumstances
- Peer pressure
- Drinking from a young age
- Social circumstances
- Physical health (like chronic pain)
- Personality
- Religious circumstances
Overall, many pieces combine to shape the picture of one’s relationship with drinking. Knowing these risk factors can help you make careful choices.
Is Alcoholism a Mental Health Issue?
Alcoholism and mental health are often closely connected. Many people who have mental health challenges do develop substance use disorders, including AUD. As noted, a mental health issue is a risk factor for alcoholism. Poor mental health causes people to look for an escape, which they can find through binge drinking or heavy drinking. Thus, mental disorders may be the initial cause of unhealthy drinking. On the other hand, developing poor alcohol use habits can worsen mental health, so one keeps turning to drinking as an escape. Either way, alcohol, and mental issues exacerbate each other.
Signs Someone Is Abusing Alcohol
You may be able to tell someone is following dangerous drinking patterns if you witness these signs:
- Always revolving plans around drinking
- Avoiding plans to drink alone
- Constantly needing more alcohol
- An inability to stop drinking
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Cravings
- Development of depression or anxiety
- Sneaky behavior
- Neglecting responsibilities
- High tolerance for alcohol
- Loss of interest in former passions
Why It’s Important to Get Help for Alcohol Abuse
Untreated alcohol abuse can be life-threatening. It is possible to overdose on alcohol, especially if one mixes drugs with alcohol. Getting help doesn’t have to be scary. The first stage is medical detox to remove alcohol from your system. We help you undergo the initial withdrawal stage in a safe and comfortable detox center to get it over with. Undeniably, our staff are experts in alcoholism healing while being empathetic towards the challenge of overcoming AUD. After detoxing, you can move into our continuing levels of care to resolve the mental and emotional pain connected to your alcohol abuse. Even after graduating from treatment, you can stay supported and connected through aftercare. There’s no better way to heal alcohol addiction than professional rehab.
