Attitudes toward and information about alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), have changed a lot in the last few decades. If you have difficulty controlling your alcohol consumption, a Scottsdale treatment center can help. It was once believed that people who struggled with addiction were morally weak and needed to be stronger.
Today, AUD is defined as a chronic brain disease that’s caused by a variety of issues, including genetic factors.1 It was once believed that people who struggled with addiction were morally weak and needed to be stronger.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
The National Institutes of Health defines alcohol use disorder as a brain disorder that may be mild, moderate, or severe.2 While there is a stereotype that people struggling with alcohol addiction must drink heavily, that’s not always the case. All levels of AUD are serious. To meet the requirements of medical diagnosis for AUD, a person must have two or more of the following symptoms:
- Spending a majority of their time acquiring, using, or recovering from alcohol
- Regularly drinking more or for longer periods than they’d planned
- Having intense cravings for alcohol
- Alcohol use interferes with daily function
- Continued use of alcohol even though it’s causing problems in relationships, at work, or school
- Developing a tolerance, needing larger and more frequent quantities to reach the desired effects
- Using alcohol in high-risk situations, such as while driving
- Reducing participation in other activities in favor of drinking
- Having withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
According to Yale Medicine, people exhibiting two to three symptoms have a mild disorder, people with four to five symptoms may be diagnosed with a moderate-level disorder, and those with six or more symptoms are considered to have severe alcohol use disorder.
Scottsdale Treatment Center: What are the Risk Factors for Developing Alcoholism?
Anyone can develop an alcohol or substance use disorder. However, some people have a higher risk for alcoholism than others.
Mental Health Conditions
It’s estimated that about 35% of adults with a mental health disorder also have a substance or alcohol use disorder.4 Some of the most common co-occurring conditions include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
Drinking can help temporarily relieve the symptoms of some mental health conditions, which may lead to a practice of self-medication. However, alcohol use can make symptoms worse in the long run.
Drinking at an Early Age
Research shows that people who began drinking before the age of 15 more commonly reported alcohol use disorders than those who began drinking at 21 or later.5 The risk of developing an AUD for early drinkers is even higher for females than for males.
Trauma
Studies show there’s a strong connection between trauma and developing alcoholism or another substance use disorder.6 People who’ve experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are especially vulnerable to addiction disorders. One reason is the experience of childhood trauma can disregulate the stress system and may make changes in brain function.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics may account for up to 60% of all alcohol use disorders. However, it isn’t easy to separate the influence of genetics from the influence of family patterns. Parental behavior also influences a person’s decisions around drug and alcohol use. Children who grow up thinking it’s “normal” to abuse alcohol can be both genetically predisposed and environmentally influenced.
Understanding the Genetic Variants for Alcoholism
Two genes, ALDH2 and ADH1B, are associated with the strongest risks of alcoholism. Studies have revealed several other gene variants that may also increase risk, including AUTS2, CHRM2, KCNJ6, and GABRA2.7. To learn more about your genetic risk, ask your doctor about genetic testing.
Having the genetic markers for alcohol use disorder doesn’t automatically mean you will develop the condition. It also doesn’t mean you can’t drink alcohol safely. Having the genetic variants may change the way you metabolize alcohol or how it affects the organs in your body. However, many other factors must be considered.
People with good coping skills who have no mental health disorders, no history of substance abuse, and have never experienced trauma may be able to consume safe amounts of alcohol without developing a problem. However, if you have more than one risk factor or two or more symptoms of AUD, or if you are prone to binge drinking, it may be safest to avoid alcohol completely.
Think of being predisposed to alcohol in the same way as being predisposed to diabetes. You can reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting adequate amounts of exercise. However, it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle and still get diabetes.
The same is true with AUD. The only 100% effective method to prevent AUD is to abstain from alcohol completely.
Scottsdale Treatment Center: How Is Genetically Predisposed Alcoholism Treated?
No matter how a person develops alcoholism, the recovery journey is the same for everyone. People who seek treatment in the very early stages of addiction may not need to attend alcohol or drug rehab programs. Working privately with a behavioral health professional may offer enough help to develop the skills for maintaining sobriety.
The most common therapies used to treat AUD include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Treatment for co-occurring conditions, such as depression
- Trauma treatment
- Holistic and mindfulness practices
- 12-Step programs
- Medication
Those diagnosed with moderate or severe AUD have the best chance of recovery when they enter a treatment program. Outpatient treatment centers are a valuable alternative for people who can’t spend 30 or more days in a residential program. Qualified outpatient programs offer evidence-based therapies, support, and resources in a more flexible schedule.
Learn More About Predisposition at Desert Cove Recovery’s Scottsdale Treatment Center
It can be frightening to learn that you’re genetically predisposed to a serious condition like alcohol use disorder, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of heavy drinking and its consequences. Knowing you have the genetic variants associated with addiction can help you live a sober lifestyle and avoid taking even more risks with your health.
Call Desert Cove Recovery to learn more about our treatment programs.
Sources:
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions#references
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4056340/
