Is It Easy to Quit Drinking?
Trying to quit drinking is one of the most difficult things anyone can do. If you’re struggling with alcoholism, it’s common to feel hopeless and powerless in the situation. No matter how bad a person wants to quit, they often find themselves stopping to buy liquor and getting drunk again. When an alcoholic drinks, they feel more and more defeated. Many times, this makes them believe that they aren’t strong enough to change it. The disease of addiction inhibits a part of the brain that makes you want to give up and not get well. Hope does exist, though. While it’s not an easy task to overcome alcoholism, millions of people around the world have been able to do just that.
Why is it so Hard to Quit Drinking?
Alcohol is sold in every city in the United States. As long as you’re of legal drinking age, you can buy it. Many other addictive substances are illegal, which is what makes alcohol addiction unique and dangerous. Because of this, many people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Most people who drink can do so without it severely impacting their life. Those struggling with alcoholism can form an obsession with drinking like everyone else. They don’t understand why they can’t, and it can frustrate them. This lack of control comes from an abnormal reaction to alcohol.
How the Brain Affects Alcoholism
The brain has many different functions, and it’s the most complex organ in the entire body. Two of the primary parts of the brain are known as the “stop system” and the “go system.” For some people, the go system overpowers the stop system. The go system is designed to tell people to repeat any action that gives them pleasure, and alcohol releases a chemical in the brain that gives a person pleasure. Most people have a stop system that tells them that even though alcohol brings them pleasure, it’s dangerous to continue drinking. Those who suffer from alcoholism have a stop system that’s not functioning properly.
Denial makes it Harder to Quit Drinking
Whether you’re struggling with alcoholism or know someone who is, you’ve probably seen denial at some point. Part of the stop system of the brain is responsible for self-awareness. If a person is incapable of being self-aware, they’re going to believe that they don’t have a problem with alcohol. A person struggling with alcoholism may get very defensive when approached about their drinking problems. Their mind is telling them that they don’t have a problem at all, even if those around them can see differently. This is why many people never get the opportunity to recover. Dual diagnosis plays a big role in this. Our dual diagnosis system helps us to find out whether there’s a co-occurring mental health condition contributing to the addiction. Although it’s difficult to quit, you can get help. It’s never recommended to go detox or addiction recovery alone, which is why Stepping Stone Center for Recovery is here to help. We’re a fully accredited facility that uses evidence-based treatment approaches to help people overcome alcoholism. Call 866-957-4960 today for more information.
