Causes of Alcohol Addiction — Alpha 180

There is rarely one sole cause of addiction since substance use disorder typically emerges from various triggers and environmental factors. A traumatic incident may cause an addiction to alcohol, an untreated co-occurring mental health condition, a family history of alcoholism, or other stressors. Some of the most prevalent issues that may lead an individual to develop an addiction to alcohol include:

Genetics: Having a family history of alcoholism or any type of addiction can significantly increase your risk of developing an addiction or affliction to alcohol yourself. Up to 51 genes are associated with alcohol dependence, which can be passed down through generations.

Environmental Factors: The environment and your surrounding atmosphere play a major role in determining whether or not you are more susceptible to potential addiction. This includes living near bars or liquor stores and being exposed to advertisements involving drinking.

Income: Many assume that individuals living at or below the poverty line struggle the most with alcohol use disorder when people from more affluent areas are more likely to drink. A recent Gallup poll showed that 78% of people with an annual income of $75,000 or higher consume alcohol, while only 45% of those with an income of $30,000 drink.

Trauma: Experiencing trauma is one of the biggest risk factors for developing an addiction to alcohol and other drugs or prescription medications. Untreated and unaddressed trauma can cause an individual to escape from drugs and alcohol rather than confront and treat the trauma they have experienced.

Alpha 180 is Austin’s best intensive outpatient alcohol treatment program in Austin for young adult men recovering from addiction & working to stay sober. Call now for more information!