Who Would Most Likely Develop an Alcohol Addiction in Adulthood?
Alcohol addiction is a life-threatening condition that can create turmoil in relationships, impact career goals and life plans, and shorten a person’s lifespan. It is a disease, more commonly known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD). In all forms, it is highly dangerous.
Not everyone who has a drink of alcohol is at risk of developing dependency. Most people don’t suffer from addiction even if they drink frequently. Yet, others develop AUD, recognized as a compulsive and uncontrollable desire to consume alcohol while understanding the negative consequences of doing so.
Why do some people develop alcohol addiction and others do not? While researchers continue to work to understand this complicated brain disease, it is clear there are many people who need support. Data shared by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicates that about 16.8 million people suffer from AUD. Consider some of the causes of it, and know that treating alcoholism is possible in most situations.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Addiction Onset
Numerous factors contribute to alcohol addiction. Note that there is no simple way to avoid it – some people may have none of these complicating factors but still develop AUD. Others may have several and not do so. However, researchers believe a combination of environmental, genetic, psychological, and behavioral factors contributes to the onset of this condition. Some of those factors include the following:
- Genetics: A person with a family history of alcohol addiction may be at a higher risk of developing it themselves.
- Environmental factors: Experiencing childhood trauma, social factors such as peer influence, and exposure to alcohol at a young age in the home could also contribute to the onset of AUD.
- Psychological factors: Those who struggle with mental health disorders such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may turn to alcohol as a way to calm their nerves. It can serve as a type of coping mechanism, providing short-term relief from those symptoms.
- Behavioral factors: Some people develop AUD because they engage in risky behaviors frequently. That could include binge drinking.
My Parent Had Alcoholism. Does That Mean I Am Doomed?
There is an indication that genetics can play a role in who may develop AUD. However, family history and genetics are not the only factors influencing this. Not everyone who has a family history of alcoholism develops the condition. However, they may be more likely to develop AUD with frequent use of the substance.
Having specific genes associated with susceptibility to alcohol addiction is possible. Factors such as the rate at which alcohol is metabolized in your system and how the reward pathway is created in the brain can influence this. Yet, just having these genes does not make AUD a must. It makes you vulnerable in the right environment.
Environmental Factors Play a Bit Role in the Onset of Alcohol Use Disorder
With or without genetic factors at play, there is a significant risk of developing AUD based on environmental factors. That is, the environment in which you live and grew up can influence your thoughts and feelings about the consumption of alcohol. It also influences behavior and the relationship you have with substances. Consider a few key examples:
Peer Influence
A person who is around those who drink alcohol constantly, whether they have an AUD themselves or not, can influence your behavior. Social factors, such as cultural norms for consuming alcohol and stigma assigned to those who do not, are very real factors.
Childhood Environment
The type of environment you grew up in, such as whether alcohol was constantly around you, could play a role in the onset of AUD. Factors like family dynamics and parental use of alcohol can have an impact on you. Notably, a child who grows up in a household where alcohol misuse is common is likely to see consumption as normal and expected behavior.
Stress and Trauma
Another environmental factor that impacts the development of AUD is stress, and specifically trauma. Those who face intense stress, such as the death of a close loved one or abuse at a young age, may turn to alcohol as a type of coping mechanism. This, along with the presence of underlying mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, can increase the risk of AUD.
Will You Develop Alcohol Addiction?
The people most likely to struggle with alcohol use disorder include:
- Those who have a genetic makeup that makes them predisposed to using substances
- Individuals who drink at an early age
- Those who engage in binge drinking
- Those who spend time in an environment where drinking, including in high amounts, is considered normal behavior
- Those who use alcohol as a coping mechanism for other mental health disorders
If You Are Facing Alcohol Addiction, Call Our Team
Alcohol addiction can change your future. It can lead to the onset of addiction, even if you’re just having a drink or two with friends after work.
When it impacts you, let us help you. Turn to Victory Addiction Recovery Center for an assessment. Let us provide you with the real, transparent insight you need now. Contact us now to learn more.