It’s reported that in 2019, 14.1 million adults suffered from some form of alcohol use disorder (AUD). There may be many more who have gone unreported. AUD is so common because alcohol can be an addictive substance.
Many people tend to think they can control their alcohol consumption or hide it, but with AUD, drinking slowly takes over your life and becomes the sole object of your interest.
Professionals can help you recover from alcohol addiction as well as treat any co-occurring mental health disorders that might fuel your addiction.
Many people find it hard to believe that they have an addiction to alcohol, but it can happen to anyone. There should be no shame in admitting that you need help and seeking treatment from professionals.
Take a moment to understand why alcohol is so addictive and how it could affect you.
Social influence
Many celebratory occasions or casual gatherings involve the use of alcohol. Weddings, parties and dinners all usually involve drinks to help people loosen up and have fun. However, all this drinking comes with an unintended consequence. Over time, the push to drink during social occasions can lead to excessive drinking or a dependency that leads to more drinking on your own in private.
Chemistry
Alcohol causes changes in your body at the chemical level. It increases the production of endorphins, which can chemically induce sensations of pleasure or reward. Over time, your body craves this release of endorphins and you find yourself wanting to drink to achieve this pleasurable effect.
As the use of alcohol is prolonged or increases over time, your body can become physically dependent on the presence of alcohol just to simply function on a daily basis.
Mental health disorders
Mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, can cause stress and other symptoms that lead to the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. As mental health issues go untreated, the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism is prolonged, which can lead to an addiction.
Treating mental health disorders is a crucial part of the dual diagnosis approach to treating alcohol addiction. Learning to cope with mental health disorders in healthy ways can help reduce the drive for using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Take Your First Step to Recovery at Tulip Hill Recovery
Are you or someone you know struggling with alcohol addiction? Our team is here to help. At Tulip Hill Recovery, we focus on discovering what factors in your life may be contributing to your addiction in order to treat it at its main source.
Are you ready to talk to someone about treatment for addiction and building a better future for yourself? Please contact us online or call us at 877-845-8192 to get in touch with our team and start your recovery journey.
