10 of the Most Common Causes of Alcoholism

February 7, 2021

Harmony Place Team

Over the years, researchers have looked into what causes alcoholism. Many cases of alcoholism are more complicated than they appear on the surface. Several factors can increase a person’s risk of abusing alcohol. These ‘risk factors’ differ from person to person and can increase the chance of the development of alcoholism. These can be environmental, psychological, or biological. While these risk factors don’t guarantee a person will develop alcoholism, they can easily lead to alcoholism.

So, what causes alcoholism? This is a complicated topic that involves many different biological and social factors. It’s important to be aware of these factors for yourself and your loved ones. After looking at what causes alcoholism, it’s necessary to look at how you can overcome it. No matter what the cause of alcoholism in your life may be, getting quality help from a rehab center like Harmony Place may be the key to sobriety and a better life.

What is Alcoholism?

Before breaking down what causes alcoholism, it’s crucial to understand the disorder itself. Enjoying a drink or two occasionally is completely normal in our society. However, excessive drinking on a frequent basis or drinking in order to function can be a sign of a much bigger problem.

Alcoholism (or alcohol use disorder) occurs when a person cannot control their drinking. They may drink excessively on a frequent basis along with binge drinking. A person who is dealing with alcoholism may continue to drink regardless of the negative effects brought on by constant drinking. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of alcoholism.

1. Early Age Drinking

The earlier a person begins to drink alcohol, the higher chance they have of becoming dependent on it. Drinking as early as 15 years old can quickly lead to dependence at such a young age. Dependence occurs when a person relies on alcohol to function (or to “feel okay”). Drinking early on can have many problematic effects on a person’s life later on. Binge drinking or excessive drinking even in your 20’s can open the door for alcoholism in the later years of their life.

No matter how old a person is when they begin drinking, alcoholism is always in the cards if they avoid the signs. Parents are encouraged to teach their kids about the dangers of heavy drinking early on. Many people are not taught to drink responsibly and within reason. What may begin as simple weekend drinking can become a problem later on.

2. Family History of Alcoholism

Family history can be a huge factor for what causes alcoholism. With substance use in general, growing up with a parent or relative who dealt with alcoholism can play a huge role in a person’s life. Several genes indicate a pattern in some families when it comes to developing alcoholism over the years. This risk is biological, genetic, and environmental as well. Alcoholism doesn’t have to run in a person’s family for them to develop an alcohol disorder. Having a parent that frequently drinks can be the first step towards falling into alcoholism.

3. High Stress

Stress is one of the factors that many people think of when figuring out what causes alcoholism. Stress at work, home, or school can push someone to start drinking. It is often seen as an easy way to relieve stress and tension. High-stress careers like nurses, lawyers, construction workers, and other occupations may lead to excessive drinking.

It can be hard to handle stress. Some people may believe that alcohol is a viable option for stress relief. Unfortunately, alcohol doesn’t ‘cure’ stress and typically ends up making the situation worse in the long-run. Stress can also be the downfall for those recovering from alcoholism; they may end up relapsing due to stress. Before, during, and after treatment, it is key to find healthy ways of dealing with stress without reaching for a bottle.

4. Dealing with Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders can be stressful, painful, and debilitating throughout a person’s day-to-day life. Whether it’s schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These crippling disorders can be what causes alcoholism for some. It is not uncommon for those dealing with mental health disorders to turn to alcohol to ‘self-medicate’ or ease the pain. A person may turn to alcohol every time their symptoms begin to act up.

Those who deal with mental disorders may also be hesitant to reach out for help. Alcohol may seem like an easier option for them instead of being judged by others. In reality, this is not the case and alcohol only makes the situation worse. Many people who deal with a mental disorder also struggle with alcoholism. This combination is what’s known as a co-occurring disorder (dealing with a mental disorder and an addiction). These cases require full, comprehensive care by medical professionals.

5. Peer Pressure or Trying to Impress Friends

While it may seem like a mundane reason, peer pressure can be what causes alcoholism in high school and college students. In this age group, alcohol is sometimes glamorized and encouraged. Some young adults in high school and college may feel the need to drink to be ‘cool’ or feel accepted. Drinking is a common activity for many young adults, both underage and of drinking age (ages 18-34). It’s the frequency of the drinking that can lead to alcoholism. Peer pressure can occur in any age group, especially since alcohol is glorified and widely accepted among many cultures.

6. Mixing Alcohol with Medication

Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol has become a common and dangerous trend. Mixing medication and alcohol can create a powerful and potent effect. People may become addicted to this rewarding experience and can end up becoming dependent on it. What many people don’t realize is how dangerous and even deadly this combination can be. Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs can lead to:

Nausea
Dizziness
Increased blood pressure
Heart problems and damage
Behavioral, emotional, and mental changes

Unfortunately, mixing alcohol and medication can sometimes lead to fatal consequences. This increases the chance of overdose when both drugs are combined. Under no circumstances should a person ever mix their medication with alcohol (or other drugs). If you are worried about a possible overdose or a serious problem, call 9-1-1 immediately to get help.

7. Trauma

Childhood trauma, domestic, and sexual abuse can all be factors that contribute to alcoholism. Those who experience trauma or are mentally scarred by an event have a much higher chance of abusing alcoholism. Over time, a person may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the feelings of a traumatic event. Talking to a professional counselor or therapist is the best way to tackle traumatic events in the past.

During addiction recovery, a person can pinpoint past traumas that may have contributed to their alcoholism. It’s important to understand and confront these feelings before they have long-term effects.

8. Frequent and Constant Drinking Over Time

When someone begins to drink large amounts of alcohol over a long period of time, they may end up developing alcoholism. What tends to happen is a person may build up a tolerance to alcohol. Tolerance occurs when a person needs more and more of a drug to feel its effects. Simply drinking too much overtime can be what causes alcoholism for some people. This point drives back to the factor of drinking when you are young and in the early stages of adulthood. It’s important to keep control of your drinking no matter what age you are.

9. Attempts to Self-Medicate/Cope with Stress

Stressful and even painful situations like the death of a loved one or losing your job can be extremely hard to deal with. Grief, pain, and sadness can all be catalysts for drug use. Some people may feel so lost that the only way to cope is to turn to alcohol. Alcohol use is seen as a coping technique for some but many don’t realize the negative impact alcohol can have.

What may begin as a way to self-medicate or to cope with pain or grief can quickly become a matter of alcoholism. Some may be too afraid to talk about their feelings or confront these traumas and thus turn to alcohol or drugs. This attempt to self-medicate and cope can end up being what causes alcoholism in the end. Don’t be afraid to speak out about your feelings with close friends, family, or professionals.

10. No Family Supervision

Not having supervision from a parent or having a dysfunctional family structure can be what causes alcoholism in people at a young age. A lack of support or guidance may lead to alcohol use which can evolve into alcoholism. Neglect and lack of support can also lead to abandonment problems as well. While this may not be as prominent as the other causes, this can be a possible cause of alcoholism in some people.

Getting Alcoholism Treatment with Harmony Place

Alcoholism can have profound effects on one’s mental, physical, and overall well-being, making it crucial to seek help before it becomes overwhelming. Our alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles, CA, offers a pathway to regain control and prevent further complications. As the effects of alcoholism deepen over time, reaching out for professional support becomes vital. Harmony Place is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care, ensuring that those struggling do not have to face their challenges alone. Understanding the root causes and symptoms through a thorough alcohol addiction assessment is the first step toward a healthier future.

Harmony Place in Los Angeles offers a comprehensive range of services to support individuals and their families, including detox, residential, and outpatient services tailored to each person’s needs. For those who are addicted to alcohol, our facility provides a safe, nurturing environment where recovery is both possible and sustainable. We utilize evidence-based therapies and integrated approaches to address the complexities of alcoholism, offering Cigna alcohol rehab treatment among other personalized options. Our goal is to guide clients through every stage of recovery, enabling them to build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.

To ensure that treatment is accessible, Harmony Place takes health insurance from several major providers, including BCBS, Aetna plans, Optum, and Anthem insurance. This extensive coverage helps alleviate financial concerns by making the average cost of alcohol rehab more manageable. By providing clarity on alcohol rehab insurance coverage and options for paying for alcohol recovery treatment, we remove barriers to accessing the help needed. Don’t wait for alcoholism to take control; take the first step toward recovery by contacting us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your journey to wellness.

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I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

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Jodana S

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Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

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