Alcoholism, like other addictions, appeals to the pleasure centers of the brain. When you use alcohol drugs frequently, your brain tends to link it with feelings such as exhilaration, relaxation, and inhibition loss. This causes cravings and, in some circumstances, dependence.

Alcohol causes your brain to release the reward-system chemical dopamine. This causes your brain to associate pleasurable experiences with drinking and pushes you to desire more. According to a 2020 research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, it also impacts serotonin, which regulates mood and sleep.

When you drink more and get addicted, you will experience less pleasure (build tolerance), and you may suffer withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit drinking. Heavy drinkers will increase their consumption in an attempt to stave off withdrawal symptoms.

Changes in sleep habits, temperament, energy, and hobbies can suggest the development of early alcohol use disorder. For some, this is a vital tipping point since alcohol use rises in an attempt to ameliorate the very problems it is causing.

Who Is Predisposed To Alcoholism?

These risk factors may increase your chances of being addicted to alcohol:

• Genetics And Family History: If you have a parent or a close family who is addicted to alcohol, your risk increases. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, genetics account for around half of the risk for AUD (NIAAA).
• Underage Drinking:According to the NIAAA, if you start drinking before the age of 15, you are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life.
• Frequent Alcohol Consumption:According to the report, excessive alcohol use or binge drinking can lead to addiction.
• Mental Health Issues:According to a 2019 analysis, disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder might predispose you to alcohol addiction, especially if you use alcohol to self-medicate.
• History Of Trauma:According to the NIAAA, traumatic experiences in the past, particularly childhood maltreatment, are highly associated with the development of alcoholism later in life.

Male gender Men are more prone than women to become alcoholics. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Consumption and Health, 9.2 million men and 5.3 million women in the United States have an alcohol use disorder.

Getting Assistance

Treatments for alcoholism can involve a mix of the following:

• Inpatient programs
• Behavioral therapy
• Medications such as naltrexone and disulfiram
• Social assistance

Your primary care physician is the best place to start. They can recommend you to a professional for treatment.

According to clinical psychologists, the optimum therapy for alcoholism varies on the person; there is no one proper technique to achieve and sustain sobriety. In general, success requires a combination of professional treatment (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments) and peer-support groups.

According to clinical psychologists, the optimal therapy for alcoholism is medical detoxification first and foremost, if required. Inpatient rehabilitation, which includes 12-step training, a support system, organized group, and individual therapy, and relapse prevention psychoeducation, is extremely successful.