Is alcohol addictive?

Alcohol is one of the world’s most consumed legal drugs. It’s a widely accepted component of social gatherings and a normal part of life for many people. Despite its role as a social lubricant, alcohol’s ubiquity and wide acceptance can make it difficult for some people to realize when their drinking has become harmful. 

Why does alcohol use become a problem for some? Is alcohol addictive, or is it simply a matter of willpower? CCFA explores why alcohol is addictive, its effects on the brain, and risk factors for dependency. 

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol is one of the world’s most consumed legal drugs and can be addictive if abused
• Not everyone who drinks will become addicted, but some people are at higher risk of addiction due to genetics, environment, health conditions, and other factors
• Alcohol withdrawal is potentially dangerous, but treatment is available to help people manage their symptoms
• Getting professional help is vital in achieving lasting recovery from alcohol addiction

Why is Alcohol So Addictive?

Can you get addicted to alcohol, and how do people get addicted to it? Some people can stop drinking after a glass or two, while others find they can’t control their alcohol use till they develop debilitating alcohol dependence. Alcohol use disorder is a condition where an individual can no longer control how much alcohol they consume despite obvious negative consequences. 

You might be wondering, is alcohol a drug, and how addictive is alcohol? This substance is, in fact, one of the world’s most addictive drugs. In 2019, 23.7 million Canadians (76% of the population) reported consuming an alcoholic beverage in the past year. About 4.2% of Canadians are addicted to alcohol or suffer from serious problems related to alcohol abuse. 

The amount of alcohol consumed determines its action on the brain. Most people use alcohol recreationally for its euphoric effects, but at high doses, alcohol depresses the nervous system. So, is alcohol a depressant or stimulant? Alcohol is considered a depressant because it slows down brain function and further suppresses the body’s vital functions. Taking more alcohol than the body is equipped to tolerate will always produce depressant effects. 

Alcohol stimulates the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. These chemicals also numb the brain’s response to pain, making alcohol a good coping tool. However, these feelings can make an individual continue drinking, opening them up to addiction. Essentially, what makes alcohol addictive is that people get hooked on the way alcohol makes them feel and experience cravings due to alcohol’s effects on their brains. 

The released neurotransmitters accumulate in other areas of the brain, particularly those parts associated with addiction. While alcohol stimulates specific brain structures, it also tends to shut down the areas that regulate impulse control and decision-making. Individuals become less inhibited and more prone to making poor decisions, including drinking more when they’ve already had enough. As they continue drinking, they increase their chances of becoming addicted. 

Alcohol also alters brain chemistry and how the brain works, leading to a vicious cycle of heavy drinking and neurotransmitter production. The more neurotransmitters are released, the greater the euphoria and the desire to keep drinking. Continued alcohol use in this way makes addiction more likely. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, the Canadian Centre for Addictions can help. At CCFA, we employ sophisticated addiction recovery strategies in an environment that inspires lasting change. Our team of addiction experts is always ready to assess your situation and guide you towards lasting recovery.

Causes of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is often due to a combination of physical and psychological factors: 

Physical Factors

Alterations in Brain Chemistry

Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that regulate pleasure and mood. When these chemicals are altered by alcohol, it can lead to changes in behaviour and cognition that lead to addiction. Alcohol also affects the brain’s GABA receptors, which regulate anxiety and inhibition. Over time, the brain can become dependent on alcohol to function normally, making it hard to stop drinking. 

Drinking at an Early Age

Drinking at an early age can have lasting effects on brain development. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making, continues to develop into early adulthood. Alcohol use can interfere with this process, leading to problems with self-control and decision-making later in life. Early drinking can also affect the brain’s ability to learn from mistakes and rewards, making it challenging to stop drinking even when there are adverse consequences. 

Genetics

Research suggests that genetic factors may be responsible for up to 50% of alcohol addiction risk. People with a certain variant of the gene that encodes for a protein which plays a role in dopamine regulation may be more likely to develop alcohol addiction and other addictive behaviours. 

Physical Health Conditions

People with chronic pain and other physical health conditions may be more likely to develop alcohol addiction if they use alcohol to self-medicate. A person with chronic pain may drink to numb the pain or help them sleep. This situation can lead to a cycle of alcohol abuse, where the individual continues to drink to avoid the negative effects of their health condition, potentially leading to addiction. 

Psychological Factors

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to alcohol addiction. People with these conditions may use alcohol as a way to numb their negative emotions or to escape from difficult situations. For instance, someone with anxiety may drink alcohol to relax and feel less anxious. However, alcohol can worsen these conditions over time and make it harder to recover. The individual may try to drink more to manage worsening symptoms, further increasing their likelihood of addiction.

History of Trauma

Traumatic events, whether from childhood experiences or an accident, can have a lasting impact on the brain and lead to alcohol addiction. Trauma can cause brain changes that make it difficult to regulate emotions and cope with stress. People who have experienced trauma may turn to alcohol to escape painful memories or cope with intrusive memories or flashbacks, putting them at risk of addiction.

Environmental Pressure

People who live in communities where alcohol use is common or where there is a lot of social pressure to drink may be more likely to develop an addiction. Additionally, people who come from families or cultures where alcohol is used to celebrate or cope with difficult emotions may be more likely to view drinking as normal, increasing their addiction risk.

Why Is Alcohol Addictive for Some People and Not Others?

Anyone can become addicted to alcohol, but some people have a higher likelihood of addiction than others. So, why do some people become addicted to alcohol when others can seemingly drink as they want without consequences? The answer is that everyone has a unique genetic makeup. No two people are affected by alcohol in the same way or for the same reasons. A range of physical and psychological factors can affect how people deal with alcohol and whether one individual over another becomes addicted to alcohol.

For instance, individuals whose brains release more neurotransmitters when they consume alcohol are more likely to become addicted to alcohol. The lateral habenula, a part of the brain thought to play a role in learning from negative experiences and adjusting accordingly, may also contribute to alcohol addiction. Studies show that people with addiction may have altered activity in the lateral habenula, which may contribute to their cravings and difficulty in resisting the urge to drink. 

People with a family history of addiction or who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may be more likely to develop an addiction. Additionally, some people may have a higher level of impulsivity or sensation-seeking, which may be what makes alcohol addictive for them. 

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

The following signs and symptoms could point to severe issues with alcohol use. 

Intense Cravings for Alcohol

A person struggling with alcohol addiction will experience intense cravings whenever they cannot get alcohol. They may also avoid situations or events where there will be no alcohol. You may also see them spending time in circles that encourage their drinking behaviour. 

Drinking Secretly

Individuals with alcohol addiction may isolate themselves to avoid judgement or stigma. If you notice a loved one increasingly spending time alone drinking, they may be struggling with a drinking problem.

Frequent Mood Swings

Prolonged alcohol use affects the brain and can lead to unpredictable mood changes. You may notice them suddenly switch from happiness to sadness and vice-versa within short periods. 

Impaired Judgement 

Alcohol use lowers inhibitions, impairs judgement and causes the individual to make poor decisions. They may drive while drunk, get into fights, or engage in activities that put them and others at risk. 

Tolerance and Dependence

The brain adapts to continued alcohol use, making the user need more to achieve the same euphoric sensations. This phenomenon is known as alcohol tolerance. Continued alcohol use after one has built tolerance will lead to dependence, a situation where the individual needs alcohol for normal functioning. 

Increased Fatigue and Depression

Alcohol depresses the nervous system, leading to fatigue and lethargy. It also triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can make chronic users feel depressed. 

Presence of Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person with alcohol addiction stops or reduces their alcohol use, they experience a host of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness, tremors, and seizures. 

Other signs of alcoholism may include: 

• Tremors
• Slurred speech
• Erectile dysfunction
• Rapid heart rate
• Bloodshot eyes
• Unsteady gait
• Jaundice
• Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movement)
• Financial or legal trouble 

How to Tell If Someone Is Addicted to Alcohol

Functioning alcoholics are people who have a problem with alcohol but are still able to maintain their jobs, relationships, and other responsibilities. On the surface, they may appear to be high-functioning but are struggling with alcohol addiction. Functioning alcoholics are at high risk of alcohol addiction-related health issues as they may use alcohol for long before they see the need for help. Even if you know how to spot an alcoholic face, you may not be able to help your loved one find help if they are a functioning alcoholic. 

Only a professional can definitively diagnose alcohol addiction, but a few of these signs may indicate that a person is addicted to alcohol:

• Drinking in secret or hiding their alcohol use
• Increased fatigue, depression, and other emotional issues
• Feeling distressed at the prospect of being without alcohol for a while
• Wanting to be at places or events where there is alcohol and avoiding alcohol-free places or events
• Spending more time with other heavy drinkers
• Drinking at inappropriate times or places, like early in the mornings or drinking at work
• Having high alcohol tolerance
• Frequently getting into legal or financial troubles due to alcohol use
• Slurred speech
• Impaired thinking and uncoordinated behaviour
• Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms when they cannot access alcohol 

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal refers to a set of symptoms that can occur when a person who has been drinking heavily stops drinking or significantly reduces their intake. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the extent of alcohol use. The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, depending on factors like the amount and duration of alcohol use, as well as other individual factors. Generally, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin anywhere from six to 12 hours after the last drink, peak within 24 to 72 hours, and can last for several days to weeks. The most severe symptoms, such as seizures or delirium tremens, usually occur within the first 48 hours. 

Treatment for alcohol withdrawal depends on the severity of symptoms and may include home care, medical detox, or inpatient care. Medications for alcohol withdrawal may also be administered during treatment to reduce the effects of withdrawal and prevent complications. 

Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Treatment

Treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction depends on the specific needs of the individual. Medical detox is the first step in most cases, and it involves monitoring and supporting the person as the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol. It’s vital to know how to detox from alcohol safely, as withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening in severe cases. Medications may also be administered to help with withdrawal symptoms. 

After detox, counselling and behavioural therapies are often used to help the person address the underlying causes of their drinking, such as wrong beliefs and faulty thinking patterns. They also learn coping skills to help them manage their cravings. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous may also be an important part of alcohol addiction treatment. In these support meetings, individuals interact with people in similar situations and learn new ways to deal with their desire for alcohol. 

When to Consult a Medical Professional

It’s essential to consult a professional if you notice any of the following with alcohol use: 

• Continued alcohol use in increasing amounts
• Trying and failing to stop using alcohol 
• Having intense cravings to drink alcohol
• Spending a great deal of time drinking and recovering from the effects of alcohol
• Decreased productivity at work or school due to alcohol use
• Continued alcohol use despite negative consequences on one’s health
• Experiencing bad reactions to excessive drinking, such as alcohol poisoning
• Needing increased amounts to get the same alcohol effects – tolerance
• Developing alcohol dependence – unable to perform normal daily activities without alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or reduction of alcohol use

Conclusion 

Alcohol is an addictive substance, but not everyone who drinks will form an addiction. The answer to why people become addicted to alcohol is complex and depends on individual factors. By learning about the risks of alcohol addiction and seeking help when needed, you can overcome alcohol addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life. The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers quality alcohol addiction treatment in Ontario. We help our clients understand their addictions and the healthier coping strategies available by engaging them in one-on-one counselling with certified counsellors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals. Call 1-855-499-9446 today, and someone will speak to you.

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