Why Alcohol Becomes Addictive — and Why Quitting Is So Difficult: The Science Explained

Alcohol consumption in India has risen sharply over the past two decades, bringing with it serious public health consequences. Between 2000 and 2018, per capita alcohol consumption in the country more than doubled—from 2.3 litres to 5.5 litres. Today, India is the world’s third-largest market for alcoholic beverages, valued at nearly $35 billion.

But behind these numbers lies a disturbing reality. According to government data, alcohol-related causes claimed 3.4 lakh lives in India in 2019 alone. This growing crisis raises a critical question: Why does alcohol become addictive, and why is it so hard to quit once dependence sets in?

Renowned physician and author Dr. Charles Knowles explores these questions in his book “Why We Drink Too Much: The Impact of Alcohol on Our Bodies and Culture.” Rather than offering quick-fix solutions, the book delves into the science, psychology, and social forces that drive alcohol addiction.

A Personal and Scientific Exploration

Dr. Knowles blends neuroscience, epidemiology, and personal experience to explain alcohol dependence. He candidly recounts how excessive drinking damaged his marriage, affected his ability to be a good father, and pushed him toward emotional numbness and even suicidal thoughts. These personal accounts add emotional depth to the scientific explanations, helping readers understand how addiction silently erodes both personal and social life.

How Alcohol Rewires the Brain

At the core of alcohol addiction is its effect on the brain. Alcohol stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine—the chemical associated with pleasure and motivation. Over time, the brain adapts, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect. This process, known as tolerance, gradually turns casual drinking into dependence.

Dr. Knowles explains that alcohol also dampens the brain’s stress and fear responses, which is why people often turn to it for relief from anxiety, grief, or social discomfort. However, repeated use trains the brain to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism, making abstinence mentally and physically challenging.

Why Some People Are More Vulnerable

The book highlights that alcohol addiction does not have a single cause. Instead, it emerges from a complex interaction of factors:

• Genetics: Certain genetic variants affect how the body metabolizes alcohol and how strongly the brain responds to it.
• Environment: Stress, trauma, and social surroundings play a major role.
• Cultural Expectations: Drinking is often normalized and even encouraged in celebrations, office events, and social gatherings.

This explains why some people enjoy alcohol occasionally without issue, while others quickly develop dependency.

The Role of Modern Culture and Advertising

Dr. Knowles also critiques modern culture for glamorizing alcohol consumption. From workplace parties to festive celebrations, drinking is often portrayed as essential to enjoyment. Advertising further reinforces this idea by associating alcohol with success, relaxation, and social acceptance.

He does not advocate for prohibition, nor does he promise instant cures. Instead, he urges readers to reflect honestly on their relationship with alcohol and recognize how deeply it is woven into daily life.

A Call for Awareness, Not Moral Judgment

Rather than preaching abstinence, Why We Drink Too Much encourages awareness and self-reflection. By understanding how alcohol affects the brain and body—and how society shapes drinking habits—individuals can make more informed choices.

The book’s central message is clear: alcohol is the world’s most socially accepted drug, but its impact is far from harmless. Ignoring its risks comes at a heavy cost, both for individuals and for society at large.