Who Would Most Likely Develop Alcohol Addiction in Adulthood?

It’s estimated that one in ten people over the age of twelve in the United States has an alcohol use disorder. Several factors can lead a person down the path toward alcohol addiction, but the road doesn’t look the same for each person. In many cases, it’s a combination of genetic, social, and psychological factors that determine who would most likely develop alcohol addiction in adulthood. 

At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we believe overcoming and preventing alcohol addiction begins with understanding its root causes. 

Genetec Factors and Alcohol Addiction 

Research tells us that genetic factors can play a major role in determining a person’s susceptibility to alcohol use disorder in adulthood. Currently, it is believed that genetics can contribute as much as 50% to 60% of an individual’s vulnerability to alcoholism.

It’s suspected that genetic contributors such as an individual’s pleasure responses and psychological reward systems contribute to alcoholism. Along with this are a person’s alcohol metabolism and tolerance levels, both of which can be influenced by genetics. 

Having a genetic susceptibility to alcohol addiction doesn’t mean a person is destined to struggle with alcohol use. However, it can increase the risk and is something to be mindful of for prevention and treatment. 

Impact of Family History 

It has long been known that someone who comes from a family history of alcohol addiction is at a greater risk of suffering from the disease themselves. Having a family history of addiction combines both genetic factors and learned behaviors that increase a person’s risk. 

Growing up in an environment where excessive alcohol use is present leads to it becoming normalized. This can often lead to early struggles with alcohol. For example, college students who grew up in a home or environment with alcoholism may be more likely to binge drink and develop problematic drinking habits. 

Mental Health and Addiction Risks 

There’s a strong connection between mental health issues and an increased risk for addiction of all types. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, are connected to higher rates of substance and alcohol misuse. 

This can be related to issues with impulse control but is more often caused by using alcohol as a self-medication tool. These are the types of behaviors associated with mental health issues that can lead to alcohol dependency. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we offer dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment program addresses both the treatment of addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.  

Social Influences and Drinking Habits

Alcohol has found a permanent seat at the table in today’s social landscape. In social settings, alcohol can even play a role in shaping our relationships with others. While not everyone drinks, well over half of adults do, at least on occasion. 

What begins as occasional drinking may escalate, or someone who might not otherwise drink may feel pressured to partake. This is especially true for young adults, with the pressure of social drinking beginning in high school and early college years. With time, social drinking can gradually lead to dependency. 

Youth Drinking and Future Addiction 

Youth drinking is a huge problem in our society today. More than three million young people between the ages of twelve and twenty have reported binge drinking at least once in the past month. Individuals who begin drinking in their youth, especially before the age of 15, are significantly more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder later in their life. 

In addition to the increased risk of alcohol addiction associated with youth drinking, there are also developmental factors at play. Youth drinking has an effect on the developing brain. It can alter how it responds to the pleasure and reward associated with alcohol use. Over time, risk factors for alcohol addiction can compound, increasing the overall lifetime risk. 

Stress and Alcohol Dependency 

Individuals who experience high levels of chronic stress are at a greater risk of alcohol addiction. Alcohol and other addictive substances may be used as stress-coping mechanisms. In the beginning, alcohol can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and tension.

However, the risk of dependency grows as stress-related alcohol consumption increases. Stress management strategies learned through mental health treatment and addiction therapy are highly effective at reducing stress and unhealthy responses to it. 

Early Warning Signs of Addiction 

We can look at all of the risk factors, but the truth is, it’s difficult to predict who will develop an alcohol addiction. Regardless of whether an individual has risk factors or not, there are a number of early warning signs of alcohol dependency to look for. 

• Drinking more than intended or being unable to control drinking
• Consuming more alcohol than others in social situations
• Drinking alone or in secret 
• Building a tolerance to alcohol 
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when going without alcohol

We want you to know there is always help available for substance and alcohol use disorders. You can contact us directly, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for additional resources. 

Find Relief From Alcohol Addiction in Massachusetts 

If you are struggling with alcohol use or care about someone who is, the Massachusetts Center for Addiction offers effective and compassionate treatment for addiction and mental health. Even if you’re concerned that your current drinking habits may lead to dependency, we can help. Contact us today at 844-486-0671 for a consultation and assessment.