How long does it take to become addicted to alcohol? This is a common question because many people enjoy alcohol at social events or to relax. However, drinking too much or too often can lead to addiction more quickly than you might think.

Alcohol addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It depends on many factors, like how much and how often you drink, as well as personal variables. Some people may start to develop physical dependence in just a few weeks, while for others, it might take months or even years.

Read on and learn what leads to alcohol addiction and how to get effective treatment.

Factors That Influence Onset Of Alcohol Addiction

Several factors can influence how quickly someone becomes addicted to alcohol.

1. Genetics: Genetics plays a big role, accounting for about 50% of the risk. If your family has a history of alcohol addiction, you might be more likely to develop it too.
2. Frequency And Amount: How much and how often you drink also matter. Regular heavy drinking can speed up the process of becoming addicted.
3. Age: Starting to drink at a young age can increase the risk of developing alcohol addiction later in life.
4. Mental Health: People with mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, may turn to alcohol to cope, increasing the risk of addiction.
5. Environment: Your surroundings, including your friends and family, can impact your drinking habits. Being around others who drink heavily can make you more likely to drink too much.

General Timeline For Alcohol Addiction

The timeline for alcohol addiction can vary from person to person, but here is a general idea of how it can develop:

1. Initial Use: This is when someone starts drinking alcohol, often socially or occasionally. At this stage, drinking is usually controlled and infrequent.
2. Regular Use: Drinking becomes more frequent, such as on weekends or at social events. The person may start to drink more each time.
3. Risky Use: The person begins drinking more heavily and more often, possibly every day. This stage includes binge drinking and drinking to cope with problems.
4. Tolerance: Over time, the person has to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects. This means their body is getting used to the alcohol, which can lead to drinking larger amounts.
5. Dependence: The person feels they need alcohol to function or feel normal. They may start to experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, shakiness, or irritability when not drinking.
6. Addiction: The person loses control over their drinking. They drink despite knowing the negative effects on their health, relationships, and responsibilities.

Signs Of Alcohol Use Disorder

It’s important to spot the signs of alcohol use disorder early so you can get help. Here are some common signs:

1. Drinking More Than Planned: Often drinking more or longer than you meant to.
2. Trying To Cut Down: Wanting to drink less or stop but not being able to.
3. Spending A Lot Of Time Drinking: Using a lot of time to drink or recover from drinking.
4. Cravings: Strong urges to drink alcohol.
5. Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to do things at home, school, or work because of drinking.
6. Continuing To Drink Despite Problems: Drinking even when it causes trouble with family, friends, or work.
7. Giving Up Activities: Stopping activities you used to enjoy so you can drink instead.
8. Drinking In Dangerous Situations: Drinking in unsafe situations like when driving.
9. Developing Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects.
10. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling sick when alcohol wears off, such as shaking, sweating, or feeling anxious.

Treatment For Alcohol Addiction

Treatment can include several methods:

1. Behavioral Therapy: Talking with a mental health professional can help change your behavior. Common methods include motivational therapy, CBT, and contingency management.
2. Medications: FDA approves acamprosate and naltrexone for treating alcoholism. Gabapentin and topiramate can also help some people reduce cravings. Disulfiram is used less often now.
3. Support Groups: Group meetings with others who have alcohol use disorder can help you stay sober. AA meetings are free and widely available. Other options include SMART Recovery and Celebrate Recovery.

Get Treatment For Alcohol Addiction At Gratitude Lodge

If you or a loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment, reach out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have welcoming and pet-friendly rehab centers in Long Beach and Newport Beach, CA.

Contact our admissions team for a free insurance coverage check and guidance with using your health insurance to cover the costs of alcohol rehab.

Choose our medical detox program for the safest and most comfortable alcohol withdrawal experience. Access medications and 24/7 care while detoxing and then move into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our luxury beachside treatment facilities.

All Gratitude Lodge treatment programs use the following therapies:

1. Medications
2. Talk therapy
3. Family therapy
4. Group therapy
5. Individual counseling
6. Holistic therapies
7. Aftercare

Call our friendly recovery team to get started today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3506170/
4. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
5. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
6. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/what-cognitive-behavioral-therapy
7. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat