What Could Be Behind Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol dependence can develop for many different reasons, and no two people's experiences are exactly the same.

For someone who is alcohol dependent, drinking is often no longer about enjoyment. Alcohol may be needed simply to feel normal. Without it, a person can experience physical and emotional distress, and drinking may temporarily relieve those feelings.

The good news is that dependence does not have to be permanent. Many people reduce or stop drinking and eventually no longer need alcohol to function or feel well. However, if you are alcohol dependent, it is important not to suddenly stop or dramatically reduce your alcohol intake without medical consultation.  Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening.

To better understand alcohol dependence, it can be helpful to look at some potential contributing factors.

Our Brain's Survival Wiring

Thousands of years ago, humans lived in a world of feast or famine. Food was not always available, so when it was, our bodies encouraged us to eat enough to survive future shortages. Sweet foods were especially valuable because they provided a quick source of energy.

While the world has changed dramatically, some of those survival mechanisms remain. Today, food is abundant, but our brains still seek out things that feel rewarding and pleasurable.

Alcohol contains sugar and can activate the brain's reward system. For some people, this makes it difficult to stop at one or two drinks. While some people can drink occasionally without issue, others find that once they start, stopping becomes incredibly difficult. For some, moderation works. For others, abstinence may be the easier and more sustainable path.

The Need to Belong

Humans have always relied on social connection. In earlier times, belonging to the tribe was essential for survival. Today, our need for connection and acceptance remains strong.

Because alcohol is often embedded in social situations, people may feel pressure to drink to fit in, even when they would prefer not to. For some, this can create a difficult choice between drinking to belong, and risking feeling excluded by choosing not to drink.

At the same time, alcohol is heavily woven into Australian culture.

Culture, Economics and the Psychology of Desire

Alcohol is big business in Australia, generating billions of corporate and government revenue and annually spends more than $100 million (that’s $100,000,000) on marketing and promotion.

We see alcohol advertising during sporting events, celebrations, holidays, family gatherings and social occasions. From an early age, many people absorb the message that alcohol is a normal and expected part of life.

We are often told that we deserve a drink after a difficult day, should celebrate with a drink after a good day, or should drink to mark birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and other milestones. Even during times of grief, alcohol is frequently presented as part of the social ritual.

When alcohol is everywhere, dependence can develop gradually and sometimes without a person recognising it. If heavy drinking is common among the people around us, it can begin to seem normal.

Alcohol, Mental Health and Sleep

The younger a person starts drinking, the greater the risk of developing alcohol-related problems later in life. Early alcohol use is also associated with an increased likelihood of mental health challenges.

Many people use alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression, stress or emotional pain. While alcohol may provide temporary relief, it does not resolve the underlying issue. Once the alcohol wears off, those feelings often return.

Alcohol can also disrupt sleep. Although it may help people fall asleep more quickly, it reduces sleep quality and interferes with restorative REM sleep. Poor sleep can negatively affect mood, mental health and overall wellbeing, which may increase the desire to drink. Over time, this can become a difficult cycle to break.

Alcohol as Emotional Pain Relief

When we experience physical pain, we are encouraged to seek treatment and relief. Most people would also prefer to avoid emotional pain, and for some, alcohol becomes the pain relief of choice.

The challenge is that alcohol only numbs emotional pain temporarily. The underlying issues often remain and may even worsen over time.

As tolerance develops, more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect. One drink may become two, then three, and eventually much more. What began as a way to cope can gradually develop into dependence.

When a dependent person tries to reduce their drinking, they may not only experience the return of emotional pain but also alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As a result, alcohol can start to feel necessary just to get through the day or feel normal.

There Is Always More to the Story

Alcohol dependence is rarely caused by a single factor. Trauma, grief, loneliness, stress, genetics, mental health challenges and life experiences can all play a role. Often, these influences overlap and interact in complex ways.

Alcohol dependence is rarely about alcohol alone.

Behind every dependence is a person. Behind every person is a story.

Understanding those stories with compassion, rather than judgement, is an  important step towards healing. And while the journey may be challenging, recovery is possible.