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Alcohol addiction is a complex condition affecting every part of a personโs life. Because alcohol use is legal and common throughout the United States, it can be challenging to recognize alcohol abuse. However, noticing the signs of addiction and seeking treatment is essential to helping people recover from this condition.
Many people wonder about the roots of alcohol addiction. Understanding how alcoholism develops may help people recognize this condition and seek treatment.ย
This article will explore whether or not alcoholism is genetic. You will learn:
- Factors that may contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- How to recognize alcohol abuse and addiction
- What happens in treatment for AUD
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]If you or someone you love struggle with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our holistic recovery programs or to schedule an intake appointment.ย
What is Alcoholism?
But what kind of alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises people to drink in moderation or not at all. It defines moderate drinking as:
- One or fewer drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer drinks per day for men
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Heavy drinking puts people at increased risk for alcohol addiction. The CDC defines heavy drinking as:
- Eight or more drinks per week for women
- Fifteen or more drinks per week for men
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Long periods of heavy drinking can alter how the brain and body function. These changes can make it hard to stop. People may experience intense or dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they reduce the amount of alcohol they consume or quit.
People with alcohol addiction typically cannot stop drinking on their own and require intensive treatment to stop.ย
Is Alcoholism Hereditary?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition with many potential roots. But is alcoholism hereditary?
First, โhereditaryโ refers to characteristics that parents pass on to their children.ย Studies show that people with close family members with alcoholism, including parents and siblings, are more likely to develop alcoholism themselves.ย
Many experts believe there are hereditary and genetic factors that contribute to addiction. For example, genetic variants affecting alcohol metabolism rates may affect the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction.
Addiction experts acknowledge that having family members with alcohol addiction may put people at higher risk of developing AUD. However, anyone can develop AUD if they abuse alcohol. People without risk factors for AUD must still be aware of the signs of alcohol abuse and seek treatment if needed.ย
Other Factors That May Cause Alcoholism
Addiction and medical experts believe several factors may contribute to alcohol addiction. Here are some of the factors that may affect alcohol addiction risk.
Environmental factors
People who live in communities or households where drinking is common may be at higher risk of developing alcohol addiction.ย
Early drinking
Research shows that drinking at an early age may increase the risk of developing alcohol addiction later in life.ย
Mental health conditions
Living with a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). People with mental health conditions may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can turn into a life-threatening addiction over time.ย
Trauma
Living with the physical and emotional effects of trauma puts people at risk of developing substance abuse. People with trauma need support and coping skills to manage the impact of trauma and treat substance abuse.ย
Contact Moving Mountains Recovery to learn more about the causes of addiction or to explore our treatment programs.ย
Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol abuse and addiction can impact how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse in yourself or a loved one can help you seek treatment quickly.ย
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS), some signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) include:
- Drinking more oftenย
- Needing to drink more to get โbuzzedโ or drinking a lot without appearing intoxicated
- Doing dangerous things while drinking, like driving, working, or having unprotected sex
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting alcohol, drinking, and managing hangovers
- Having cravings for alcohol
- Feeling out of control of your drinking
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]People who develop alcohol addiction may not be able to stop drinking on their own. Many people with AUD require intensive support and treatment to stop drinking safely and prevent relapse.ย
What to Expect From Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive therapies that address the roots of AUD. People may participate in inpatient or outpatient programs, depending on their needs. An AUD treatment plan may include:
- A medically-supported detox program consisting of supervision, mental health care, medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, and other treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Holistic therapies, including nature therapy, creative expression, mindfulness, and more
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Participating in addiction treatment can help people identify and address the complex roots of their alcohol addiction. Treatment provides supervision, support, treatment, and resources that can help people maintain their recovery for life.ย
Find Treatment Now
Overcoming alcoholism can be very challenging, but having the right treatment makes it possible. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our holistic approach to addiction treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.ย [/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”References:” tab_id=”1740333289647-3b44fdd9-b837″][vc_column_text css=””]
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
- Wiley Online Library: The Cause of Alcoholism and Why It Runs in Families
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Genetics and alcoholism
- NIAAA: Risk Factors: Varied Vulnerability to Alcohol-Related Harm
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