Drinking alcohol in moderation can make us feel good, especially when we are at a party. However, some people can’t just be satisfied with just a glass or two, often leading to overconsumption. Which, over time, develops dependence after short periods of consumption. Many factors determine the period you get addicted, including genetic factors, type, frequency, intensity of use, and mental conditions. Knowledge of these factors is particularly important for anyone who has issues with alcohol consumption.
Let’s discuss how long it takes to get addicted to alcohol.
Key Factors That Affect How Quickly Alcohol Addiction Develops
Here are some of the key factors that affect the development of alcohol addiction:
Genetics and Family History
Genetics can really be a big factor in determining how vulnerable a person is to getting hooked on substances. Individuals who have a genetic background of alcoholism are most likely to become alcoholics themselves. This genetic makeup does not directly lead to addiction, but means that people in this category are considered to be at a higher risk and may become dependent with relative ease than others might.
Frequency and Amount of Drinking
Frequency and amount also play a role in determining how fast a person will become addicted to alcohol.
Varied forms of alcohol intake, binge drinking, have a stressful effect on the brain’s reward pathway and may push an individual closer to dependency.
Age of First Use
Young people are more susceptible to addiction since their brain is not fully developed. That means that young people who begin the drinking process are likely to end up alcohol dependent when they grow up.
Mental Health and Environment
Anxiety, depression, or a traumatic history are conditions that force people to seek relief in alcohol. Although it may provide a temporary solution, this can easily result in dependency. Situational factors, such as environments that promote the use of alcohol, can also lead to a situation where one becomes an alcoholic.
The Typical Progression from Habit to Dependency
Drinking alcohol is a progressive process, and before complete dependence is reached, it passes through several stages. Here’s a breakdown of how this can happen:
Stage 1: Social Drinking or Experimentation
In this phase, the person’s drinking is usually confined to special occasions alone. It is limited to moderate levels, and there are little or no ill effects associated with the behaviour. However, as drinking becomes more frequent, the next stage may set in.
Stage 2: Regular Drinking
At this stage, alcohol consumption may occur on a daily or weekly basis. Tolerance may increase, that is, a person would require more alcohol to have the same impact as before. This is a dangerous phase because it lays the framework for dependency, provided it is not adequately managed.
Stage 3: Problem Drinking
Alcohol dependence arises when alcohol begins to disrupt an individual’s normal functioning. Some people may feel like they need to consume alcohol and can get irritable or anxious if they do not drink.
This is because this stage marks a realization of dependency, a crucial point or phase at that.
Stage 4: Alcohol Dependency (Alcoholism)
At this stage, alcohol turns into a priority as people may need alcohol irrespective of health, social, or occupational consequences. In this stage, dependence is formed, and it is impossible to live without it; often, outside help is needed to get rid of dependence.
It is important to identify these initial signs of alcohol dependence because getting help early is always easier in the initial stages.