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Why do People Become Alcoholics?

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:15:34 +0000

Alcohol is the world’s oldest and most widely used drug. And above all other drugs, it is the favorite son. If you have any doubts about this, consider all the situations where drinking is acceptable and even encouraged. With how common drinking is, it’s no surprise that people wonder if alcohol is addictive or scratch their heads about why people become alcoholics.

Why Do People Become Alcoholics? – Read Some Common Reasons Now

For many, drinking alcohol will not lead to alcoholism. But why does this phenomenon happen to some and not others? The truth is that there are several factors that can increase the likelihood that a person will develop an alcohol addiction. Below are reasons why some become addicted to alcohol, while others don’t.

Drinking in Large Amounts: In the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking is defined by 2 standard drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women and research finds that the average American falls within this boundary. Over 5 percent of adult Americans engage in heavy drinking while 7 percent of adults fit the criteria of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism. As we will discuss later, heavy alcohol consumption can rewire the brain. The percentage of the population that engages in heavy (or binge) drinking and the percentage of Americans that are alcoholics are eerily close. This suggests that while not all heavy drinkers become alcoholics many in fact do.
Starting at an Early Age:A survey conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that drinking at an early age is connected to alcohol addiction and dependence later in life.
Genetics:Ever wondered why alcoholism seems to run in families. Experts have scratched their heads for years on that fact. With the advent of modern genetics, however, scientists have isolated genes connected to addiction. GenesADH1B and ALDH2 for example, are believed to heavily contribute to substance abuse risk. It is also estimated that genetic make-up accounts for 40-60 percent of addiction risk.
Upbringing:Individuals with poor, inattentive parents or those who live with a family that have substance abuse issues(especially when combined with mental health problems)are at a higher risk for drug and alcohol addiction.
Mental Disorders:Those suffering from comorbid mental health disorders are at an increased risk of developing alcoholism. Mental disorders including personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are at the highest risk of developing substance use disorder.
Social and Economic Factors:The connection between poverty and addiction has long been established. Among alcoholics with lower socio-economic status and those who are unemployed or homeless, there is an increased risk in alcohol addiction and risk of death.

Read More: Any Idea Why do I Feel Depressed After Drinking

Understanding More About Alcoholism

When people think about the stereotypical alcoholic, they usually imagine somebody who starts drinking in the morning and drinks themselves to sleep. But the reality is, that this is just one type of drinking behavior associated with alcoholism. Alcoholism is the most extreme kind of alcohol abuse. Those who become addicted to it consume it compulsively with little to no self-control. This is why despite the numerous negative consequences; most alcoholics will succumb to cravings and continue to drink. Additionally, alcoholism is a progressive disorder that over time can cause significant physical, neurological, and emotional changes to a person.

Signs of Alcoholism

Engages in binge drinking
Drinks until the black out
Drinks throughout the day
Often complains about being hungover
Drinking interferes with daily responsibilities
Experiences withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Has strong urges or cravings to use alcohol
Has a high alcohol tolerance (Can drink large amounts without getting drunk)
Engages in illegal or risky actions such as driving drunk
Is unable to just have just one drink
Experiences lapses in memory

How Many People Die from AlcoholismEvery Year in US?

Within just an 8-year period (2006-2014) the amount of ER visits due to alcohol rose by 47 percent. Additionally, alcohol is the cause of death for 95,000 people annually.

How Addictive is Alcohol

You may have wondered if alcohol is as addictive as other substances. After all, alcohol is legal and many people consider legal drugs to be safer. But when considering other legal drugs such as nicotine or prescription opioids, this argument doesn’t hold water. In fact, Alcohol is very addictive with 1 in 12 American adults struggling with alcohol dependency or misuse. Consuming alcohol modifies the way the brain functions by increasing dopamine and manipulating other neurotransmitters in the brain. This interaction is what is responsible for the pleasurable and sedative effects of drinking and is also what keeps people hooked on drinking. But the benefits of alcohol eventually run dry. Those who become regular and heavy users will notice that they don’t feel great when they aren’t drinking. For one, excessive drinking depletes GABA stores in the brain leading to feelings of anxiousness, headaches, insomnia, and depression. Over excitation of the nervous system is just one serious aspect of alcohol withdrawals.

Best Way to Tackle Alcohol Addiction

In the same way that you can’t get addicted to alcohol from one drink, beating alcohol is a process that can take months or even years. The first step to quitting alcohol is Detox. A treatment that involves removing the presence alcohol and other drugs from the body. While this may sound simple, it is really anything but. Alcohol withdrawals can cause severe discomfort and in certain cases death. Therefore, the best way to detox from alcohol is to attend a medical inpatient detox program. Just as it is important to retrain the body to function without alcohol, it is also necessary to retrain the mind. While in rehabilitation, individuals develop the tools necessary to beat alcoholism, like psychotherapy, addiction education and relapse management skills.

Find Your Sobriety with Forward Recovery

Alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Forward Recovery is a premier rehab and detox facility operating in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, call us at (844) 387-6889

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Can Xanax Be Prescribed to Minors?

admin — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:29:20 +0000

While anxiety and mood disorders have increased in the younger population, Xanax is typically not a doctor’s first medication of choice for this age group. This is because of the quick tolerance and likelihood of becoming dependent on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can be uncomfortable, making it difficult to quit this drug. Xanax in children should be thoroughly discussed with the prescribing doctor before choosing this method of drug addiction treatment. Benzos for depression are also not typically prescribed by doctors, as they commonly use antidepressants such as Zoloft or Prozac because these have less effects on the young brain. In some cases, minors presenting with more severe symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder may be prescribed Xanax and parents should keep in mind some of the concerning factors with this substance. What to do if your child accidentally took Xanax? Contact 911 or a medical professional immediately to ensure the safety of your child.

Understand Xanax

Xanax, otherwise known as Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and help with sleep disruptions. This is a short-term fast acting medication that calms the brain, reducing or eliminating symptoms of anxiety. Although Xanax can be beneficial for treating anxiety symptoms, it is not typically recommended to use long-term. Xanax is addictive and is commonly abused. A person can develop a tolerance for this drug, rather quickly causing them to become dependent on the drug to function regularly. Constant use of Xanax can lead to side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, etc. Mixing Xanax with other drugs, especially alcohol, can lead to black outs and fatalities. Long term Xanax use can lead to negative effects, and if you are considering this option for a child or teenager, it is important to understand the way it can affect the young brain.

Disorders for Which Children are Prescribed with Xanax

Although Xanax can be beneficial for different mental disorders, Xanax in children can come with some risks. Common disorders in which children are prescribed Xanax can include anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic disorder, etc.), or sleep difficulties, such as insomnia. Your doctor should fully discuss this option when considering prescribing Xanax to a child.

Effects of Xanax on the Teenage Brain and Children

While Xanax is a prescribed medication, that does not mean it doesn’t come with different risks and effects on the teenage brain. People often assume Xanax is a better option than illicit drugs, which is true to a certain degree, but there is still a high risk of developing a dependence or an addiction to the drug. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that has a calming effect while reducing brain activity. Young brains are still in the developmental stage, and allowing a substance such as Xanax to “relax” the brain can have damage on the growing individual and their brain. Xanax should only be used as a short-term method to relieve symptoms of anxiety. The teenage years are often a time of experimental drug use, and many teens begin drinking alcohol. This creates a huge risk of negative side effects, and can even lead to overdoses or fatalities. If your child or teen is prescribed medication, it is crucial they are aware of the risks of mixing Xanax with other drugs.

Short Term Effects of Xanax

There is a reason Xanax is the number one prescribed medication. The short-term effects may sometimes seem to outweigh the negative effects that could come with long term use. The short-term effects of Xanax include a relief from anxious thoughts or worries, while calming the individual’s nerves and giving them a euphoric feeling. The effects are fast acting, typically within the first 30 minutes after taking the substance, and can last up to 6 hours.

Long Term Effects of Xanax

While the relief of anxiety and a euphoric feeling may sound pleasant and desirable, the long term-effects are not as desirable. When a person begins taking Xanax more frequently and consistently, they will begin to develop a dependency for the drug. Xanax is used to help with anxiety, but when a person is dependent on the drug, their brain thinks it needs the drug to function properly. This is how Xanax addiction begins. In other words, long term effects of Xanax use include:

Tolerance to the drug
Dependency for the drug
Addiction to the drug

Xanax is also a difficult drug to quit, as the withdrawal effects can add discomfort, increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. When quitting Xanax, you should always seek help from a medical professional or a rehab facility, such as Forward Recovery (844-387-6889) to ensure safety throughout the detox phase and prevent possible relapse. Living with and managing mental disorders such as anxiety or panic disorder can be difficult, but there are healthier ways to help relieve some of the symptoms. If we can teach our children and teens healthier strategies to manage these symptoms, we can reduce the likelihood of them being prescribed Xanax and prevent them from becoming dependent or addicted to this substance.

Healthy Alternatives of Xanax for Children

The first thing to be considered when dealing with anxiety in children or teens, is different coping skills they may have to help manage these symptoms. Exercise, journaling, reading, or creating artwork are all examples of healthy coping skills for children and teens. Starting your child in therapy may also be a useful way for them to talk about triggers or reasons for their anxiety or panic disorder. Growing up in today’s high demand society comes with many different struggles and difficulties, but there are healthier and more efficient ways to help treat anxiety. Speak with your doctor about different options for your child or teen before jumping to the idea of starting them on Xanax. Citations GoodRX. “What is Xanax? Side Effects, Drug Interactions, Dosages and More.” https://www.goodrx.com/blog/taking-xanax-what-to-know/ Reviewed 25, October 2021 American Addiction Centers. “The Effects of Alprazolam Use.” https://drugabuse.com/benzodiazepines/xanax/effects-alprazolam-use/ Reviewed 16, July 2021

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