Photo by thom masat on Unsplash
thom masat on Unsplash

Alcohol addiction is a serious chronic condition with many life-altering complications. Sufferers have a risk of relapsing while putting their health, relationships, and work in jeopardy.

Despite these pitfalls, why do people still become addicted to alcohol? And is there really a way back after you've become an alcoholic?

Alcohol use disorder or AUD is a person's uncontrollable, excessive craving and ingestion of alcohol. Other terms for alcohol addiction include alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcoholism. The spectrum of this disorder can range from mild to moderate and severe.

An estimated 14.4 million American adults have Alcohol Use Disorder. Due to its prevalence, it has become a serious, widespread health and social condition that has disrupted many lives.

In this article, you'll learn about alcoholism's signs and symptoms, why it's difficult to stop, and what can be done about it.

Signs That a Person May Be Addicted to Alcohol

Here are common physical and behavioral signs that someone may be hooked on alcohol:

  • Poor hygiene

  • Weight loss or weight gain due to changes in appetite

  • Poor sleeping habits

  • Reddish eyes

  • Dull skin

  • Overspending or even borrowing money to buy alcohol

  • Risky behavior without regard for consequences

  • Isolation from family, friends, and colleagues

  • Neglecting responsibilities at home and/or work

  • Avoiding activities that one previously enjoyed

  • Irritability

  • Mood changes

  • Depression, suicidal tendencies

  • An inability to function without drinking

Why People Get Addicted to Alcohol

Alcohol inhibits normal brain activity by increasing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. It can make people feel good while numbing emotional distress. It also stimulates the release of the happy hormones dopamine and endorphins in the brain which act like painkillers.

Its numbing effect is why many turn to it as a way of coping with problems. When a person experiences negative emotions like sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress, they block those feelings by drinking.

In between drinking, the person's negative emotions can become worse, causing them to go on another drinking binge to "improve" their emotional state. It becomes a vicious cycle that traps its victim who now finds it challenging to break free on their own.

Why It's Hard to Stop

The continuous and compulsive consumption of alcohol can rewire the brain in structure and function. Heavy drinkers develop a high tolerance for it, causing them to drink even more. A person's drinking behavior can thus easily transition from occasional drinking to chronic drinking. The cravings become constant and nagging to a point that a person may feel irritable or angry if it isn't satisfied.

Because the brain adapts to a person's excessive drinking, stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms like tremors and nausea. They may even experience hallucinations since it makes the brain function on overdrive. When it reaches this stage, alcoholism is dangerous and even life-threatening, especially if the victim attempts to discontinue their habit without treatment interventions and recovery specialists.

Genesis House Alcohol Rehab FL

Genesis House Alcohol Rehab FL is a treatment and rehabilitation facility that provides a safe family-oriented environment for AUD and other addiction-related issues. It has been owned and family-run since 1992.

It's relaxing South Florida location with resort-style amenities and a wide range of treatment programs have earned it a positive reputation. Patients are allowed to steadily get back on track in a caring, empathetic, and inclusive environment.

If you or a loved one is in need of rehabilitation while transitioning from addiction to healing, you can trust Genesis House for holistic guidance, treatment, and support. At Genesis House, every patient is treated with respect and warmth, making the recovery experience effective, reassuring, and life-changing.