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Alcohol Use Disorder and What You Can Do About It?

From tortured writers to unsuccessful artists to family men to simple folk to world leaders, alcohol has touched and sometimes marred the lives of so many people that it’s hard to keep count of those ravaged by its negative effects. 

An account from the World Health Organisation says that around 3 million deaths every year occur thanks to the harmful effects of alcohol. In India alone 2.6 lakh Indians die from complications that arise due to poor drinking habits. 

In today’s blog, we will look at why people turn to alcohol and what can be done in such situations. Doctor2Care, a portal for online consultation with doctors, takes a closer look! 

Why Do People Turn To Alcohol?

According to the World Health Organisation, alcohol is a psychoactive substance with “dependence-producing” properties. Alcoholism or AUD (alcoholism use disorder) occurs when a person is dependent on alcohol to such an extent that they cannot control their drinking. 

There are many reasons why a person turns to alcohol. The reasons have a basis in genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Let’s explore some of them here. 

  • Family History of Alcohol Abuse

If a person has a family history of alcohol disorder, they are at a higher risk for developing alcoholism. Scientists estimate that around 40-50% of a person’s tendency to AUD is because of genetic factors. 

  • Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is another cause of alcoholism. If you started drinking before the age of 15 you are more susceptible to AUD. This is because a young person’s brain is not fully formed, and alcohol can change the brain structure. 

  • Trauma

If a person has experienced any kind of trauma, they are more likely to turn to alcohol to help them cope with their feelings. Since such people often suffer from low self-esteem, they use alcohol as a cover-up for their feelings. 

  • Mental Health 

Those who suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are often at a risk for AUD. If you use alcohol to self-medicate, you are more likely to develop AUD. 

  • Frequent Drinking

People who frequently drink or indulge in binge drinking are often at high risk for developing AUD in the future. Hence, it is advisable not to indulge in binge drinking frequently. 

  • Male gender

Statistics reveal that men are more prone to alcoholism than women. Besides men tend to turn to alcohol to cope with their problems while women turn to friends or family. Hence, men are alienated and have nothing to turn to except alcohol. 

  • Stress Relief

People turn to alcohol as a stress relief. They like the buzz that alcohol creates and it helps them feel better for a short while. A drink can help a person relax or calm down after a hard day. However, once this becomes a habit, it can lead to AUD. 

  • Personal Choice

There has been a long debate about whether AUD is a condition or a personal choice. Personal choice plays a great role in AUD. Unnecessary or binge drinking is some of the factors that pave the road to AUD. 

  • Self-esteem issues

People who have a negative self-image and low self-esteem issues usually turn to alcohol as the buzz makes them feel better about themselves. With alcohol, they can turn around the narrative of their life. 

  • Increase in tolerance towards alcohol

Prolonged drinking means an increase in tolerance towards alcohol. So a person may need to drink more to achieve the same buzz. This in turn leads to AUD. 

Why do people turn to alcohol? 

Unlike drugs, alcohol is an easily available and relatively safer buzz. Many people enjoy alcohol for the sake of alcohol. Alcohol can make a person feel sociable and warm. However, others drink to forget their heartaches and other life problems. 

What can you do about AUD?

There are treatment centres for alcoholics where they can be admitted and treated. You can also approach a doctor or therapist for counselling. Friends, family, and other loved ones can help support the person seeking help. 

Wrapping Up

Alcohol’s ill effects are well-known and it has been the cause of the disruption of normal life from time immemorial. 

Hence, to avoid developing an AUD problem, try an online consultation with doctors from Doctor2Care

Generally, behavioural therapies are very helpful for the person who is trying to cope with alcohol. 

So, if you are an alcoholic looking to change your life, do reach out to us for a consultation. We are ready to help you on your journey to becoming the best version of you.