While you may get what alcoholism is and what it does to your body, many people don’t always show the signs or know the risk factors. Alcoholism or what is now called alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction, like any disease, can affect anyone at any time. However, there are some common risk factors to be on the lookout for in yourself and others so that the appropriate support to heal from it or prevent it. There’s a combination of things that can work together to create an environment where alcoholism can take hold.

Oceanfront Recovery can guide individuals through the common risk factors and how to move past them without them taking over your life. We can also make sure you find the right addiction treatment program or therapy.

Stressful Environments Is One Risk Factor for Alcoholism

Not every person turns to alcohol for stress relief, yet some do. When work is stressful, a person may want to drink more. Day-to-day life is hard for some people, and they want a drink to cope. It’s important to monitor this behavior so that it doesn’t become a negative or unhealthy coping mechanism. It’s very easy for alcohol abuse to occur in relation to stress and mood disorders like depression or anxiety. When this happens, individuals can develop a co-occurring disorder where they struggle with both mental health issues and alcohol use disorder. Fortunately, Oceanfront Recovery offers a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment to address exactly this.

Tip: to lower this risk factor, take time out to de-stress in more healthy ways like reading a book, exercising, or taking a short nap.

Early Onset Drinking

Researchers have found people who drink at an early age are more likely to have an alcohol problem or dependence as they age. As you get older, basically, it becomes a habit, and tolerance increases.

Tip: watch alcohol consumption and incorporate other behaviors to socialize or enjoy fun times like hobbies or sports.

Mental Health Contributes to Alcohol Use Disorder

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues can increase the risk of alcoholism. Alcohol is an easy out when you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Alcohol can temporarily ease feelings such as this but can lead to increased drinking habits. We offer several therapeutic options like depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and bipolar treatment. Finding the right mental health treatment or therapy can help individuals maintain or improve their overall mental health and wellness.

Tip: take notice of when drinking occurs and look for other coping mechanisms that may come with the help of support from family, friends, counseling, or treatment plans

Drinking with Meds

Some medicines increase the toxic effects of alcohol on the body. When taking alcohol with medication, you may become addicted to the effects, which may be dangerous or life-threatening.

Tip: drink water or other liquids when taking medication and avoid drinking alcohol with prescription meds.

Family History

If you have a parent or relative with a drinking problem, the likelihood increases you may also struggle. Partly this is due to genetics; the other part is environmental.

Tip: understand your risk and what you can do to lower this as much as possible.

Find the Support You Need at Oceanfront Recovery

Oceanfront was founded to provide care and service at a top-notch facility with affordable rates where men can come to heal from addiction. We provide premier programs and services designed to help you fight addiction in our treatment facilities in Laguna Beach, California. Some of the addiction treatment programs we offer include: