Which Form of Alcohol Is the Most Addictive?

Many people struggle with substance use disorder involving alcohol. Although alcohol is legal, it’s also one of the most addictive substances in the world. It’s why alcoholism is so rampant, especially in the United States. Individuals who abuse alcohol instead of consuming it in moderation in a responsible way can quickly find themselves dependent on it. Developing a dependence brings you one step closer to addiction. Many alcoholics started out by drinking beer and then worked their way up to forms of “hard” liquor. As a result, it’s not uncommon to wonder which form of alcohol is considered the most addictive.

What Is the Most Addictive Form of Alcohol?

Depending on who you ask, some would say that bourbon whiskey is the most addictive form of alcohol or that alcohol as a whole is the most addictive. In the case of whiskey, it contains a higher concentration of alcohol in each serving. Many people find it alluring due to its unique taste and smell. It also has a special aging process that can add to its appeal. All of those factors can contribute to it being the most addictive type of alcohol. For some people, it’s possible to develop an addiction to bourbon whiskey after only one drink. As a result, if you have a lower tolerance or a higher risk of alcoholism due to genetics or environmental factors, you might want to steer clear of bourbon whiskey.

What Makes Alcohol So Addictive?

There are different factors that, combined, make alcohol so addictive. Some of them are physical while others are psychological. When a person consumes alcohol, it stimulates the dopamine and endorphins in the brain, releasing feelings of pleasure and happiness. However, alcohol can affect different people in different ways.

This is why certain people are more prone to developing an alcohol addiction while others can drink in moderation and not develop a dependency or addiction. Physical changes can occur in the brain’s chemistry. The pleasure centers of the brain can become overwhelmed, which is why people begin craving more and more alcohol. Some people might have every intention to stop drinking once they realize the serious effect alcohol has on them, but it could become a fruitless endeavor as dependence takes over.

Alcohol also has certain psychological effects on a person. They might believe they don’t have a problem, so they don’t need rehab treatment. Some people also see drinking alcohol as a good means of stress relief. Even if this does help one escape their troubles momentarily, it’s not a healthy way to cope. Instead, it can lead the person into full-blown alcohol addiction. Individuals with mental health issues are also more likely to turn to alcohol as a way to blunt the side effects of their conditions. Instead, it only exacerbates them. Withdrawal is another factor that makes alcohol so addictive.

Once a person has consumed enough of it that they have surpassed the dependence stage and have become addicted, if they don’t get alcohol, they experience a variety of side effects. They can include tremors, seizures, anxiety, nausea, depression and insomnia.

Rehab Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

The brain’s chemistry is changed in a person who suffers from alcohol addiction. Once they have realized that they have a serious substance use disorder, they might decide to finally get the help they need. Rehab treatment for alcoholism starts with the detox process to remove all traces of alcohol from the body.

Depending on the severity of the addiction and how long the person has been abusing alcohol, medication management might be used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Alcohol is highly addictive, which means that withdrawal can be unpleasant and even painful in some cases. Either inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment is appropriate after detox.

Again, which facility the person chooses depends on their personal addiction and situation. Inpatient allows you to stay at the center 24/7 and have access to qualified staff personnel when you need it. Outpatient centers are better for milder addiction and allow you to go home each night after completing your treatment for several hours during the day.

Therapy is also highly recommended for alcohol addiction treatment. It can help provide insight while sharing stories with others in the same situation. Ready to get started? Call us today at 855-334-6120 and we’ll find the best facility for your treatment.