How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?

How long does it take to get addicted to alcohol? The timeframe differs for everyone, as addiction can develop over the course of months or years based on a complex interplay of risk factors. Genetics are a primary driver, accounting for 50-60% of an individual’s risk for dependence. Since the signs of alcohol use disorder can worsen over time, getting professional help is critical. At Four Seasons Detox, we provide safe medical detox and inpatient rehab to address both the physical dependence and the underlying causes of addiction. Call (805) 991-5111 for help

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?

Although alcohol is a legal substance, consuming alcohol is not without risks. Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common substance use disorders. If left untreated, the consequences of the illness are likely to continue to worsen and interfere with your life. With remission and recovery, these implications can be avoided.

So, how long does it take to get addicted to alcohol? How do you know if you have a problem?

Four Seasons Detox is here to help. Our California treatment centers work with all forms of substance abuse, including alcohol addiction. Our team is honored to guide you or your loved one through the recovery process. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?

How long does it take to get addicted to alcohol? It differs from person to person. Repeated, heavy drinking will lead to alcohol dependence. The longer you drink, the more problems alcohol is likely to cause. However, each person facing alcohol addiction will have a different timeframe and their own unique story. 

Some people cite their first drink as the day they developed a problem. For others, alcohol addiction develops over the course of months or years. It’s also important to understand that alcohol use disorder (AUD) ranges from mild to severe and can get worse over time if left unaddressed.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

How do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? What about someone else in your life? Looking out for the signs of alcohol use disorder can help:

1. Wanting to cut down or quit drinking but failing to do so
2. Having times when you drink more (or for longer) than intended 
3. Having times when you want to drink so badly that you cannot think about anything else 
4. Needing to use more alcohol than before to achieve the desired effects (or noticing that drinking the same amount does not get you as intoxicated as it used to)
5. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol’s effects start to wear off, or continuing to drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms 
6. Difficulty fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or in the home due to drinking or the after-effects of alcohol (e.g., a hangover) 
7. Spending a significant amount of time drinking, being ill from drinking, or overcoming other after-effects of drinking
8. Continuing to drink even if alcohol causes problems in your interpersonal (e.g., family, friend, or romantic) relationships
9. Getting into dangerous or risky situations during or after drinking (e.g., driving while intoxicated) more than once
10. Continuing to drink even if alcohol causes or worsens physical or mental health concerns
11. Giving up or cutting back on previously significant activities (e.g., hobbies) so that you can drink

If you’ve experienced any of the signs of alcohol use disorder within the past year in yourself or someone else, it could be a cause for concern. 

Treatment Programs at Four Seasons Detox

Getting help for alcohol addiction as soon as you can is critical. However, as long as you are here, it’s not too late. The treatment programs at Four Seasons Detox can help.

Luxury Detox in Ventura County 

Physical dependence on alcohol develops after repeated use. When you are physically dependent on alcohol, stopping or reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can cause withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, these can be dangerous without proper medical attention, such as in the case of alcohol withdrawal delirium.

We provide luxury detox in Ventura County. Clients in detox get around-the-clock support and supervision from our staff members. We will monitor your withdrawal symptoms and help you achieve physical stability. Medications, hydration support, and other treatments may be used at this time. 

Inpatient Drug Rehab in Ventura County​ 

Our inpatient drug rehab in Ventura County provides therapy for substance abuse in a supportive environment. While detox can help you through the alcohol withdrawal process, getting therapy in an addiction treatment program helps to address the underlying causes of addiction. Clients in this program work on relapse prevention, coping skills, and other important aspects of the healing process, like interpersonal communication. 

Everyone in inpatient drug and alcohol rehab at our center gets a personalized treatment plan to ensure that their unique needs are addressed. We use a wide array of evidence-based and complementary treatments for addiction. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many people with an addiction to alcohol have a co-occurring mental health disorder. For example, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders may present alongside alcohol abuse. When this is the case, dual diagnosis treatment is strongly recommended. We provide dual-diagnosis treatment at all care levels to promote the best possible treatment outcomes.  

Call Four Seasons Detox for Help Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

Located in Simi Valley, California, Four Seasons Detox is a drug and alcohol rehab center with effective programs and high-end amenities. When you get in touch with our team, we can help you secure a placement at one of our two serene facilities. Call Four Seasons Detox for help overcoming alcohol addiction today at (805) 991-5111.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)