What causes someone to become an alcoholic?

Alcoholism has no single cause. Rather, it is a detailed combination of genetic markers and environmental precursors all mixed together. There is a hereditary role in the development of alcohol dependence, but no alcohol addiction gene has ever been isolated. Having a parent who is an alcoholic makes you four times more likely to be one yourself, per the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Environmental factors are part of the mix, too. Growing up in a household where alcohol is prevalent also increases the risk of alcoholism in your future. Your involvement with peers as you grow up and the age at which you begin drinking also contribute. People who drink before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become addicted to alcohol later in life. Mental health plays a significant role in all forms of substance abuse. Among alcoholics specifically, 37% have at least one serious mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder, according to the N

What makes alcohol addictive?

There are several reasons why alcohol is addictive. Some of the key points for the addictive nature of alcohol include : Alcoholism can develop because alcohol changes the brain’s neurochemistry. Alcohol can lead to physical and psychological dependence. When someone becomes physically dependent on alcohol, they can experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop, making it more difficult to stop.

What is a high-functioning alcoholic?

A high-functioning alcoholic is pretty much how it sounds. These problem drinkers are able to keep their careers or home lives together as they continue with their alcohol abuse. High-functioning alcoholics might be successful in business or pillars of the community, but they drink enough to have an alcohol dependence and often conceal how much they truly consume. Some signs of a high-functioning alcoholic include: They become irritable or restless when they are unable to drink. They would rather have a few drinks instead of a meal. Stopping at one or two drinks is next to impossible. They suffer periods of memory loss or “blackouts.” They refuse to discuss their drinking or become angry when it is mentioned. They can always conjure a “reasonable” explanation for when and why they drink. They hide their alcohol or attempt to conceal how much they are drinking.

Is alcohol a gateway drug?

The three gateway drugs are nicotine, alcohol and cannabis. The concept is based on the “ gateway hypothesis ,” which states that adolescents who experiment with these drugs are more likely to use other addictive drugs later in life. The controversy and conflicting research can be confusing, but some conclusions can still be made: Alcohol does increase the likelihood of other drug use, including the other gateway drugs (tobacco and cannabis). Addiction is a complex disease – prior use of alcohol is simply another risk factor among many, and there is no single explanation for why someone becomes addicted. The interrelationships between the gateway drugs (tobacco, alcohol and cannabis) are complex. Targeting alcohol use in adolescents will likely impact the development of other substance use disorders later in life.

What are the effects of drinking every day?

Drinking alcohol every day can have serious consequences for a person’s mental and physical health, both in the short- and long-term. Alcohol has complex effects in the body and can affect multiple organs and systems like the heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, vasculature system, and liver. There are different short- and long-term consequences for each of these systems. Many of the effects of drinking every day can be reversed through early intervention but become harder to treat with time. It’s critical to recognize alcohol abuse and treat alcoholism as early as possible to avoid irreversible damage to the brain and body. In short: Alcohol can affect the G.I. tract, heart, kidneys, liver and vascular system in the short term. Chronic alcohol abuse can include arrhythmias, cirrhosis and risk of stroke. Alcohol abuse can contribute to or worsen mental health conditions over time. Chronic drinking can lead to diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancers .

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