Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is one of America’s most widespread substance problems. However, the underlying reasons for becoming addicted are not as widely known. By learning about the most common factors, you make it easier to prevent the onset of addiction. You can also improve your understanding of people affected by serious alcohol problems. Just as importantly, you may better understand the need for alcohol addiction treatment. Keep in mind that there are plenty of quality alcohol addiction treatment centers across the country, whether it’s a Memphis recovery center or a detox center in Los Angeles.
Your Drinking Pattern and the Odds of Needing Alcohol Addiction Rehab
Most people who drink alcohol don’t develop alcoholism. One of the most significant factors in becoming addicted is your habitual drinking pattern. All public health experts recommend limiting both your daily and weekly alcohol use. This is key to keeping your alcoholism risks as low as possible.
For biological reasons, your gender impacts relatively safe alcohol use. The maximum amounts for men and women, respectively, are:
- Four standard drinks a day and 14 standard drinks a week
- Three standard drinks a day and seven standard drinks a week
It’s still possible to develop alcoholism if you stick to these guidelines. However, your risks for problems are far higher if you exceed them regularly.
Your Family Genetics Can Make the Need for Alcohol Addiction Rehab More Likely
Your genetics also influence your chances of eventually needing an alcohol addiction treatment center. In fact, evidence shows that half of your overall risk is genetically based. This does not mean that researchers have found a single alcoholism gene. Instead, they’ve discovered that several genes interact to determine your risks. This means that the specific inherited influences can vary from person to person. Your genes may also help determine which alcoholism treatments will work best for you.
The Impact of Trauma Exposure
Many people who need substance abuse treatment have a history of serious trauma. What is trauma? This term describes life events that can exceed your normal ability to cope. Events capable of having this kind of impact include:
- Hurricanes or other natural disasters
- Rape
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Physical assault
- Exposure to combat
- Witnessing violence done to others
Trauma exposure is known to increase your alcoholism risks.
Mental Health Conditions and the Need for Alcohol Addiction Rehab
Alcoholism is itself a mental health issue. In turn, the presence of other such issues can increase your alcoholism risks. Substance problems are common in people affected by certain kinds of illnesses. The list of those illnesses includes depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. If your alcoholism occurs along with any other mental health problem, you have what’s called a dual diagnosis. To recover, you will need to combine alcohol treatment with treatment for that additional mental health issue.
The Influence of the Age at Which You Started Drinking
You can run into alcohol problems no matter how old you are when you start drinking. However, as a rule, age is an essential factor. Specifically, your risks go up if you begin drinking as a teen or younger child. That’s especially true if you binge on alcohol. People who do this drink enough to get drunk in just a couple of hours.
Finding an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
If you’re already affected by alcoholism, a well-designed alcohol addiction rehab can help. High-quality rehabs are similar no matter where you live. The most important thing is seeking the help you need today. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can establish a solid foundation for long-term recovery.