Millions of people around the world consume alcohol. It is one of the oldest and most widely used drugs, typically served at meals, during celebrations, funerals, etc., but not everyone gets addicted to it. The reason for this is that several factors contribute to the development of alcohol addiction, and these must be present for someone to develop drinking issues. In this article, we will discuss these factors and ways to combat them.
How Addiction Develops in the Brain
Like other drugs, alcohol has a powerful effect on the human brain. Once consumed, the substance blunts negative feelings and produces positive ones. It also limits a person’s inhibition, which is why it seems like you can do anything when you are drunk.
These seemingly positive short-term effects of alcohol can motivate some individuals to drink alcohol repeatedly despite potential harm to their health and overall well-being. For example, drinking alcohol can provide temporary relief from emotional discomfort. But when you get sober, the negative emotional states tend to heighten. You’ll be motivated to drink again and eventually become stuck in a cycle of unhealthy alcohol consumption.
As a person continues to drink alcohol, the structure and function of their brain may change over time. These brain changes can drive the transition from controlled, occasional drinking to alcohol misuse and can persist long after alcohol cessation. That’s why you’ll notice some people relapsing after successfully stopping drinking.
The 4 C’s of Alcohol Addiction
Addiction is a chronic dysfunction of the brain’s reward, memory, and motivation systems. What separates it from other neurological disorders are the four factors, also referred to as the 4 C’s of addiction, which are compulsion, cravings, consequences, and control. You’ll know you or your loved one is suffering from addiction if these 4 Cs are present.
1. Compulsion
Compulsion is one of the factors that fuel addiction. It is defined as an irresistible urge to do something, like drinking, despite any potential negative consequences. About 30%of all adults exposed to alcohol end up with compulsive drinking habits. For years, experts have sought answers as to why some people can drink for their whole adult life without developing compulsive behaviours while others quickly develop drinking problems.
A study found that the development of compulsive drinking behaviour can be due to pre-existing alcohol-induced changes in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). PFC is crucial in mediating compulsion and other pathological drug-seeking behaviours.
2. Cravings
Once a person experiences an overwhelming urge to drink, what follows is an irresistible desire for alcohol. The craving is unlike any other, like wanting a specific food. It is so intense that it can overshadow other priorities. Alcohol feels like a necessity for survival. This alcohol craving can manifest as insomnia, restlessness, and lack of appetite.
External cues and negative emotional states can trigger cravings in addiction. External cues can be people, places, sounds, and sights associated with drinking. On the other hand, examples of negative emotional states are stress, depression, and anxiety. Emotional triggers are the reason why emotional regulation is a critical part of addiction treatment.
You cannot combat cravings, but there are ways to manage them. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify cues and patterns that lead to their alcohol cravings and discover ways to effectively manage the overwhelming urge to consume the substance. You or your loved one may also take medications specially formulated to reduce cravings and normalize a person’s brain functions.
3. Consequences
Alcohol addiction comes with a wide array of consequences, including health deterioration, safety issues, legal problems, and strained relationships. Prolonged consumption of alcohol can lead to the development of minor and major health issues, such as liver damage and cancer. Individuals addicted to alcohol can also get injured from road accidents, falls, etc., while intoxicated.
Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of committing crimes, as the substance increases a person’s impulsivity and impairs judgment. Common alcohol-associated offenses include offensive behaviour, driving under the influence, and assault. Aside from that, drinking too much can affect personal and work relationships.
Even when alcohol is apparently affecting one’s life negatively, a person with an addiction will continue its use. You or the person you care about is likely aware of the negative impact of alcohol but does not recognize the issue and continues consuming the substance. In this case, understanding and compassion can help the person struggling with alcohol addiction. The only way to minimize or prevent the harm caused by alcohol is to cut back or stop drinking.
4. Control
Control in the 4 C’s of addiction reflects an individual’s diminishing ability to regulate or limit their alcohol intake. What might have started as occasional indulgence or controlled consumption spirals out of control. They may promise themselves or their loved ones that they will reduce or stop drinking but fail to do so.
This means even if a person acknowledges their drinking problem, they may not be able to overcome it with willpower alone. In this case, professional intervention is necessary. Connect with a trusted rehabilitation centre. Professionals in a rehabilitation facility can help you regain control over your life.
The 4 C’s model – compulsion, cravings, consequences, and control – is a simple approach to identifying people dealing with alcohol addiction. You’ll know someone has an addiction when they have a compulsive drinking behaviour, have alcohol cravings, continue drinking despite its negative consequences, and have lost control of their alcohol consumption and are unable to cut back or stop. Since most addicts behave in a similar way, the 4 C’s model applies to all types of addiction, including drugs, gambling, and video games.
Taking Steps Forward
If you or your loved one displays the 4 C’s of addiction, it’s time to get help. Addiction can be a relentless enemy. Defeat it before it does more damage with the help of the right support and proper treatment. If you’re looking for where to get it, come to HARP.
The facility offers a holistic rehabilitation program that addresses the 4 C’s. You’ll be able to determine the root cause of your addiction, triggers, and best ways to deal with triggers through group and one-on-one counselling. Experts in the facility will help you regain control of your life.
Not sure whether you’re addicted to alcohol? Give us a call on 1800 954 749 for more information from our addiction specialist.
