According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) [2], occasional alcohol consumption can lead to addiction. Addiction to alcohol is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects people who drink alcohol excessively. The risk of developing an addiction to alcohol is influenced by several factors, including genetics, environment, and personal behavior.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] reports that alcohol use is a common and dangerous behavior in the United States. It is estimated that 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes every year in the US. Additionally, alcohol use can lead to several health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders.
Alcohol addiction can occur when a person drinks alcohol regularly and becomes dependent on it. The Drug Patent Watch [1] explains that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause changes in the brain's chemistry, leading to addiction. The more a person drinks, the more they may need to achieve the same effects, which can lead to a cycle of dependence and addiction.
In conclusion, occasional alcohol consumption can lead to addiction, especially if a person drinks regularly and becomes dependent on it. Alcohol addiction is a serious health problem that can have severe consequences, including death. It is essential to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL
[2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/cycle-alcohol-addiction
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm