If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health, we can help. Request a call.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health, we can help. Request a call.
Alcoholism, known clinically as alcohol use disorder (AUD), does not have a single cause. It develops through a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of these raise a person’s risk long before their first drink, while others build over time.
Understanding these factors is not about assigning blame. Whether you are asking about your own drinking or a loved one’s, knowing what contributes to AUD can make it easier to see why it happens, why it is hard to stop, and why effective alcohol addiction treatment addresses more than drinking alone.
Researchers describe AUD as the result of interacting risk factors. A person’s genes may affect how their body processes alcohol and how rewarding drinking feels. Their environment determines how early and how often they are exposed to alcohol. Life experiences such as trauma or chronic stress can shape whether alcohol becomes a way of coping.
No one factor guarantees that someone will develop AUD, and no one is fully protected from it. The more risk factors a person has, and the longer they drink heavily, the greater the likelihood that drinking will become difficult to control.
Genetics play a major role. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genes account for about half of a person’s risk of developing AUD. Studies of twins and adopted children show that people with a biological parent who has AUD are at higher risk, even when they are raised in a different family.
There is no single “alcoholism gene.” Instead, many genes each contribute a small effect. Some influence how the body metabolizes alcohol. For example, certain variants of the genes that break down alcohol cause flushing, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat after drinking, which makes heavy drinking unpleasant and lowers the risk of AUD. Other genes affect how the brain’s reward and stress systems respond to alcohol, or are linked to traits such as impulsivity.
A family history raises risk but does not decide the outcome. Many people with a parent who has AUD never develop it, and many people with AUD have no family history. Genes interact with environment and experience, so psychological, social, and environmental factors matter as well. This genetic component is one reason clinicians recognize that alcoholism is a disease, not a matter of willpower.
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward system, which reinforces drinking. With repeated heavy use, the brain adapts. Its reward system becomes less responsive to everyday sources of pleasure, and its stress systems become more active when alcohol is absent.
Over time, many people drink less to feel good and more to avoid feeling bad. Anxiety, irritability, and poor sleep between drinks become part of the cycle, and drinking relieves them temporarily. These changes help explain why AUD can persist even when someone wants to stop.
People also differ in how their brains respond to alcohol from the start. Some people feel fewer effects from the same amount of alcohol, a low level of response that can lead them to drink more to feel the same effects. This trait runs in families and is associated with a higher risk of AUD.
Trauma is one of the most consistently documented risk factors for AUD. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, household violence, or growing up with a parent who misuses substances, are linked to a markedly higher risk of problem drinking later in life. Early trauma can shape how the body and brain respond to stress, and alcohol may become a way to manage painful memories or emotions.
Trauma in adulthood matters as well. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and AUD frequently occur together, and each can make the other worse.
Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are all more common among people with AUD. Some people drink to quiet symptoms, a pattern often called self-medication. Alcohol may bring short-term relief but tends to worsen mood, anxiety, and sleep over time, which can lead to more drinking. When both conditions are present, treatment works best when it addresses both together.
Traits such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and difficulty regulating emotions are associated with a higher risk of AUD. These traits have biological roots and are not moral failings. They can make it harder to stop once drinking starts or to tolerate distress without a quick source of relief.
Children learn about alcohol from the adults around them. Growing up in a home where heavy drinking is normal, where alcohol is easy to access, or where a parent’s drinking causes instability can increase risk, separate from any genetic influence.
Social circles and settings where heavy drinking is expected, such as some college environments, workplaces, or friend groups, can make heavy drinking seem normal and make cutting back feel isolating.
Chronic stress, high-pressure jobs, financial strain, grief, divorce, and other major life changes can all lead to heavier drinking. Alcohol’s wide availability and social acceptance make it an easy way to cope, which can turn occasional use into a pattern.
The age at which someone starts drinking is one of the strongest predictors of later problems. NIAAA reports that adults who began drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to report having AUD in the past year than those who waited until age 21 or later.
The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the areas responsible for judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Alcohol exposure during these years may affect that development and make it easier for drinking patterns to take hold.
Two people can drink in similar ways and have very different outcomes. One may cut back easily when drinking starts to cause problems, while the other finds it increasingly hard to stop. The difference often lies in how risk factors combine: a family history plus early drinking plus untreated anxiety is a very different situation from any one of those factors alone.
Protective factors also matter. Supportive relationships, stable housing and employment, access to mental health care, and healthy ways to manage stress can all reduce risk. Because the combination of factors is different for each person, the path into AUD and the path out of it look different for each person too.
AUD is a treatable medical condition, not a character flaw. Understanding what contributes to it helps explain why effective treatment targets more than the drinking itself:
Lion Heart Behavioral Health in Raynham, Massachusetts offers alcohol addiction treatment through day treatment (partial hospitalization), night treatment (intensive outpatient), and outpatient programs. Treatment plans are individualized and can include individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, medication when appropriate, and support for families.
Both. Genes account for about half of the risk of AUD, and environmental factors such as early exposure to alcohol, family environment, stress, and trauma account for much of the rest. The two interact, so the same genetic risk can lead to different outcomes in different circumstances.
Trauma does not cause AUD on its own, but it is a strong risk factor. People who experienced trauma, especially in childhood, are more likely to develop problems with alcohol, often because drinking becomes a way to cope with distress.
Differences in genetics, brain chemistry, mental health, life experiences, and environment all affect how a person responds to alcohol. The more risk factors someone has, the more likely drinking is to become hard to control.
Not necessarily. AUD is diagnosed based on symptoms such as loss of control, cravings, continued drinking despite problems, tolerance, and withdrawal, not on frequency alone. Daily drinking does raise the risk of developing AUD, and a clinical assessment can help clarify where you stand.
Stress alone rarely explains AUD, but chronic stress is a significant contributor. For people with other risk factors, using alcohol to cope with ongoing stress can lead to a pattern of heavier drinking over time.
Whatever led to your drinking, or a loved one’s, treatment can help. Lion Heart Behavioral Health provides addiction and mental health treatment at 770 Broadway in Raynham, Massachusetts, and our team can help you understand your options and find the program that fits your needs.
Call (774) 341-4502 to speak with our team or verify your insurance to learn more about your coverage for treatment.
Tom believes that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, respected, and genuinely understood. His therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and trauma-informed care, creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing.
As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Tom has experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns across multiple levels of care. He is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths while developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. Tom views therapy as a collaborative partnership, tailoring his approach to meet each person’s unique experiences, goals, and values.
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Care, Tom is committed to continually expanding his clinical knowledge and providing evidence-based, culturally responsive care. He has a particular passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting men’s mental health, and helping adolescents and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity development.
Known for his calm presence, genuine empathy, and approachable style, Tom strives to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. He believes that healing occurs when individuals feel accepted for who they are while being encouraged to discover who they can become.
Outside of the therapy room, Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, weightlifting, and staying active. He believes that maintaining balance, practicing self-care, and prioritizing overall wellness enhances his ability to support others as they pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Arielle is a compassionate mental health clinician who believes that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, heard, and genuinely understood. As a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), she is dedicated to creating a welcoming, collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and move toward lasting emotional wellness.
Arielle’s approach is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and trust. She believes the therapeutic relationship serves as the foundation for growth and strives to balance compassion with thoughtful accountability. By helping clients recognize patterns, deepen self-awareness, and develop practical coping strategies, she supports individuals in creating meaningful, sustainable change both inside and outside of the therapy room.
Working collaboratively with each client, Arielle tailors treatment to meet their unique needs, values, and goals. She has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and major life transitions, meeting clients where they are while encouraging growth at a pace that feels both supportive and achievable. Her person-centered approach emphasizes resilience, self-compassion, and empowering clients to develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Arielle earned her Master’s degree from Salem State University and completed her undergraduate education at The Pennsylvania State University. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, cultivate resilience, and create fulfilling lives built on hope, healing, and personal growth.
Jill is a dedicated behavioral health clinician who believes that healing begins when individuals feel truly seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. Since beginning her career in behavioral health in 2015, she has been honored to support children, adolescents, adults, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. Her diverse clinical experience has reinforced her belief that meaningful and lasting change begins with genuine connection, compassion, and a therapeutic relationship built on trust.
Throughout her career, Jill has served in a variety of clinical roles, including high school intervention specialist, family specialist and outreach worker, program clinician in a children’s emergency residence, and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) clinician before joining Lion Heart Behavioral Health in 2026. These experiences have provided her with a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face across the lifespan while strengthening her commitment to providing personalized, client-centered care.
Jill earned her Master of Science in Psychology with dual specializations in Educational and Counseling Psychology from Capella University and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Kaplan University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), integrating evidence-based interventions with warmth, authenticity, and genuine curiosity about each client’s unique experiences.
Known for her compassionate and approachable style, Jill creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, identifying strengths, and developing practical skills to navigate life’s obstacles. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek support and considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they build resilience, foster self-understanding, and work toward meaningful, lasting recovery.
Jill is passionate about helping every client leave therapy feeling empowered, supported, and hopeful. She believes that with the right support, meaningful change is always possible and is committed to helping individuals discover the confidence and resilience needed to create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.
Kevin brings a unique combination of professional expertise, lived experience, and genuine compassion to his work as a therapist. Since beginning his own recovery journey in 2016, he has remained committed to helping others discover that lasting recovery is not only possible, but transformative. His personal experiences have shaped his deep understanding of addiction, resilience, and the courage it takes to create meaningful change.
Over the past seven years, Kevin has dedicated his career to working with individuals navigating substance use disorders and recovery. He earned his Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) credential in 2024, further strengthening his clinical knowledge and commitment to evidence-based care. Clients appreciate Kevin’s authenticity, empathy, and ability to build trust through genuine connection. His approach is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity for growth, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.
Kevin’s work is driven by a passion for empowering others to rediscover hope, develop confidence, and build fulfilling lives in recovery. He recognizes that healing extends beyond sobriety and focuses on helping clients develop the tools, insight, and resilience needed for long-term success.
Outside of the therapy room, Kevin is a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He has also been deeply involved in music throughout his life, performing as a lead vocalist with local bands for more than 30 years. His love of music, combined with his personal and professional experiences, allows him to connect with people from all walks of life in an authentic and meaningful way.
Kevin believes that some of life’s greatest challenges can become the foundation for purpose, healing, and personal transformation. His warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to those he serves make him a trusted guide for individuals seeking lasting recovery and a renewed sense of hope.
Nicole brings nearly a decade of experience in substance use disorder treatment, having worked across multiple levels of care since 2015. With a background in psychology and extensive experience supporting individuals throughout their recovery journeys, she has developed a compassionate, person-centered approach that recognizes there is no single path to healing. Nicole believes that every individual’s lived experience is unique and deserving of respect, understanding, and individualized care.
Throughout her career, Nicole has been dedicated to helping clients move beyond symptom management by exploring the underlying patterns that contribute to substance use. She works collaboratively with individuals to strengthen emotional regulation, develop effective coping strategies, and build the insight and resilience necessary to support long-term recovery. Her therapeutic approach considers the whole person, recognizing the powerful connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences.
Known for her calm presence, genuine empathy, and ability to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships, Nicole creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and embrace lasting change. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, restore hope, and build lives that reflect their values and recovery goals.
Nicole believes recovery is about more than achieving sobriety—it is about creating a fulfilling, balanced life built on self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. She is committed to walking alongside each client as they navigate the challenges of recovery while helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to sustain meaningful, lifelong change.
Emily is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the path toward lasting recovery. She earned her Master of Social Work, with a Certificate in Trauma Practice, from Simmons University in 2024 and has continued to expand her clinical expertise through advanced training in co-occurring disorders and evidence-based treatment. Emily completed a Substance Use Disorders Certificate in Assessment and Treatment Strategies with Teens and Adults through Bridgewater State University and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling at Bristol Community College to further strengthen her clinical knowledge and specialized skills.
Emily’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating practical, evidence-based interventions with genuine compassion and collaboration. She works alongside clients to better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while helping them develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Emily believes that healing begins with feeling understood, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every individual feels empowered to grow at their own pace.
Known for her warmth, authenticity, and positive energy, Emily quickly builds strong therapeutic relationships founded on trust, respect, and encouragement. She is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome life’s challenges, and move toward lives that are aligned with their values and goals.
Outside of the therapy room, Emily is an accomplished lacrosse coach at both the club and collegiate levels. Having played competitively throughout high school and college, she enjoys mentoring athletes and helping them develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the field. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading and creating diamond art, finding creativity and balance through these hobbies.
Emily believes that growth is possible for everyone and is honored to walk alongside clients as they build resilience, discover hope, and create lasting change.
Amanda Campbell, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to adults experiencing a wide range of mental health and co-occurring conditions.
Amanda provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing treatment planning as part of a multidisciplinary team. She believes in partnering with patients through shared decision-making, recognizing that each individual’s experiences, goals, and recovery journey are unique.
Amanda is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where patients feel heard and respected. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment, patient education, and practical strategies that empower individuals to build resilience, improve daily functioning, and achieve lasting mental wellness.
Nicole Hunter serves as Program Director with a leadership style rooted in authenticity, compassion, and lived experience. She has been in recovery from substance use for several years, and while recovery is the foundation of the life she has built, it is far more than something in her past—it continues to shape who she is, how she leads, and why she is so deeply passionate about helping others find their own path forward.
Nicole remembers what it felt like to walk into treatment, unsure of what life could look like on the other side. She also understands that recovery isn’t something we simply “graduate” from. Even years later, there are seasons when we need to reconnect with the tools, principles, and support that keep us grounded. Having experienced her own mental health challenges alongside recovery, she understands that healing is rarely one-dimensional. This perspective allows her to genuinely relate to individuals navigating both substance use and mental health, meeting them with empathy instead of judgment and hope instead of shame.
For Nicole, this work has never been just a career—it is deeply personal. Her passion comes from walking alongside people who are making one of the hardest and bravest decisions of their lives: choosing to rebuild. She believes there is something incredibly powerful about witnessing someone begin to believe in themselves again, often before they are able to see their own potential. Being trusted to share in that journey is something she never takes for granted.
Nicole believes every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued—not for who they might become someday, but for who they are the moment they walk through the door. No two clients are the same, and she is committed to ensuring treatment reflects the unique strengths, challenges, goals, and experiences of each individual. She believes healing happens through individualized care, genuine connection, and creating an environment where people feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to grow.
Nicole’s clinical philosophy combines evidence-based practices with the belief that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most powerful tools for change. Throughout her years working in behavioral health across a variety of clinical and leadership roles, she has developed a flexible, person-centered approach that meets individuals where they are while empowering them to discover where they are capable of going. She celebrates every step forward, knowing that meaningful progress is often made through small, consistent victories rather than dramatic breakthroughs.
Whether she is supporting clients or leading the multidisciplinary team at the program, Nicole lives by the principle of unconditional positive regard. She believes people grow when they feel respected, challenged, supported, and genuinely believed in. She strives to create a culture where clients and staff alike feel empowered to learn, take healthy risks, and recognize their own strengths.
Above all, Nicole believes that recovery is possible, healing is possible, and that every person deserves individualized care, unwavering respect, and the opportunity to build a life they are proud of. Her goal is simple: to help create a space where people feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to grow, and empowered enough to realize that lasting change is within reach.
Bill Abbate brings more than 16 years of experience in the substance use disorder field, along with over 17 years of sustained recovery, providing him with a unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience. Throughout his career, Bill has remained deeply committed to helping individuals and families discover hope, healing, and lasting recovery through compassionate, person-centered care.
Beginning his career as a Recovery Aide, Bill gained invaluable hands-on experience across the continuum of addiction treatment, developing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face at every stage of recovery. His dedication, leadership, and passion for serving others have guided his progression into his current role as Director of Patient & Family Services.
At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, Bill leads the Patient and Family Services Department, overseeing the Family Support and Recovery Coaching Program. He is responsible for developing and coordinating recovery coaching services, supporting and training family coaches, and ensuring patients and their loved ones receive consistent, evidence-informed care throughout the recovery process. Bill believes that lasting recovery extends beyond the individual and that empowering families is an essential component of long-term healing.
Bill holds credentials as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), and National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS). His leadership style blends clinical best practices with the power of lived experience, allowing him to build authentic relationships while fostering resilience, accountability, and hope among both patients and staff.
Known for his warmth, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the recovery community, Bill is passionate about helping individuals recognize that recovery is not only possible—it can become a foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
Outside of his professional role, Bill remains actively involved in recovery communities and enjoys attending recovery-focused events across the country. When he’s not supporting others, he enjoys traveling, motorcycling, surfing, and snowboarding. He is also a proud father who values family, connection, and living a life rooted in gratitude and service.
From the beginning of her career, Liz Forgue-McRae has believed that the best leaders are coaches first.
Her passion for helping others began long before entering the counseling profession as a competitive swim coach and manager at the YMCA, where she coached and mentored nearly 200 swimmers. Known for her unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm, Liz spent years helping young athletes push beyond perceived limitations, celebrate accomplishments, and develop confidence both in and out of the water. That same philosophy continues to shape her leadership and clinical approach today.
Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth before completing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Bridgewater State University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MAMHCA).
With more than a decade of experience across the behavioral healthcare continuum, Liz has provided leadership and clinical services within inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and community-based treatment settings. Her professional experience includes program development, clinical supervision, staff training, compliance and quality improvement, and multidisciplinary leadership.
Liz has extensive experience working with first responders, active-duty service members, veterans, healthcare professionals, and individuals navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She is passionate about creating environments where individuals feel supported, empowered, and equipped to achieve lasting recovery and personal growth.
As Clinical Director, Liz is dedicated to fostering a culture of clinical excellence through compassionate leadership, evidence-based treatment, and meaningful collaboration. She believes exceptional care begins with exceptional teams and is committed to mentoring clinicians while ensuring every client receives high-quality, individualized treatment.
Whether leading a clinical team, developing innovative programming, or supporting individuals through life’s most difficult challenges, Liz remains guided by the same principle that first inspired her career: helping people recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.
