Addicted to alcohol? Here's why

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People who are more impulsive or inattentive from childhood than others are at special risk. A spectrum of behaviours labelled as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct and oppositional disorders significantly increases susceptibility to developing early and severe alcoholism. Recent studies have linked these to a state of brain hyperactivity and a reduced ability to be motivated by 'normal' rewards, which may be due to delayed maturing (insulation) of the brain. Alcohol and other drugs are now known to initially cause a temporary correction in these deficits, making it more likely that the drug use experience will be repeated. Long term heavy use then leads to near-permanent changes in the structure and function of the brain, which in effect hijacks the normal brain functions towards alcohol to the exclusion of all else.

Those who suffer from mental health problems, especially mood disorders and schizophrenia often try to reduce their distress by self medication with alcohol. Drinking while pregnant can cause severe irreparable damage to the foetus-resulting in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

People who maintain the same drinking pattern as they age can develop alcohol dependence without realising it. It takes fewer drinks to become intoxicated and older organs get damaged by smaller amounts of alcohol than when young. Most medications prescribed for older people also interact adversely with alcohol.

Lack of parental monitoring, severe and recurrent family conflict and poor parent-child relationships can contribute to alcohol abuse in adolescents, regardless of the family history of alcoholism.

At all costs, avoid (prevent) underage drinking and if you choose to, drink moderately as an adult. If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, talk to a healthcare professional. There are effective treatments available to deal with it.

Drinking small amounts of alcohol without the intention of getting drunk can be a pleasant social activity for many of us. While a large proportion are able to drink in moderation without harmful consequences, there are some who have problems balancing alcohol intake. Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence is a brain disease that includes loss of control when it comes to drinking, or drinking larger quantities than intended; tolerance or the need to drink progressively greater amounts of alcohol to get 'high'; physical dependence marked by withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, anxiety and difficulty in functioning without drinking. Alcohol dependence causes problems not only for affected individuals (medical and emotional problems, occupational problems) but also leads to unacceptable social costs for family members (marital problems, violence, accidents, reduced spending on food, family needs and education, poor role model for children) and society as a whole.

Recent research has begun identifying certain causes that increase chances of developing alcoholism. The youth brigade, adolescents in particular, are at greatest risk. A number of studies, including some from India have shown that the earlier a person starts drinking, the greater the chances of developing harmful patterns of alcohol use. Individuals who begin drinking at 17 or younger are more than three times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at age 21 or more. This is linked to the fact that the wiring in adolescent brains in areas responsible for impulse control, motivation and learning are still not fully insulated and are more unprotected from the toxic effects of alcohol compared to adults, causing them to drink greater quantities.

Common causes of alcoholism can be attributed to the following reasons.

• The susceptibility to developing alcoholism is dependent on genetic factors. Having a history of a first-degree family member (parents or siblings) tends to increase alcohol dependence manifold.
• People who are more impulsive or inattentive from childhood than others are at special risk. A spectrum of behaviours labelled as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct and oppositional disorders significantly increases susceptibility to developing early and severe alcoholism. Recent studies have linked these to a state of brain hyperactivity and a reduced ability to be motivated by 'normal' rewards, which may be due to delayed maturing (insulation) of the brain. Alcohol and other drugs are now known to initially cause a temporary correction in these deficits, making it more likely that the drug use experience will be repeated. Long term heavy use then leads to near-permanent changes in the structure and function of the brain, which in effect hijacks the normal brain functions towards alcohol to the exclusion of all else.
• Those who suffer from mental health problems, especially mood disorders and schizophrenia often try to reduce their distress by self medication with alcohol. Drinking while pregnant can cause severe irreparable damage to the foetus-resulting in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
• People who maintain the same drinking pattern as they age can develop alcohol dependence without realising it. It takes fewer drinks to become intoxicated and older organs get damaged by smaller amounts of alcohol than when young. Most medications prescribed for older people also interact adversely with alcohol.
• Lack of parental monitoring, severe and recurrent family conflict and poor parent-child relationships can contribute to alcohol abuse in adolescents, regardless of the family history of alcoholism.
• At all costs, avoid (prevent) underage drinking and if you choose to, drink moderately as an adult. If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, talk to a healthcare professional. There are effective treatments available to deal with it.