What Makes Alcohol Addictive? What is the Addictive Ingredient in Alcohol?

Drinking problems also have a very negative impact on mental health. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can worsen existing conditions such as depression or induce new problems such as serious memory loss, depression or anxiety. Genetic factors make some people especially vulnerable to alcohol dependence. Contrary to myth, being able to “hold your liquor” means you’re probably more at risk — not less — for alcohol problems. Yet a family history of alcohol problems doesn’t mean that children will automatically grow up to have the same problems. Nor does the absence of family drinking problems necessarily protect children from developing these problems.

Alcohol-related disorders severely impair functioning and health. But the prospects for successful long-term problem resolution are good for people who seek help from appropriate sources. Individuals often hide their drinking https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-is-alcohol-addictive/ or deny they have a problem. While some research suggests that small amounts of alcohol may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, there is widespread agreement that heavier drinking can lead to health problems.

Social Drinking

First, the body must be safely detoxed of any alcohol in the system while limiting, reducing or controlling withdrawal symptoms. This can be achieved through the drug naltrexone, which blocks the good feelings produced by alcohol, blunts the feeling of intoxication and eliminates cravings for alcohol. This approach is supplemented by regular counseling, both during and after the detoxing phase, to sustain long-term recovery.

Your teen has hope for recovery, especially if you seek treatment as soon as possible. Alcohol addiction shouldn’t be ignored as the long-term effects of this addiction are severe and can potentially be life-threatening. If you believe you might be dealing with addiction, get professional help. A rehab facility has the resources, training, and compassion to walk you through this difficult time. Some people are more naturally predisposed to alcohol addiction, especially if other family members have had an alcohol addiction before. For these people, staying away from even casual drinking may be the safest way to avoid AUD.

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Treatment doesn’t have to be limited to doctors and psychologists. Many clergy members, social workers, and counselors also offer addiction treatment services. Research has shown how addiction changes the areas of the brain in charge of judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and controlling behavior. Those changes can lead to a good student flunking out, a wife lying about draining the family savings account or an overdose in a grocery parking lot, with kids watching from their car seats. As you continue to use drugs, your body produces less dopamine. Things that brought you pleasure—that pie, friends, and even drugs—don’t anymore.

However, external factors that lead teens to drink can also affect their chances of developing a dependency on alcohol and needing a substance abuse treatment program. If a person continues the pattern of drinking heavily to reach a familiar level, eventually, they will begin to not feel ‘normal’ without some alcohol. This is known as a psychological addiction because the act of drinking alcohol becomes habitual and they need it in order to feel good or like their normal selves. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.