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What Are Common Causes of Alcoholism?

Woman sitting up in bed pondering common causes of alcoholism

Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is characterized as uncontrollable drinking and a preoccupation with alcohol. Alcohol is a legal substance that can be safe when consumed in moderation. However, habitual drinking and misuse can easily lead to addiction. When an individual struggles with alcohol addiction, it severely affects their overall health and well-being. Everyone has a unique experience with addiction that impacts their treatment and recovery process. At Northpoint Nebraska, our integrated approach goes beyond treating the physical symptoms of addiction to address mental health conditions and root causes of alcohol addiction.

If you or a loved one requires treatment, do not hesitate to contact us. We help our patients identify their triggers and create a plan to prevent relapse. Our goal is for patients to develop a healthier, happier lifestyle free of substances. The recovery process starts with our alcohol detox & rehab, which helps individuals succeed in their recovery journey.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

It is not always easy to tell when someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction. Those with alcoholism can become good at hiding their behavior and the extent of the problem. However, if left untreated, alcoholism has significant health consequences on your mind and body. Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is critical for getting someone the help they need. It is crucial for those struggling with addiction to seek professional help and find a rehab to go through detox and inpatient treatment.

Some of the common signs of alcohol addiction are:

  • Mood swings
  • Chronic dehydration
  • Irritability
  • Engaging in risky behavior
  • Isolating from social gatherings
  • Preoccupation with alcohol
  • Strong cravings
  • Impaired thinking
  • Wanting to quit drinking and not being able to

It is not uncommon for someone to have a beer or glass of wine after a long day or to deal with stress. However, this is not a healthy coping mechanism for stress, and social drinking can quickly lead to habitual drinking. If you notice these signs of alcohol addiction in yourself or someone in your life, contact an addiction facility today.

Causes of Alcohol Use Disorder

There is no single cause of addiction, and there are a variety of causes of alcohol use disorder. No one’s experience with addiction is the same, as everyone faces different situations and circumstances. Their addiction can stem from various factors. Some of the most common causes of alcohol use disorder are biological, environmental, psychological, and social factors. A significant part of alcohol addiction treatment involves understanding your addiction’s underlying causes and specific addiction triggers.

Biological factors can include things like genetics and physiology. Some families may have a history of alcohol use disorder where individuals have a strong impulse to drink alcohol. Environmental factors such as proximity to bars or liquor stores and income can increase the chances of alcoholism. Psychological factors refer to mental health conditions and how an individual copes with stress. An undiagnosed mental illness is a common cause of alcohol use disorder, as people may abuse alcohol to cope with their poor mental health, which often leads to addiction. Social factors can include culture, relationships, and work which influence your behavior. One or a combination of these factors can play a significant role in someone’s struggles with alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska

Those struggling with addiction are often overwhelmed and scared, but help is available. If you want to become sober, do not quit cold turkey. It is unsafe and will likely result in a relapse. Instead, seek alcohol addiction treatment at an addiction facility where you will receive the proper care and support. Contact Northpoint Nebraska today at 888.351.3834 to learn more about how our addiction treatment programs can help you or a loved one.