An alcohol addiction is a serious problem that requires treatment. While alcoholism impacts millions, its causes are not always clear. There are many different factors at play, each of which can contribute to the development of an addiction.
There’s a significant amount of research proving that addiction can be at least partially a result of genetic factors. This helps to explain why addiction often pops up in family clusters.
There may be a genetic marker that makes certain people more prone to developing an addiction. While a person who doesn’t have this genetic marker can drink socially without the risk of addiction, someone with the genetic marker might face a greater chance of developing an addiction. This genetic possibility is one reason that treatment is key because the next generation should be aware of their risks.
Environment can have a big impact on whether or not individuals develop an addiction to alcohol. Obviously, if a person has limited access to alcohol, they’re less likely to drink it. Greater availability and peers who drink regularly mean a greater chance of developing an addiction. Additionally, living in a stressful or uncomfortable situation can sometimes lead people to pick up the bottle.
Addiction is more common among those who start drinking at a young age. Because the brain is still developing until around age 25, these individuals are incredibly susceptible.
It’s vital for young people to understand the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Binge drinking or not being aware of alcohol abuse signs can put young adults on the path to developing an addiction.
There’s a strong and unmistakable link present between mental illness and addiction. In fact, as many as half of all those with an addiction to alcohol also struggle with mental health concerns. It’s not entirely clear which causes the other, or why this link exists.
In some cases, mental illness develops after the addiction. In others, however, mental illness can be the catalyst for addiction. This happens more often when individuals aren't properly diagnosed or treated for their mental illness. Instead of getting medication, they may try to self-soothe by drinking heavily.
In addition, some evidence suggests that personality plays a role in the likelihood of addiction. Alcoholism might be more likely to develop among those who enjoy new thrills and taking risks. These people might be more likely to drink heavily, drink often or mix alcohol with other substances. Risk averse people, on the other hand, may drink less and struggle less often with addiction.
One major method for treating alcohol addiction is therapy. Addiction therapy is a follow-up to detox, which heals the body. Psychotherapy instead focuses on healing the mind, tackling the roots of addictive behaviors. Therapy also handles co-occurring mental disorders through dual diagnosis treatment. The types of therapy used to treat alcohol addiction can be split into the holistic approach and evidence-based modalities.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, therapies used to treat alcohol addiction include:
Whatever the cause of an alcohol addiction, the only way to get sober is with the proper alcohol addiction treatment at an alcohol rehab facility. At San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, you can get the right help for a lifetime of sobriety. Call 866.957.7885 to start living the life you truly deserve.
contact us now!
