Alcohol is a staple in many social gatherings across many cultures. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most commonly misused substances, often resulting in alcohol dependence. There is, however, no specific length of time that marks when an individual develops alcohol dependence. It varies based on several factors and individual circumstances. Moreover, anyone – regardless of age, gender, and other factors- can develop alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD). In the United States alone, AUD affects around 753,000 youth ages 12 to 17 and up to 28.8 M adults according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
Alcoholism is a chronic disorder characterized by an inability to control one’s alcohol intake even when it causes problems. Alcohol dependence, alcoholism, or AUD develops differently from person to person. In general, it takes several months or years of heavy drinking to develop alcoholism.
Alcohol intake does not necessarily snowball into alcohol dependence. For some people, though, one drink could be all it takes to be caught up in the relentless cycle of AUD.
While there is no set period of time when a person develops alcohol dependence, several risk factors have been determined for AUD.
Genetics
Many studies have shown that a person’s genes have the most impact on whether or not that person develops alcoholism. The risk of alcoholism or AUD is higher for biological children of individuals with AUD. This means that they are more likely to develop alcoholism whether they are raised by their biological parents with AUD or not. That is not to say that this genetic predisposition guarantees the development of AUD.
The genetics behind alcoholism is complex. Alcoholism is influenced by the interplay between at least 51 genes and the individual’s environment. For example, certain gene variants affect the process of breaking down the alcohol, the severity of hangovers, or the intensity of the alcohol’s effect on an individual.
Environment
Drinking behaviors, and their escalation to alcoholism, can be influenced by an individual’s environment. Peer pressure and societal norms can impact one’s drinking behaviors and can be apparent in various situations:
Drinking History
A person’s drinking history is a strong indicator of how long it would take him to develop alcoholism. Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long period often leads to different alcohol-related issues including alcohol use disorder. People who start binge drinking regularly at an early age are also more likely to develop AUD.
Mental Health
Psychological factors can influence alcohol intake. Some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism leading to self-medication that can spiral into alcoholism. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia often occur simultaneously with alcohol and other substance misuse. People with a history of trauma, emotional or otherwise, are also at high risk of AUD.
Alcoholism develops gradually. It usually starts with just one drink to unwind or socialize. Some people manage to stop at one drink from time to time while some begin drinking alcohol on a more regular basis. The latter, sooner or later, would find themselves unable to function without alcohol and eventually deal with various alcohol-related problems.
There are three main stages of alcoholism. The signs and symptoms of alcoholism vary and escalate from stage to stage.
This stage, also referred to as the prodromal phase of alcoholism, typically takes place in a social setting. During this phase, people start getting used to the rewarding effects of alcohol such as euphoria and stress reduction. This increases the likelihood of repeated drinking which leads to habit formation.
It can be difficult to diagnose alcoholism at this stage because the classic symptoms are not always present. However, there are some signs you can watch out for:
As someone progresses to this stage, their drinking problem becomes more evident to their family and friends. People in this phase tend to downplay or even hide their drinking problem. Over time, this becomes harder for them to do because their drinking starts to affect other aspects of their life such as work or school.
During this stage, the drinking problem escalates to more serious levels characterized by the following:
At this stage, drinking overshadows everything. Individuals could not function without alcohol. They also deal with the most severe impacts of long-term alcohol misuse on various aspects of their lives – health, relationships, employment, and finances. They may experience the following:
People in this phase need immediate treatment. Failing to address their drinking problem can lead to serious alcohol-induced illnesses that could ultimately be fatal.
Alcohol is addictive because it alters brain chemistry, specifically targeting the brain’s reward system. It increases dopamine levels, creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain develops tolerance and dependence, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect.
Preventing alcoholism involves moderating alcohol consumption, setting clear drinking limits, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. It’s essential to avoid situations that trigger drinking, stay educated about alcohol’s risks, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to handle life’s challenges without relying on alcohol.
Alcoholism is a progressive disorder. It’s crucial to understand how seemingly harmless drinking habits can quickly turn into harmful alcohol dependence. Armed with such understanding, you’ll be able to seek professional treatment before alcoholism takes over.
As a leading alcohol rehab and treatment center in Chicago, Positive Sobriety Institute, can help you overcome your struggles with alcohol dependence. Our team of compassionate and highly qualified professionals provides comprehensive and effective treatment plans suited to individual circumstances. We will be with you every step of the way – from the extensive assessment and diagnosis down to the effective treatment program and necessary continuing care.
Visit us today and let us help you on your journey to recovery.
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