Alcoholism Causes Risk Factors

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What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Alcoholism?

Alcohol is the most widely abused drug in America. If that fact surprises you, it should not. Alcohol is legal, affordable, and widely accepted in nearly all segments of American culture. This addictive substance is in most restaurants, social gatherings, college campuses, and even work-related functions.

The consumption of alcohol is also glamorized in popular culture, making it difficult for those quitting alcohol to find support. But with help from Resurgence Behavioral Health, recovery is possible. Studies show that, in the United States, nearly 15 million people are coping with alcohol abuse. It’s important to learn which person would be most likely to develop alcoholism, as well.

That does not count those with an unhealthy relationship to alcohol that may result in addiction. An unhealthy relationship could mean using alcohol to sleep or participating in occasional binge drinking. In addition to ease of access, affordability, and popularity, mental health issues play a critical role in alcohol abuse.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, such as grief and insomnia, are common precursors to alcohol abuse.  These mental health concerns also overlap with workplace issues, which can easily result in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Factors like stress, workplace danger, mistreatment, lack of control, and social isolation drive certain professions into high-risk relationships with alcohol.

Research suggests that middle-class workers consume more alcohol than other groups within the workforce. Police officers, firefighters, clinical staff, and lawyers are among the professions with the highest rates of alcohol abuse. But there is more to alcoholism than cultural and environmental issues.

Studies have found that 40 – 65% of alcoholism is genetic. Thus, some individuals will develop an addiction with only moderate exposure to alcohol. This increased likelihood of addiction can result in higher “highs” while consuming alcohol, and lower “lows” as addicts try to quit. These people experience extreme biological responses to drinking and may find it almost impossible to quit after a few experiences with alcohol.

The experienced team at Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you restore your peace of mind and find freedom from addiction.

Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a serious addiction, with dangerous medical consequences. The negative long term effects of alcohol consumption on the body and mind are numerous. Some of these issues can include:

• Stroke
• Infertility
• Thinning bones
• Sexual disfunction
• Digestive issues
• Inflammation
• Blackouts
• High blood sugar
• Insomnia
• Heart disease
• Anxiety
• Cirrhosis
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Fatty liver
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis
• Head and neck cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colorectal cancer

Additionally, in the United States, nearly 30 people die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Yet even knowing these statistics, many men and women who struggle with alcohol abuse feel they cannot quit. Failed attempts to quit “cold turkey” can lead to guilt, shame, binge drinking, and a cycle that feels impossible to escape.

Moreover, 40% of those seeking treatment through Alcoholics Anonymous without the assistance of a treatment center drop out in the first year. Giving up is not a lack of willpower. Alcoholism has medical causes that take root in the body and mind, altering the individual’s ability to function without the drug. But with professional treatment, such as the help offered at Resurgence Behavioral Health, there is always hope for recovery.

Mental illness and Alcoholism Risk Factors

According to research, there is a confirmed link between alcoholism and depression. And when mental health issues mix with easy, affordable drugs, like alcohol, this relationship forms a cycle that can feel inescapable. Just as mental illness can be a precursor to alcohol abuse, alcohol use can also have mental health consequences.

Excessive alcohol consumption results in isolation, anxiety, mood changes, depression, hopelessness, and worsening of established mental health issues. These issues can include PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, because of the biochemical effects of alcoholism, some of these mental health consequences can last for months or years after treatment.

However, the body and mind are both resilient. And with professional treatment and medical detoxification, recovering alcoholics can experience happiness, health, and hope once again. But, it’s also key to know how to figure out which person would be most likely to develop alcoholism

Treatment and Alcoholism Risk Factors

The reasons to seek treatment are many for alcoholism. And recovery can change your life and the lives of those you love. But alcoholism treatment is best undertaken with professional help. Although alcohol is a legal drug, that does not make it “safe.” The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are serious and can include seizures, nerve damage, heart attack, hallucinations, coma, and death.

Even for those who do not experience extreme symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, aches, vomiting, and loss of behavioral control are common. Because the physical and emotional pain can be so extreme, many individuals who attempt detoxification alone will relapse. Relapse is due to a lack of support, and these individuals are at risk for dangerous behaviors, such as self-harm.

Immediate Placement in Rehab

The first step in a treatment program should be supervised medical detoxification, which may last anywhere from a few days to weeks. This detox can include medications to help ease the burden of withdrawal symptoms. Once detox is complete, those in recovery can participate in a variety of programs designed to empower them with healthy coping skills. These programs may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Nutrition therapy
• 12-step programs
• Family counseling
• Group therapy
• One to one counseling
• Yoga
• Spiritual services
• Exercise programs
• And More

Alcohol treatment is a personalized process, and everyone struggling with alcoholism will recover at their own pace. But though it may seem overwhelming, it is possible to achieve sobriety and to live a happy, alcohol-free life. And Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you get there.

Payment Information

You deserve a recovery experience that recognizes your individuality and personal journey. And at Resurgence Behavior Health, that is exactly what you will find. We know that this is a time that you need to focus on recovery, not on copays, premiums, or insurance policies.

The team at Resurgence will communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf to take some of the stress out of recovery. We accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment. You can even pay for your admission online. With so many coverage options, we can help you find the financial plan that is best for you.

Call the Resurgence team at 855-458-0050 and let your recovery begin.

How to Get Help

Struggling with alcohol addiction and withdrawal? Have you tried rehab through books or online programs without success? Help is closer than you think. You are about to undertake one of the most fulfilling decisions of your life – the first step on your journey to recovery.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, you will find yourself surrounded by staff and caregivers who understand what you are facing. In our safe and relaxing treatment spaces, you will discover self-empowerment and the tools and techniques to live a satisfying life, addiction-free.

Today is the day that you will discover the possibilities that recovery can offer, and we are waiting to hear from you. Call Resurgence Behavioral Health today. Your future awaits.