Why Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol, like other drugs and substances, has a powerful chemical effect on the brain. Its ability to produce pleasurable feelings and shut down negative feelings can lead to a dangerous dependence, which can quickly spiral to addiction. Read on to learn more about what makes alcohol so addictive, how it can lead to a difficult cycle of alcohol addiction, and how to find help so you or your loved one can recover.

Alcohol Consumption Statistics

Know this: if you struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you’re not alone. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 85% of adults in the United States reported alcohol consumption in the past year. Of those, more than 25% reported binge drinking in the past month. The same survey found that there are nearly 15 million Americans over the age of 12 years with an AUD.

And the problem is only getting worse. According to the NIH, drinking was on the rise the last few years, exacerbated by the pandemic. Because of substantial social, occupational and economic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to alcohol and other drugs to cope with new stressors.

Why is Alcohol So Addictive?

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States. One reason it’s so widespread is because alcohol is a legal substance, making it easily accessible and popular to consume in social settings. Alcohol use has become highly normalized in our culture and not only accepted, but expected – making addiction easier to hide and even harder to spot. Whether it’s unwinding after a long day at work, recognizing life milestones (including weddings, promotions, bachelorette/bachelor parties) or even just enjoying a fun night out with friends, alcohol – in all of its various forms – is everywhere you look, touted as an easy way to decompress or celebrate. 

We are constantly seeing advertisements and commercials for the alcohol and spirits category on TV, billboards, and more. Its usage is often discussed in cavalier ways – for example, wine is referred to as “mommy juice” and a normal way to cope with the stresses of parenthood. (In fact, research shows drinking to cope with stress provides temporary relief but also enhances negative emotional states between alcohol consumption, leading to an unhealthy cycle of drinking to cope again and again). Although alcohol is usually considered harmless, it’s actually far from it. The good news: you or your loved one can break the cycle of addiction. 

How Does The Body Become Dependent on Alcohol?

The feelings an individual gets from alcohol can motivate some people to drink alcohol again and again, despite possible risks to their health and overall well-being. 

So, why is alcohol addictive? Alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing disorder, is associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, loss of control over intake, and a negative emotional state when alcohol is not available to the individual. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that results in an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol use despite negative health, family, professional or social consequences. 

As individuals drink more over time, progressive changes occur in the brain. These are serious changes that can compromise function of the brain and lead to a transition from occasional and controlled use to chronic misuse. These changes can continue to endure even after a person stops consuming alcohol, which can contribute to relapse in drinking.

Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction involves three key areas of the brain: the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.

In layman’s terms, there are various stages of alcohol addiction with an early, middle and final stage. AUD is progressive, and an individual with an AUD will continue to progress and worsen until proper treatment is received.

Early stage:

During this stage, a person experiences the rewarding effects of alcohol, such as euphoria, the reduction of anxiety, and the easing of social interactions. The brain’s reward system reinforces alcohol drinking behavior, increasing the likelihood of repeated consumption. In this stage,an individual may start drinking more regularly, consuming more in one sitting than before and having more difficulty slowing down or stopping. They are developing a tolerance to alcohol, one of the early warning signs of an issue.

Middle stage:

In this stage, tolerance has become high. An individual is now dependent on alcohol not just to feel good, but to not feel bad and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be physical (sleep disturbances, pain, feelings of illness) and emotional (dysphoria, irritability, anxiety, and emotional pain). ​​In other words, the person no longer drinks alcohol for the pleasurable effects but instead to avoid the “low” feelings that chronic misuse has created. 

Final stage:

In this stage of alcoholism, an individual must drink regularly to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. They are preoccupied with alcohol and how to get more of it, constantly looking forward to the next drink. The prefrontal cortex—the area of the brain responsible for executive function, including the ability to organize thoughts and activities, prioritize tasks, manage time, and make decisions—is compromised. Someone in this stage is experiencing both physical and mental health deterioration, and the outlook is dismal if they don’t receive help. 

When is Drinking Too Much a Problem?

“How do I know if I’m an alcoholic?” is a common question, and a complicated one. While heavy drinking is an unhealthy habit, heavy drinkers are not always dependent on alcohol, nor do they always have an addiction to it. The key distinction between alcoholism and heavy drinking is what occurs once drinking stops, and the alcohol is removed from the body. 

Some people may be more prone to developing alcohol addictions or dependence due to genetic factors or environment. Additionally, individuals who begin drinking at a young age–when certain parts of their brains involved in making decisions, judging and evaluating are still developing– may also be more at risk. For others, physical adversity leads to stress, which leads to consuming alcohol as a means of coping, resulting in increased dependence over time.

Warning signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) include but are not limited to:

• Experiencing blackouts
• Alcohol reduction efforts without success
• Frequent binge drinking
• Cravings for alcohol or insatiable urges to drink
• Increased alcohol tolerance
• Feeling emotionally or physically sick after quitting 
• Lack of hygiene
• Secretly drinking
• Family history
• Financial problems due to drinking
• Not fulfilling major professional or personal obligations
• Over-consuming alcohol or using it for a longer time period than intended 
• Continuous alcohol use despite psychological or physical harm, worsening health, and physical dangers

What are The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol?

The sooner you seek help, the better: physical manifestations including malnutrition, cancer, and liver disease are long-term effects of alcohol abuse – but treatment can help minimize or prevent some of these effects. Brain fog is common in early recovery. 

Alcohol abuse has numerous other negative consequences. In addition to deaths from liver disease and alcohol overdose, drunk driving kills thousands of people each year. In 2021, there were more than 50,000 alcohol-related deaths (not including the additional 50,000+ deaths caused by chronic liver disease or cirrhosis). Other long-term effects can include decreased attention span, difficulty in forming thoughts, anxiety, depression, insomnia, dementia, nerve damage, coma, balance difficulties, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (also known as “wet brain” or alcohol-induced dementia).

Find Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Atlanta Today!

Getting the right care for an AUD is crucial–we are here to help. If you or someone you love is drinking too much, call us at 770-230-5699 today. We believe that lasting recovery from substance use and mental health disorders is possible and that as much as alcohol is addictive, you can overcome it.

If you or a loved one is seeking alcohol rehab in Georgia, our experienced team at North Atlanta Behavioral Health can get you to the right place. We can also assist in providing resources and options, including detox facility recommendations and/or interventionists with years of experience assisting families and individuals. We know what you’re going through and you’re not alone.