How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?

How long does it take to get addicted to alcohol, and why isn’t everyone affected in the same way?

Learn more about Design Recovery’s alcohol rehab programs or call us now at 833-818-4300.

Why Are So Many People Addicted to Alcohol?

Alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for alcoholism, is one of the most common types of addiction in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that 27.1 million adults ages 18 and above were addicted to alcohol in 2024. That number includes:

• 16.4 million adult men (12.9% of that demographic group) 
• 10.7 million adult women (8% of that group)

What is it about alcohol that causes so many people to become addicted?

One part of the problem is that alcohol is socially acceptable in ways that most other recreational drugs are not.

For example, it is incorporated into many ritual events, such as weddings, holiday parties, victory celebrations, and wakes. Also, it has traditionally been viewed among the general public as a “safer” choice than marijuana, opioids, psychedelics, and other mind-altering substances.

This means that people are more likely to be exposed to alcohol, and encouraged to consume it, than they are other drugs. And when a person puts alcohol into their system, it can trigger reactions that cause the body to crave it.

According to the NIAAA, alcohol is a “dually reinforcing” substance, because it:

• Activates the brain’s reward processing system, which is linked with positive feelings such as pleasure
• Reduces activity in brain areas that are associated with stress, anxiety, and other types of emotional pain

For some people, these types of effects cause them to develop a controllable affinity for alcohol. They enjoy using the drug, but they don’t develop overwhelming urges to do so. 

For others, alcohol use morphs from a choice to a compulsion. Instead of wanting to drink in order to experience the drug’s pleasurable effects, they feel forced to drink in order to stave off physical and psychological distress. 

As we will discuss in the next section, the timeframe for this change can vary according to several personal and environmental factors. 

How Long Does It take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?

There is no standard, universally accurate answer to the question of how long does it take to get addicted to alcohol?

In some cases, addiction occurs relatively quickly after a person’s first drink, while in other cases it can take months or years, or never happen at all.

Whether a person ever becomes addicted to alcohol – and, if they do, how long it takes to develop the condition – can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as:

• Age (alcohol addiction is most common among those in the 20-29 age range)
• Gender (adult men are more likely to develop alcoholism than adult women)
• If they frequently engage in binge drinking
• Prior struggles with other types of addiction
• Family history of alcohol abuse and addiction
• Personal or family history of mental illness
• Personal history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Certain genetic variations
• Personality traits such as novelty-seeking and impulsivity 
• Early exposure to alcohol
• Associating with peers who use alcohol and other substances
• Living and/or working in a high-stress environment
• Insufficient stress management capabilities

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is characterized by the inability to control how often or how much a person drinks. Evidence that someone has this disorder may include meeting certain diagnostic criteria and exhibiting a host of behavioral warning signs.

Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnostic criteria

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists 11 criteria for alcohol use disorder. To be accurately diagnosed with this condition, a person must meet at least two of the following:

• Frequently drinking more, or for a longer period of time, than intended
• Having powerful urges for alcohol
• Spending a great deal of time acquiring alcohol, drinking, and recovering from the drug’s effects
• Persistent desire to quit drinking, which may include multiple failed attempts
• Failure to meet responsibilities at home, in school, or at work due to alcohol use
• Continuing to drink even after incurring physical or psychological damage that was caused or worsened by alcohol use
• Continuing to drink even after having social or interpersonal problems that were caused or worsened by alcohol use
• Often using alcohol in ways that pose a clear physical hazard, such as drinking and driving or combining alcohol with other drugs
• Reducing or ending participation in important activities due to alcohol use
• Becoming tolerant, which means the person needs to drink more in order to experience alcohol’s effects
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or when prevented from drinking for a certain period

Someone who meets two or three of these criteria may be diagnosed with mild alcohol use disorder.

Meeting four or five criteria qualifies as moderate alcohol use disorder, while experiencing six or more is considered severe alcohol use disorder.

Warning signs

Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction go to great lengths to hide evidence of their behaviors. If you suspect that someone in your life has developed this condition, keep an eye out for warning signs such as:

• Dramatic shifts in mood, energy level, and attitude
• Sudden downturn in performance in school or at work
• Drinking at questionable times, such as in the morning or during the workday
• Claiming they function better after having a drink or two to “loosen up”
• Keeping alcohol in their car, office, or other unusual locations
• Facial bloating and/or unintentional weight gain
• Lying or otherwise being deceptive about their whereabouts and activities
• Pulling away from family and friends
• Seeming to neglect their appearance and hygiene

You can’t diagnose a friend or family member with alcohol addiction. Only a qualified professional can do that. But you can play an important role in getting your loved one the help they need. 

If someone that you care about has been exhibiting symptoms like the ones listed above, convincing them to schedule an assessment can be a life-changing (and potentially life-saving) accomplishment.

Find Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in Jacksonville

Design Recovery is a trusted source of personalized outpatient care for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs. We also offer dual diagnosis programming for clients whose struggles with substance use are accompanied by co-occurring mental health concerns.

Treatment options at our addiction treatment in Jacksonville, FL, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). At both levels, you can expect to receive customized services and comprehensive support from a team of dedicated professionals who are truly invested in your success.

To learn more about how Design Recovery can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.