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Alcohol is consumed by people all over the world. For many, it is a way to relax and socialize. But in some cases, an addiction will form leading drinkers on a downward spiral. 

To prevent addiction from occurring, it’s important for people to have control over their drinking behavior. They should not drink too much or too often. But how much is too much?

This article will answer the question, how long does it take to get addicted to alcohol, so you have a better idea of your limitations. 

What Is Alcohol? 

When we think of alcohol, we could be referring to the solution that’s used as an antibacterial or we could be referring to the intoxicating ingredient found in adult beverages. In this instance, we are talking about the alcohol in drinks which is known as ethanol. Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits, and other sugar sources. 

Alcohol is classified as a depressant drug. When it enters the body, it slows down vital functions. It causes slurred speech, slowed reactions, and unsteady motor skills. It affects a person’s ability to think rationally. 

Why Is Alcohol Addictive? 

Alcohol activates the release of endorphins in the brain. This causes feelings of pleasure in the rewards section of the brain. It is natural for people to want to keep experiencing this rewarding feeling which makes them want to drink. 

Recent studies show that heavy drinkers’ brains will release even more opioids when they drink so they get more pleasure out of consuming alcohol. They will also experience higher levels of intoxication and are more prone to engage in hazardous drinking. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Alcohol? 

The amount of time it takes to get addicted to alcohol varies from person to person. It will depend on how much you drink and what your tolerance is like. 

However, the NIAAA defines moderate drinking as up to one drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. They recommend that men drink no more than 4 drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks a week. They recommend that women stick to three drinks or less per day and seven drinks or less per week. 

The reason there are different limits for men and women is that each gender has different biological factors that contribute to the occurrence of alcohol-related problems. As such, alcoholism can develop in women with lower levels of consumption.

People who stay within the recommended drinking allowance are at extremely low risk of developing alcoholism. Those that go over the limits are more likely to become alcoholics and, the more they drink the quicker an addiction will form. 

Getting Help for Alcoholism

Alcoholism can take hold quickly in those that drink often, but fortunately, there are rehab clinics that can treat addiction helping alcoholics move on to a higher quality of life. Altitude Recovery Community is a recommended source for rehabilitation. 

Altitude Recovery Community focuses on creating a tight-knit community that provides addicts with the support they need. We offer personalized treatments ensuring each patient gets the customized care they need. We are licensed and accredited with a staff that boasts over 25 years of combined experience treating addiction disorders. 

We provide a variety of services including inpatient treatment, detoxification, and aftercare planning. 

Alcohol is used recreationally by many people, but if you drink too much an addiction will start to form. If you find that alcohol is taking over do not hesitate to reach out for help. Altitude Recovery Community will be there for you every step of the way to keep addiction from ruling your life.