Kampay! The clinking of glasses, shared laughter, the company of friends, and the warm buzz.
Drinking alcohol is a staple in social gatherings and celebrations around the globe. It is accessible, some brands are cheap, and for some, it can take away problems and worries.
But beyond the fun, festivities, and its magical ability to turn us into singers, dancers, and fluency in English, drinking can sometimes shift from a casual habit to a dangerous dependency.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥?
While many use “alcohol” to refer to beer, wine, or liquor, it is actually the chemical compound in these beverages. The National Cancer Institute clarifies that the alcohol in drinks is specifically ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, a substance that profoundly affects the body and mind.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥
For some, alcohol helps them to relax and feel more confident, while others use it as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or even depression.
Alcohol temporarily creates a sense of relaxation by influencing the brain’s neurotransmitters, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows nervous system activity, thereby producing calming effects. By lowering the body’s stress response, alcohol can make people feel more at ease.
The calming effects of alcohol calming effects are short-lived, which is why this often leads to a repeated cycle once they wear off. According to Healthline, alcohol alters serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels in the brain; anxiety builds up once the effects fade, leaving a person feeling more anxious than before.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Alcohol addiction often stems from a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors. Understanding these influences is important for recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking appropriate treatment.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: In an interview, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marvin Seppala stated that genetics is the primary risk factor for addiction.
“Over 50% of the likelihood that a person’s going to end up with addiction has to do with their genetic history,” Dr. Seppala said.
𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: People with mental health issues turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. For instance, some individuals with schizophrenia report that alcohol helps to silence the voices in their heads, while those with depression often say it lifts their spirits.
𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Peer pressure, societal norms, and cultural attitudes towards drinking can shape alcohol consumption habits. Regular social drinking can slowly evolve into dependence.
Tolerance Development: Frequent drinking increases tolerance, necessitating higher alcohol intake to achieve the same effects. This often results in heightened consumption and dependency.
𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: With consistent use, the body starts relying on alcohol to function properly. When not drinking, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and nausea can manifest, further entrenching the cycle of addiction.
𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬: Drinking often becomes a habitual response to stress, boredom, or social situations. These ingrained habits can become difficult to break over time.
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦
Breaking free from the bond of alcohol can be challenging, hence, the support from loved ones or support groups.
You should set clear, realistic goals and recognize the triggers to find healthier coping methods. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and developing effective stress management techniques can also help in managing the challenges of being an alcoholic.
Avoid situations that tempt you to drink. When necessary, seek professional help, celebrate small victories, and remain patient and dedicated to your journey.
