Repeated alcohol exposure can change the brain’s structure and functioning.5 These changes can make it very difficult for people with alcohol addiction to stop drinking. The National why is alcohol addictive Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that almost 15 million Americans meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction is a disease characterized by an inability to control drinking habits.

How Alcohol Affects The Brain and Leads to Dependence (Video)

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• To answer the question, what makes alcohol so addictive, we must first answer how people become addicted in the first place.
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic but treatable medical condition.
• People with these conditions may use alcohol as a way to numb their negative emotions or to escape from difficult situations.
• Cutting-edge discoveries on “alcohol and brain changes” aim to reverse this damage through targeted therapies.
• Think of these neurotransmitters as cars going down the highway taking various exits to reach their destinations.

Environmental Factors and Alcohol Addiction

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Genetic Factors and Alcohol Addiction

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. 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.

• Alcohol depresses the nervous system, leading to fatigue and lethargy.
• Alcohol’s addictive potential is undeniable, and its widespread acceptance makes it even more dangerous.
• Many alcohol treatment options exist and can propel those struggling with an alcohol use disorder onto the right path for long-term recovery.
• Effective treatment for alcohol use disorder involves a combination of medical, therapeutic, and holistic approaches.

Dopamine is critical in the brain’s ability to connect cues (like people and places) with the rewarding effects of alcohol. Over time, people experience intense cravings for alcohol when they’re exposed to routine cues. It is not uncommon to find oneself in a situation where you feel pressured to drink alcohol. In such situations, friends or peers may pressure you to drink alcohol or greater quantities of alcohol than what is alcoholism you would on your own.