Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Addiction happens when someone can't stop drinking, even when it causes problems. It’s more than a bad habit. Alcohol changes the brain, especially how it handles stress, reward, and self-control.
Some people drink daily. Others binge on weekends. Both can lead to serious harm. Over time, the brain craves alcohol, making it harder to quit.
Alcohol addiction is treatable. With the right help, people can recover and live healthier lives.
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Is addiction a disease?
Many health organizations classify addiction as a chronic medical condition affecting brain circuits for reward, motivation, and self-control. It can be managed with the right treatment and support.
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What causes addiction?
It usually stems from a mix of genetics, environment and stress, early exposure, and how specific substances or behaviors interact with brain chemistry.
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How can you break an addiction?
Evidence-based approaches include counseling (e.g., CBT), medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, peer support, lifestyle changes, and relapse-prevention planning.
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Is addiction genetic?
Genetics plays a big role in addiction; about 50% of a person’s risk comes from their DNA. But it’s not just about what you’re born with. Your environment, biology, and even your diet can interact with your genes and shape that risk. Take alcoholism, for example. It often runs in families. If you have close relatives who struggle with alcohol, your chances of developing the same problem are higher. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, but it does mean you might need to be more aware. Genes influence vulnerability, while environment and experiences determine whether that risk develops into addiction.
