The Hard Facts About Alcohol Addiction

Despite its addictive nature, beverages with alcoholic content are perfectly legal and easy to obtain. Regardless of legal age limits, many people find ways to begin drinking even in their teen years as well. For the most part, drinking is a socially accepted practice and even encouraged. People love to chase after the "buzz" they get from drinking as a means to relax and unwind. It's all too easy for that love to turn into complete dependence, making alcohol addiction one of the most common issues experienced by people from pretty much all walks of life.

The fact that there is more than one way to become dependent upon alcohol only lends to how common the issue is. Your genetics can play a part, as can the environment you were raised in or even your current social circle. Statistics suggest that even your ethnicity may make you more prone, no matter how stereotypical it may seem. Those with alcohol abuse in their family history are also undoubtedly more likely to follow the same path. Mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety also make it significantly easier for alcohol addiction to take its hold.

The socially accepted nature of drinking also makes it very difficult for people to know where the line between having just enough in a moderate fashion and far too much resides. The very idea of social drinking easily leads to problems, since a lot of people think very little of how often and how much they're actually imbibing their alcoholic beverages. It can become a very routine thing before its even realized, especially since the mere physical act of drinking hardly feels foreign or "wrong" somehow. Much like overeating or eating all of the wrong foods, this makes it incredibly difficult to recognize when drinking alcoholic beverages has become a true problem.

Regardless of the dangers inherent in making alcoholic beverages a constant in your life, it's important to realize that there is indeed a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. Technically, those that abuse it regularly are not necessarily addicted or dependent on drinking. There are those that drink quite often but are still able to function and set limits for themselves when necessary. It's all too easy to tell yourself you're functioning well despite consistent drinking however, making the door to legitimate addiction accessed very easily.

Though difficult, it's important to try stepping away to really view your actions non objectively. If you notice that your drinking has made you more closed off, angry, or depressed, or staying in to drink has begun to take the place of your other activities or perhaps leading to negligence in regards to responsibilities such as work, school, or even family, alcohol addiction may indeed have some hold over you. From Alcoholic's Anonymous to various detox programs, there's plenty of help available if you or someone you know is currently suffering from addiction. Do all you can to end the problem now before it becomes truly destructive.