America has a severe alcohol addiction problem, and not nearly enough is being done about it. More than 15 million people struggle with alcohol addiction, but less than 10 percent get treatment. Another 65 million Americans binge-drink at least once each month, putting them at heightened risk of developing an addiction. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our experienced and compassionate staff want to help people recognize the causes of alcohol addiction. We hope that by identifying the causes of addiction early, more people will get the help they need. Please reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today by calling 866.294.5306 if you’re ready to seek alcohol detox.
Common Causes of Alcohol Addiction
It’s important to understand that the causes of addiction are not necessarily quantifiable. Just because you or a loved one has a typical cause in your life, that does not mean you will succumb to alcohol addiction. As a result, experts often refer to the causes of addiction as “risk factors.”
People who sidestep risk factors can lower the odds of alcohol addiction. The opposite also tends to hold true. The more risk factors in your life, the more likely you require detox and outpatient treatment. We hope that by identifying the following common causes of alcohol addiction, people will be able to lower their risk.
Family History
If a parent or close relative struggled with alcohol addiction, you might be at increased risk. Scientists believe that human genes and environmental factors play a role in addictive behavior. If alcoholism seems to run in your family, it may be prudent to live a clean, sober lifestyle to avoid potential misuse.
Age Factors
When people begin using alcohol can be an influential risk factor. Those who start drinking at 15 years old or younger could be at higher risk. But the time factor seems to be true at any age. The later in life that people begin drinking, the lower the odds of suffering from alcohol addiction.
Mental Health Disorders
People dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder, among others, tend to self-medicate by using alcohol. While it typically provides short-term relief, continued use leads to increased tolerance. Self-medicating can lead to alcohol addiction and worsening mental health.
Stress
Few would argue that we live in a stressful culture. The weight of earning a salary, caring for others, and societal challenges lead too many to reach for a bottle. Professions such as construction, nursing, doctors, and lawyers rank among the most stressful. Also, men are more prone to binge-drink to reduce stress. Community members need to incorporate healthy, stress-relieving activities into their lifestyles, such as:
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Volunteering
No matter how you choose to relieve stress, make sure you find a healthy way to manage life’s pressure.
Peer Pressure
From high school through college to after-work gatherings, pressure exits to drink alcohol. Drinking tends to be looked at as inclusion into a group, and college binge-drinking can be seen as a rite of passage in some cases. Peer pressure is an unhealthy reason to drink alcohol.
Psychological Trauma
Childhood abuse and shattered relationships leave traumatic emotional and psychological wounds. Alcohol seems like an easy, legal, quick fix sometimes. The problem is that using alcohol as a mental painkiller ranks among the leading causes of addiction. A few beers or a glass of wine can quickly turn into heavy drinking.
Numerous factors lead good people to overindulge and find themselves addicted to alcohol. These are common ways that people inadvertently drink more frequently or excessively. Taking inventory of the common causes of addiction in your life can help you eliminate them.
Get the Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If you discover that these or other risk factors in your orbit, then it’s essential to take steps to mitigate them. It’s also important to know that there are significant resources available for people struggling with alcohol addiction. Don’t let risk factors pile up or allow alcohol to impact your quality of life negatively. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today to learn more about your treatment options.
