Alcohol users may recall their previous positive experiences with alcohol, and this may increase their motivation to drink. The experience of alcohol flush reactions (e.g., body flushes and nausea) after ingestion negatively affects the value of drinking alcohol. The flush reaction is more common in Asian populations but can occur among other groups as well.
Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that why do people become alcoholics might lead to drinking. Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member).
That doesn’t mean people who drink for fun aren’t at risk of developing problems.
Labels such as ‘alcoholic’ do nothing to help a person with the disorder get the help they need. Alcohol use disorder can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder doesn’t require any other type of diagnostic test.
Recognizing these factors can help address potential risks of alcohol use. Alcohol abuse can be triggered by psychological behaviors like approval-seeking, self-worth issues or impulsiveness. Often, people drink as a coping strategy to manage emotions or “self-medicate.” People who suffer from mental health concerns like anxiety or depression are much more likely to develop a substance use disorder as well. The amount of time it takes to become addicted to alcohol depends on unique factors, such as a person’s genetic makeup and how much alcohol they consume. Some research suggests that those who begin drinking in their teen years and have a family history of alcohol addiction are more likely to develop problems with drinking. Those who drink large amounts of alcohol are likely to become addicted more quickly, as binge drinking and heavy drinking are both linked to alcohol addiction.
Top Social and Psychological Causes of Alcoholism Related Articles
Unintended injury is the top cause of alcohol-related harm among teens and young adults. Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. Much like unearthing the hidden cat food can was vital to understanding my cat’s behavior, uncovering the deeper motivations behind alcohol use is crucial. We often only see troubled behavior, like the cat getting into the trash at night or the drinkers who continue to drink despite doctors’ warnings, partners’ ultimatums, or loved ones’ pleas. We don’t realize that there is often an earnest desire for joy or relief behind each pour. After all, nobody wants to deal with the physical and mental pain that addiction brings.
- Alcoholism is a complex disease involving physical and psychological changes that occur with consistent alcohol use.
- In order to be diagnosed with AUD, a person must experience any two of these symptoms within the same 12-month period.
- Champagne, eggnog, mulled wine — for many, the holiday season is a time for celebration, which typically involves copious amounts of alcohol.
