Alcohol abuse is a type of addiction, and—like other drug addictions—its causes are fairly complex and often related to emotional or mental distress. Drinking alcohol may be a temporary escape from personal problems or the pain of mental illness, but drinking can easily spiral out of control and become a chronic problem. Below is a closer look at how an individual may develop patterns of alcohol abuse stemming from casual use.
Family history
Alcoholism can be passed down in families genetically or environmentally. If you have a parent who has a history of alcohol abuse, you are more likely to harbor dependence yourself. In addition, families who have been affected by alcohol abuse may create an environment in which drinking regularly is accepted and alcohol is more readily available.
Mental illness
There is a close relationship between alcoholism and disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Alcohol may provide an escape from the negative feelings of these conditions, allowing individuals to feel as if they are self-medicating.
Stress
The occasional drink after a long day at work is a common way to relieve stress, but this habit may become a physical dependency if you feel as if you need to drink every day after work. High-stress lifestyles are highly associated with alcohol abuse.
Poor relationships
Stress does not always have to come from the workplace. A troubled family life or turbulence in romantic relationships can be the source of alcohol abuse as well as a source of complication through diagnosis and treatment of the problem. To explore detox and rehab solutions that will help you or a loved one face the problem of alcohol abuse, contact Aurora Las Encinas Hospital in Los Angeles today. You can contact us to get a closer look at our approach by visiting our website or calling us at (888) 348-2165.
