In medical terms, alcoholism can be defined as a chronic disease that is often progressive and can cause fatal damage to an individual’s health when left untreated.
Regular heavy intake of alcohol causes chemical imbalances in the brain or leads to depletion of certain chemicals, which makes your body crave alcohol to feel good.
Excessive alcohol intake may alter the composition of chemicals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA responsible for inhibiting impulsiveness) and glutamate (stimulates nervous system). Excessive drinking can also deplete these chemicals, in the absence of which the body seeks alcohol to ward off negativity.
Such a condition, when left untreated, may fatally damage an individual’s health.
Alcohol addiction is predominant among youngsters. Many youngsters who do not have material obligations also take up drinking as a pastime and gradually get addicted to it. Statistics show that nearly 60% of youngsters take up drinking to feel that they are mature.
Alcohol Addiction And Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a state in which an individual indulges in excessive intake of alcohol, which takes a toll on his health, but retains capacity to refrain from the habit. Alcoholism, on the other hand, is a dangerous stage wherein the individual completely loses control over alcohol intake and continues to consume it in spite of suffering from severe health hazards. This state is characterized by physical dependence on alcohol, which can be attributed to various social factors as well genetic and psychological issues.
Factors Leading To Excessive Drinking
- Genetics: If you have a history of alcoholism in your family, you are more vulnerable to alcohol addiction.
- Emotional Instability: Anxiety, high stress levels, or any emotional trauma can cause excessive drinking, as they excite the stress hormones.
- Psychological factors: Low self-esteem and prolonged depression may lead to alcohol abuse. If you have alcoholics in your circle of friends, you are prone to the disease.
- Social and cultural factors: Most people associate drinking with social class and believe that one cannot belong to the elites if he does not drink, as drinking is fashion. Moreover, the advertisements portray drinking as a part of ”belonging.”
Avoid Falling Prey To Alcoholism
An interesting fact about alcohol addiction is that the person indulging in the habit feels better not while indulging in it but at the time of deciding to indulge. This suggests that there is a scope to deal with this crisis situation by exercising control over the moment the thought of indulging in the act comes to mind.
