Many people use alcohol.
Every person who develops a problem with alcohol has a unique set of reasons why it happens, often making it difficult to pinpoint a specific event or cause. Retirement, loss of relationships, poor health, and physiological changes are just a few of the stressors that can lead to an alcohol problem. As we lose lean body mass, the amount of fat increases and the amount of body water decreases, which means alcohol is metabolized at a slower rate and stays in the body longer. People who used alcohol in moderation all their life may develop alcohol problems in later life, even if their drinking hasn't increased. Recognizing an alcohol problem is the first step in treating it.