Alcohol abuse has been a major concern for the United States and the situation is only worsening by the day. A large number of people from various sections of the society are increasingly using alcohol in quantities that exceed the normal limit. The excessive consumption of alcohol is leading to numerous other issues ranging from alcohol addiction to an array of physical and mental health problems.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 15.1 million adults suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD). While alcohol abuse is usually considered as an outcome of one's inability to resist its use, several other factors can also contribute to the development of the devastating habit.
Here are a few contributing factors that can lead to alcoholism:
Coping with mental illness: People dealing with mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder opt to use alcohol to relieve themselves from the debilitating symptoms of the disorders. In order to deal with the crippling effects of the symptoms, many individuals battling mental disorders prefer alcohol as the first thing to curb the symptoms and lead a normal life.
Relieving stress: Life is full of stress and tension for almost every individual. Living a healthy life, maintaining a good job and leading a happy family life are the basic requirements for every individual and a lack of them causes a lot of stress. In such a situation, people opt to use alcohol as a way to relieve their stress and anxiety, despite knowing its side effects.
Just for having fun: Many people use alcohol as a way to feel high or just have fun with their friends and family. Being a part of a celebration and having fun at a party seems incomplete without a drink. Thus alcohol becomes a must-have for these individuals. Moreover, they do not want to feel left out and ruin the entire purpose of being a part of the celebration by choosing not to have a drink.
Combating loneliness: Loneliness and emptiness in life can be responsible for a number of devastating habits in an individual. Apart from this, many people fighting boredom constantly look for an opportunity and the freedom to interact with other people who enjoy alcohol.
Dealing with peer pressure: Peer pressure is one of the major contributing factors to alcohol abuse. Many people develop AUD as a result of their drinking habit in their social circles. A person who opts for a drink or two initially soon develops an addiction to alcoholic drinks and eventually cannot do without them.
Leading an alcohol-free life is possible
Using alcohol can make one feel better for a certain period of time, but its longer use is sure to cause numerous health issues.
With alcohol becoming an inevitable part of any celebration and get-together, as well as a way to break the ice with others, drinking has largely become unavoidable for many. However, one should avoid heavy drinking as it will not only spoil the occasion but can also push him or her toward alcoholism. This can be true even if one is only sticking to cocktails. It is always important to remember that there is no safe limit to alcohol. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the people to take care of their consumption.
If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol, and is looking for alcohol rehab, get in touch with the Alcohol Addiction Helpline of California. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-980-1715, and our representatives will be happy to assist you with details about the facilities offering alcohol treatment center.
By Barbara Odozi
Article Source: Factors That Trigger Alcohol Abuse in Vulnerable People
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 15.1 million adults suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD). While alcohol abuse is usually considered as an outcome of one's inability to resist its use, several other factors can also contribute to the development of the devastating habit.
Here are a few contributing factors that can lead to alcoholism:
Coping with mental illness: People dealing with mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder opt to use alcohol to relieve themselves from the debilitating symptoms of the disorders. In order to deal with the crippling effects of the symptoms, many individuals battling mental disorders prefer alcohol as the first thing to curb the symptoms and lead a normal life.
Relieving stress: Life is full of stress and tension for almost every individual. Living a healthy life, maintaining a good job and leading a happy family life are the basic requirements for every individual and a lack of them causes a lot of stress. In such a situation, people opt to use alcohol as a way to relieve their stress and anxiety, despite knowing its side effects.
Just for having fun: Many people use alcohol as a way to feel high or just have fun with their friends and family. Being a part of a celebration and having fun at a party seems incomplete without a drink. Thus alcohol becomes a must-have for these individuals. Moreover, they do not want to feel left out and ruin the entire purpose of being a part of the celebration by choosing not to have a drink.
Combating loneliness: Loneliness and emptiness in life can be responsible for a number of devastating habits in an individual. Apart from this, many people fighting boredom constantly look for an opportunity and the freedom to interact with other people who enjoy alcohol.
Dealing with peer pressure: Peer pressure is one of the major contributing factors to alcohol abuse. Many people develop AUD as a result of their drinking habit in their social circles. A person who opts for a drink or two initially soon develops an addiction to alcoholic drinks and eventually cannot do without them.
Leading an alcohol-free life is possible
Using alcohol can make one feel better for a certain period of time, but its longer use is sure to cause numerous health issues.
With alcohol becoming an inevitable part of any celebration and get-together, as well as a way to break the ice with others, drinking has largely become unavoidable for many. However, one should avoid heavy drinking as it will not only spoil the occasion but can also push him or her toward alcoholism. This can be true even if one is only sticking to cocktails. It is always important to remember that there is no safe limit to alcohol. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the people to take care of their consumption.
If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol, and is looking for alcohol rehab, get in touch with the Alcohol Addiction Helpline of California. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-980-1715, and our representatives will be happy to assist you with details about the facilities offering alcohol treatment center.
By Barbara Odozi
Article Source: Factors That Trigger Alcohol Abuse in Vulnerable People