The Triggers of alcoholism You May Not Know About
Did you know that there are many factors that can trigger alcoholism? According to al anon meetings in Illinois, it’s not just about genetics or psychological issues. There are a number of environmental and social triggers that can cause someone to start drinking heavily.
Stress and anxiety: When someone is feeling stressed or anxious, it can be tempting to turn to alcohol as a way of coping. In many cases, people with preexisting mental health disorders such as depression will start drinking in an attempt to self-medicate their symptoms. This is especially common among college students who have difficulty coping with the pressures of school life.
Peer pressure: One of the main reasons that young people begin drinking heavily is because they feel pressured by their peers to do so. Whether it’s attending a party where everyone is getting drunk, or hanging out with friends who are always pushing you to drink more than you want to, peer pressure can be a significant trigger for addiction.
Loneliness and social isolation: Many people who are suffering from addiction also have a tendency to isolate themselves. This can be due to shame or guilt about their drinking, or it may simply be because they prefer the company of alcohol to that of other people. If someone you care about is struggling with addiction, reaching out to them and offering them emotional support can help make a difference in their recovery.
Boredom: It’s easy for people who are bored to feel tempted by alcohol as an escape. Whether they’re unemployed, working a job they don’t enjoy or just having trouble finding something meaningful to do with their free time, boredom can leave people feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with life – two feelings which often lead people to start drinking.
Family history: Genetics can play a role in addiction, and people who have relatives with a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with drinking than those who don’t. For example, if your parents or grandparents were problem drinkers, you may be at greater risk for developing alcoholism yourself.
Poor physical health: People who are suffering from poor mental or physical health are often much more inclined to turn to drinking as a way of self-medicating their symptoms. This is particularly common among cancer patients who use alcohol as a means of coping with the pain, anxiety, and depression that’s associated with having such a serious illness. The same is true for people living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis.
Traumatic events: Many people who struggle with addiction have suffered some sort of trauma in their past, whether it’s the death of a loved one, sexual assault or emotional abuse. These traumatic experiences can leave someone feeling desperate and alone, which can lead them to turn to drinking as a way of escaping their emotions and dealing with their pain. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction and believe that you may be dealing with some kind of psychological trauma, it’s important to seek out professional help so that you can get the support you need during your recovery.