Three Reasons Why People Can’t Get Unstuck When It Comes To Alcohol

Watching a loved one struggle with a substance use disorder involving alcohol is gut wrenching.

Even when they understand the pain they’re causing themselves and their loved ones, and even when they try really hard…

… sometimes they still stay stuck.

If you’ve ever watched this downward cycle, you’ve probably wondered, “Why can’t they get themselves unstuck? Why do they keep falling into this negative pattern? Why don’t they just stop drinking?”

It’s normal to feel frustrated and sometimes hopeless watching people who struggle with alcohol stay stuck.

Three Reasons Why People Can’t Get Unstuck From Alcohol

Each person is different, but here are three of the most common reasons why alcohol can become something that a person is unable to walk away from, even when they’re trying as hard as they can.

1. An Environment That Includes Drinking

No amount of willpower or counseling can help a person if they’re not willing to make changes to their environment. Having a core social circle that regularly abuses alcohol can make recovery nearly impossible. Being around others who reinforce negative behaviors can undermine recovery even if the person is serious about wanting help. Likewise living in a household or working in an environment with a lot of alcohol can keep a person permanently stuck.

In order to find lasting recovery, environmental changes need to be considered.

2. Mental Health Challenges

Sometimes there are other issues that increase the likelihood of struggling with alcohol. Coping with a mental health disorder like depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia can make a person want to turn to alcohol for comfort. If a person is working on dealing with an alcohol problem but has an underlying mental health disorder, their efforts may feel like they are doubly hard.

3. Family History of Alcohol Problems

People who have family members who struggle with alcohol or grew up in a home with a lot of alcohol tend to have an increased chance of developing problems with alcohol themselves. In order to move into recovery, sometimes core beliefs and patterns that were passed on from their families have to be unlearned.

Finding Lasting Freedom

If you or someone you love is battling an alcohol problem, you are not alone. At Arbor Place, we’ve spent decades walking the road to freedom together with our clients and their families. We’re ready to support you and we’re just a phone call away.