WHY IS ALCOHOL ADDICTIVE?

 Alcoholism is a serious issue that can significantly affect your life. Let's look at why alcohol is such an addictive substance and why it can be so challenging to stop drinking once you've started.

 

WHY DOES ALCOHOL ADDICTION OCCUR?

Alcohol addiction has many causes that are not all the same. Researchers have long known that the brain is where alcoholism begins to take hold, but they are now learning just how deeply ingrained alcoholism is influenced by genetics, brain chemistry, and socioeconomic influences.

Around 20% of people with anxiety problems also abuse alcohol, and mental health conditions including depression and anxiety are major contributors to alcohol consumption.

High levels of stress, peer pressure, and self-medication are some other sociocultural causes of alcoholism. However, in most cases, they are the results of a much more significant and intricate problem with regard to whyalcohol is addictive.

HOW IS DOPAMINE AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL?

Dopamine levels in the brain are reduced as a result of alcohol usage, which is one of many harmful effects.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for the control of mood and mental processes. Additionally, motivation, pleasure, and Reward System activation are all a result of it.

The primary component of alcohol, ethanol, stimulates the brain's production of large amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is released when we first drink alcohol, telling our brains that it is a reward. Dopamine is continuously produced, which supports this.

However, alcoholism eventually deteriorates dopamine transporters and receptor sites in your brain. As a result, persons who are addicted to alcohol will surely experience inadequate amounts of pleasure. However, the brain will continue to "remember" the reward associated with drinking and signal the urge to continue drinking.

DRINKING AND GABA

GABA is a neurotransmitter that induces a state of calm and helps to lower tension and anxiety. Alcohol consumption can elevate GABA levels in the brain, causing sedation. Many drinkers describe this as "taking the edge off."

Chronic alcohol consumption makes the brain create glutamate, an excitatory family neurotransmitter that balances GABA and helps the brain adjust to higher GABA concentrations. The surge in glutamate will cause the brain to continue producing large amounts of GABA, which is what causes an alcohol tolerance.

 IS BINGE DRINKING GENETIC?

Although there are many factors that can affect alcoholism, heredity may also have an impact.

The development of an alcohol use problem is influenced by social and environmental factors as well as hereditary tendencies towards alcoholism. The remaining portion of the risk is due to environmental variables and gene-environment interactions.

WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO QUIT BEVERAGES?

Even if you are aware of the negative effects drinking has on your health, quitting can be extremely difficult. Alcohol is a strong drug, and it can be very challenging to escape its hold. The ability to stop drinking does not depend on willpower, and struggling to stop drinking does not make you weak.

Here are a few main explanations for why quitting drinking alcohol is so challenging.

 1. RETRANSFER

It's normal for someone trying to stop drinking to go through uncomfortable and sometimes deadly withdrawal symptoms.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Genes account for approximately half of the risk for AUD. The person may resort to alcohol again in an effort to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms' discomfort.

2.Tolerance

Your tolerance to alcohol rises with each drink. The brain attempts to maintain balance over time. It decreases the amount of these brain chemicals released as it gets used to drinking alcohol regularly.

In order to feel the same level of intoxication they were used to, people are tempted to drink more alcohol.

The harder it is for your body to identify what is normal, the higher your tolerance.To regain a sense of normalcy, you will need to consume increasingly more alcohol.

3. MIND-BODY DISORDERS

Alcohol can momentarily reduce symptoms of PTSD, sadness, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. But over time, alcohol only serves to exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing consumption in an effort to feel better.

4. BEVERAGE IS FOUND EVERYWHERE

It's difficult to forget about alcohol because it's so widely accepted in society. Alcohol seems to help you have more fun and let loose in advertisements and events.

ADVICE FOR QUITING BEVERAGES

Following are some suggestions for quitting drinking:

Keep in mind your original motivation for trying to quit. It will be easier for you to stay motivated throughout your trip if you choose a motivation other than "because I'm unhealthy."

Establish reasonable objectives for yourself and regularly update your progress reports to monitor your progress. When times are tough, this will inspire you to persevere.

Look for organisations that support those who are trying to give up drinking. These programmes frequently provide outstanding outcomes and can offer helpful guidance along the way.

Get qualified assistance. It's quite challenging to stop drinking on your own, and you frequently need the assistance of a professional who is familiar with addiction and its root causes.

GET HELP FOR YOUR ABUSE OF ALCOHOLICS

The good news is that there is hope if you are fighting an alcohol consumption disorder. The damage that alcohol has done to your body can be miraculously repaired.

 In fact, after just 30 days of abstaining from alcohol, your liver will start to work normally, your anxiety will go down, and your sleep will get better.

 Find out more about our programmes for addiction recovery or get in touch with one of our specialists to further discuss your treatment choices.