One only needs to think about the internet, health care systems, entertainment, and infrastructures, to realize that the conveniences of modern civilization undoubtedly have their advantages. However, besides the ever-increasing demand for innovation and high output, societal expectations are growing, and people have to either keep up or get left behind.

When other contributing factors come into play in this stressful environment, such as anxiety, depression, family issues, job losses, financial problems, and peer pressure, substances are more likely to be misused as a coping mechanism. Alcohol addiction forms over an extended period, and there are many other possible causes except those mentioned. However, the overwhelming number of adults struggling with alcohol addiction emphasizes the necessity of alcohol addiction treatment. Let’s consider a few facts surrounding alcohol addiction and the solutions to help those affected find a new life of sobriety.

Alcohol Use Statistics

Like many other cultures, Americans use alcohol to celebrate and commiserate specific events. Therefore, young people are generally exposed to some form of alcohol and associate usage with both positive and negative situations from an early age. According to a 2019 survey performed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 85.6 percent of people ages 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime, and 25.8 percent said they engaged in binge drinking in the past month. Of the more than 6 percent of adults with an alcohol use disorder, 1 in 12 were men, and 1 in 25 were women.

Furthermore, the survey reports that only about 7.3 percent of adults ages 18 and older with alcohol use disorder sought treatment in the same year. Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 95,000 people deaths per annum.

Causes of Alcohol Addiction

Although the actual causes of alcohol addiction are still unknown, several factors can raise people’s risk. Alcohol addiction is a slow, subtle process that usually starts with social drinking. Alcohol releases the chemical dopamine in your brain, which triggers sensations such as relaxation and loss of inhibitions. These “positive” feelings encourage you to drink more; however, when moderate drinking changes to excessive drinking, it results in cravings that can lead to dependency in some people. It also negatively impacts their moods and sleep patterns, which can cause edginess and irritability.

When excessive drinking becomes a regular habit, the body develops tolerance and craves more alcohol to produce the “feel-good” sensations. At this point, it can be difficult to stop drinking, as the body may experience withdrawal systems. Many people continue drinking in an attempt to stave off uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. When drinking alcohol to cope with stressful and difficult situations, it can become a regular habit that is very difficult to change. Several people admit stopping off for a drink before going home to “de-stress” after a day’s hard work. This behavior can steadily lead to a shift in daily routines and relationships.

Associated Risk Factors

Some people are at a higher risk for alcohol addiction due to specific risk factors. Recognizing these risk factors can help people take action before reaching a critical point of no return. Known risk factors closely associated with alcohol addiction are:

• Family history. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, genes account for about 50 percent of the risk for alcohol addiction. People with parents or close relatives with alcohol addiction have a higher risk.
• Adolescent/underage drinking. Drinking from an early age, i.e., before 15 years, can lead to increased alcohol addiction later in life.
• Social factors. Many people experience intense peer pressure to drink at parties, social gatherings, and events. Poor parental support and regular or binge drinking can lead to a higher risk of alcohol addiction.
• Gender. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2018 found that men are more at risk for alcohol addiction than women. According to the report, 9.2 million men in the U.S. suffered from alcohol addiction compared to 5.3 million women.
• Trauma. Early trauma-related experiences, such as child abuse, can also lead to a higher risk of alcohol addiction.
• Mental health conditions. People suffering from depression, anxiety, and, or bipolar disorders tend to have a predisposition to alcohol addiction if they use alcohol to self-medicate.

Health Risks

For men, binge drinking is considered five or more drinks during a single occasion, and for women, it’s four or more drinks during a single event. Heavy drinking constitutes eight or more drinks per week and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

Short-term health risks include injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, violence, unintended pregnancies, risky sexual behavior and miscarriages, stillbirths, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders among pregnant women. Long-term health risks include high blood pressure, heart and liver disease, cancer, dementia, weakened immune system, and mental health problems.

Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Addiction Treatment Services International is a drug treatment center in Galloway, New Jersey, that believes a one-size-fits-all program is not enough to resolve addiction on a long-term basis. For alcohol addiction, they offer a comprehensive addiction treatment program that includes a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program, and a therapy program that provides for dual diagnosis. ATSI is committed to its clients’ success in achieving lasting recovery and transformation.

Alcohol addiction is an actual illness caused by chemical dependence. Due to the psychological withdrawal symptoms, alcohol addiction requires professional intervention in a supportive environment conducive to long-term, permanent recovery.

For more information on how ASTI can help you, or someone close to you, on the path to recovery, contact us today and speak to an admissions specialist. Your transformation is our success.