Are you experiencing…
- Withdrawals
- Cravings
- Impulsivity
Routine alcohol use is mostly rooted within cultures that hold a special place for alcohol as a mainstream beverage. For example, you see a prevalence of alcohol use in some European and Asian countries more so than elsewhere. However, alcohol abuse is referred to excessive drinking compared to just occasional drinking, and is hallmarked by individual’s unsuccessful attempts to cut down.
Alcohol abuse often leads to alcohol dependence, whereby the person experiences unpleasant withdrawal symptoms which makes it more challenging to stay sober.
Alcohol is considered a “downer” which refers to a substance that slows down brain processes. For persons who feel anxious, self-conscious or fidgety, the experience of slowing down is sometimes a welcoming sensation, bringing peace and comfort. However, alcohol is a substance which one can quickly habituate to.
After only about 10 days or so, the amount of alcohol that it takes to create a buzz quickly grows, and the individual recognizes that it takes more alcohol to reach the same level of buzz than it did with less alcohol.
Given that the transient peace and comfort that is experienced against the anxious and self-conscious feelings is rewarding, the individual is quite inclined to succumb into consuming the now increased level of alcohol, only to reach that same level of comfort once again.