Alcoholism has existed for countless centuries. Alcohol made for human consumption traces its roots back thousands of years and to many civilizations worldwide. Humans enjoy alcohol, but there have always been those who overindulge.
What makes a person an alcoholic, though? There is not any one reason, but many. If you’re struggling with alcohol, it might become necessary for you to seek out a mental health program that can help you curb this destructive behavior. Before you do that, though, it’s helpful to talk about some of the most likely reasons someone might have for becoming an alcoholic.
There Are Hereditary Factors
First, it’s crucial to note that many people who become alcoholics do so because of hereditary factors. Medical science has determined that individuals who belong to a particular bloodline are more likely to have addiction struggles.
That might manifest in the form of alcoholism. These unlucky few may also develop an addiction to gambling, various drugs, or other problematic behaviors or substances.
There’s no guarantee that you will become an alcoholic. However, if you have several people in your family who have battled alcoholism, it drives up your chances, so you should be aware of it as a possibility.
Some People Have Underlying Mental Health Struggles
Some individuals develop alcoholism because they have mental health problems. These might be diagnosed, or they may not. Some people who battle various harmful mental conditions refuse to see doctors.
These individuals have the tendency to self-medicate, though. They can do so with alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. They may be in pain, either mentally or emotionally. They may think that drinking too much and burying the way they feel might be their best option.
Some Individuals Become Alcoholics Under the Guise of Partying
Some other people who struggle with alcohol get into it at a young age, and they believe that all they’re doing is partying. Some get into this habit as early as middle school or high school while they’re still underage. Others may start in college at gatherings.
College partying can closely resemble alcoholism in some cases. If a college student or someone that age starts drinking every night with their friends, they may think it’s normal. Their bodies are young, though, so they’re better able to deal with drinking excessively every day or multiple times per week.
Someone who gets into this pattern at a young age can continue on with it into adulthood in some instances. If they spend a lot of time around friends or family members who also like to overindulge, they might not realize that anything is wrong or unusual with the way they’re acting.
Someone in their life might point out that they’re harming themselves. Maybe they start getting into car wrecks while drunk or missing work. They might have become a full-blown alcoholic without realizing it.
These are just some of the many ways someone can become an alcoholic. If you’re struggling with alcohol, it’s vital that you get yourself under control.
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