This can include stress in your life, whether an overwhelming event or a bunch of smaller stressors that build up over time. If you began drinking alcohol before the age of 15, you why is alcohol addictive may be more likely to have AUD, especially if you’re assigned female at birth. For many years, drinking too much was blamed on a character flaw or not having enough willpower.

• There’s a chance your doctor may order blood work to check your liver function if you show signs or symptoms of liver disease.
• A strong support system is helpful for making a complete recovery.
• Loved ones are an integral part of the addiction recovery process, but they need to balance their own needs in addition to providing support.
• Alcohol causes and worsens many medical conditions, as discussed below.

Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits

Talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice a problem. Your chances of recovery are better if you address addiction sooner. Beyond these potential issues, there are also short and long-term effects. People who quit will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms.

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol addiction is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last anywhere from 30 days to a year. It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home. This cycle can become the foundation for multiple substance use disorders and other addictions. It is not uncommon to find food, sex, drugs, and even impulsive behaviors (e.g., shopping) becoming unhealthy coping strategies for negative emotions.

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Many people drink alcohol as a personal preference, during social activities, or as a part of cultural and religious practices. People who choose not to drink make that choice for the same reasons. Knowing your personal risk based on your habits https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can help you make the best decision for you. That’s because a lot of people with AUD don’t want to quit drinking or find it really hard to stay sober. You might even avoid seeking treatment or admitting that you have an issue because of that.

• It can be difficult to know whether or not to abstain from alcohol to support a loved one in recovery.
• But spiritual themes and references to “God” may come up at meetings.
• Alcohol overdose can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
• Continuing to drink despite clear signs of significant impairments can result in an alcohol overdose.
• Alcohol causes the release of dopamine in the ventral tegmental area, which is a part of the reward pathway.
• Another way to look at your drinking habits is to think about how much you have during an average week.

These elements work together to help maintain the sobriety achieved during treatment. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. Alcohol addiction is a serious, large-scale condition that millions of people in the United States struggle with. In 2021 alone, it’s estimated that up to 29.5 million people met the requirements for alcohol addiction. Our Treatment Advisors are available 24 hours a day to help you or a loved one access care. We’re ready to make sure you have the support you need to achieve lifelong recovery. This includes ongoing support such as regular therapy sessions, support groups, and even living in a sober living environment.

Professional diagnosis

• About 15 million American adults and 400,000 adolescents suffer from alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
• Alcohol can disrupt fetal development at any stage during a pregnancy—including at the earliest stages and before a woman knows she is pregnant.
• This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function.
• Adolescents are also likely to binge drink, which can lead to serious consequences, including injury and death.

How Effective Is Rehab and Drug Addiction Treatment?

Behavioral Treatments