Why Alcohol Dependence Is Hard to Overcome
Alcoholism is one of the most dangerous addictions. Oftentimes, people minimize the epidemic of alcoholism because there’s so much media attention around the opioid problem in the United States. Alcohol-related accidents and fatalities are still one of the leading killers in the United States. Many times this is because someone has an alcohol dependence that they can’t overcome. There are a few reasons why alcoholism is difficult to kick.
Alcohol Dependence Affects the Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex of the brain has a vast array of responsibilities that help us function as humans and lead a manageable life. Some of the main functions of the prefrontal cortex include empathy, impulse control, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. This part of the brain is also responsible for keeping the pleasure system of the brain in check. The pleasure system is what tells a person to pursue any experience that gives them pleasure. The prefrontal cortex is supposed to help people make logical decisions about what they’re about to do. When this part of the brain isn’t functioning properly (for example, when someone drinks too much), a person can be in denial about their situation and lack the ability to see how their drinking is affecting the people around them.
Alcohol is the Most Commonly Abused Substance
Most parents teach their children that substance abuse is bad from a young age. While this may keep people away from hard drugs like meth, heroin, and cocaine, alcohol is different. It’s both legal and readily available, which is why so many people become addicted to it. Alcohol is easy to get a hold of to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Most of the world’s population is able to drink alcohol without issue, and the lack of self-awareness in those with an alcohol dependence makes them believe that they’re in control of their drinking.
Dependence is Dangerous
There comes a point for many people with alcoholism when they realize they have a problem, but their dependence is too much to bear alone. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can cause pain and discomfort. Alcohol has the worst symptoms of withdrawal compared to any other substance because it causes a wide range of both physical and psychological symptoms. Many people don’t realize it, but alcohol withdrawal can also be extremely dangerous without a medical staff monitoring the process. Stepping Stone Center is here to help you overcome your dependence to alcohol and learn how to live a better life. It all starts with a medical detoxification process, and then you’ll be able to transition into our individualized treatment program. We’re dedicated to helping our clients learn how to live a better life free from active addiction. Give us a call today at 866-957-4960.
