Drinking alcohol does not affect everyone the same way based on factors as simple as body composition and gender. Other more complex factors like genetics and mental health also play a huge role in the impact that alcohol has on the human body.
By learning about alcohol’s addictive nature, it’s causes, and common signs, we can help you determine if you or a loved one are experiencing an alcohol use disorder. Here at Starbridge Recovery, our goal is to see you well.
Is Alcohol Addictive?
Yes. Alcohol is an addictive substance that impacts the brains from the first drink. While people can consume alcohol and not become an addict, how you consume alcohol, how much and how often, play an important role.
Based on the standard, from the first drink, alcohol can cause a relaxed feeling in the body, by releasing additional endorphins in the brain. By two drinks, alcohol impairs your response time, impairing your ability to drive. By five drinks speech is slurred and movement and vision are impaired. More than that, blackouts and alcohol poisoning are possible.
Alcohol is addictive because of the endorphins released and the subsequent withdrawal (aka hangover). Through either chronic drinking or binge-drinking, the brain can become accustomed to the additional depressant and cause changes in mood or personality. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms include cravings for more alcohol and another release of endorphins, creating the addiction cycle.
Additionally, because alcohol is fashionable, going out and having a drink with friends can perpetuate a potentially dangerous situation.
What Are the Causes of Alcoholism?
While there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to who will or won’t become an alcoholic, there are some staggering statistics that indicate who may be more at risk.
Those with an alcoholic parent may be more genetically inclined towards alcoholism. Studies have shown that children of alcoholics are four times as likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who do not.
Additionally, men are more likely to struggle with alcoholism than women based on body composition. However, women that do have an alcohol use disorder often have more serious physical issues related to drinking, including more noticeable impairment of motor function when drinking and fertility issues with chronic abuse.
What Are the Common Signs of a Drinking Problem to Look Out For?
Addiction is a unique disorder. It impacts everyone differently; but there are some common questions you can ask to see if you think that you or a loved one is suffering from an alcohol use disorder.
These questions range from, “Do you need to drink more to have the same “drunk” feeling?” to questions about risky behaviors you’ve engaged in and if you’ve been arrested. Another crucial factor is whether or not this is impacting your work and home life. If you are continuing to drink, regardless of the impact it is having on your home and family, it may be time to seek help.
Starbridge Recovery can be that support.
How Can Starbridge Recovery Help?
Starbridge Recovery is a luxury detox and addiction treatment center in Los Angeles. Our boutique, state-of-the-art rehab center focuses on treating the clients’ individual needs. Through our specifically curated treatment programs, our clients can experience traditional and alternative therapies that encourage holistic healing.
We believe that the best treatment is a combination of evidence-based therapy with creative-arts therapies in a relaxing luxury setting, so that’s what we’ve made. Our experienced staff is expertly trained to support you through withdrawal and rehabilitation at our modern and comforting setting.
Our facility offers medically supported detox, residential inpatient care, and aftercare in a small exclusive setting. Through individual and group therapy sessions, our clinicians will work with you to develop coping skills and stress management skills that will be useful in supporting a sober lifestyle.
Rediscover sobriety with Starbridge Recovery today.
