It is a fact that many people love to drink. Whether it is to celebrate a birthday or to cure boredom, drinking alcohol seems harmless. But some people do not know how to control their drinking, and they tend to do it excessively. The worst part is they cause havoc and problems when they get drunk and forget about it the next day. Alcohol
lism is an alarming issue that many people are dealing with. Also known as alcohol use disorder, it affects 53.1 million Americans.
Sadly, most people with alcohol use disorder have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have a problem. They always find an excuse to drink and tell everyone it is just for fun. But many of them turn to alcohol to mask their problems in life.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Based on the Mayo Clinic’s website, alcohol use disorder “is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.”
People with alcohol problems become so dependent on it that they keep on drinking even when there are no reasons to do so. Alcohol becomes their fuel to go on with life, most especially when there are problems to deal with. It becomes the escape route for the majority to forget their issues momentarily, even if it is causing problems in the family, physical harm, and emotional distress.
What are the causes of alcohol use disorder?
Experts in the field of health and medicine are still unsure of the true causes of alcohol dependency. There are various factors that lead to this disorder but there is actually no evidence that could support the speculations.
However, they could pinpoint the most obvious causes of alcohol use disorder. These are:
Drinking at a Young Age
Therapists and psychologists say that there is a high chance of developing alcohol use disorder when you start drinking at a very young age – around 15 years old and younger. Peer pressure also contributes to why adolescents learn to drink alcohol. This way of life can affect you in your old age when illnesses start to manifest.
Family History
There is a high possibility that you will develop this dependency when you see your parents or a relative struggling with alcohol use disorder. Though it is perceived that biological and genetic factors play vital roles in alcoholism, it does not necessarily mean that you will grow up as an alcoholic. Seeing your family drinking casually and constantly can awaken your curiosity and the desire to drink.
Lack Parental Guidance
Those people who have no strong foundation at home and no parents to guide them will have a high tendency to resort to alcohol dependency. Parents need to supervise their children in making the right choices in life. When there is no parental involvement, the child will seek refuge from other people who may influence them in a bad way.
Stressful Life
Having a stressful and exhausting life at work and at home can lead to excessive drinking. No one is an expert in handling complicated issues and relationships in life. At times, it is better to just forget about everything and drown your sorrows with alcohol.
Mental Health Problems
When you are battling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic disorder, you may find comfort in alcohol. You think that drinking alcohol will make you feel better. You feel that by drinking, you can temporarily forget about your issues, but the truth is, it will just get worse.
What are the symptoms of alcohol use disorder?
People who have been excessively drinking will never notice that they have a problem. They will make excuses for why they are drinking. You will know that you or someone close to you has a drinking problem when:
- drinking alone or drinking in secret
- cannot control alcohol consumption
- blacks out and cannot remember the passing time
- skipping work or school just to drink
- gets aggressive and violent, especially when asked about their drinking problem
- disregarding their physical hygiene
- not eating well
- hiding alcoholic beverages
- losing interest in hobbies, work, relationships, or family
- constantly craving for alcohol
- having problems at work, school, finances, relationships because of drinking
- experiencing nausea, sweating, vomiting, or shaking when not drinking
When to ask help
If you feel that you have these symptoms, you need to act right now. You really need help and guidance from people who know how to handle alcohol use disorder. It will be a rough road to take, but once you get the help you need, your life will surely be better.
Mindshift Psychological Services has the best therapy near me and counselling sessions for those who want to overcome their drinking problems. This is a brave step you take, and they are willing to lend a hand to those who want to heal and be better. Contact them through their website or this number: (714) 584-9700.
