Alcoholism: Causes

What causes alcoholism?

Like many other addictive substances, alcohol can trigger a series of biochemical reactions and pleasant sensations to which some people quickly become accustomed. People who regularly abuse alcohol can eventually develop a need to experience these sensations in order to feel normal.

Once started, drinking can be extremely difficult to stop for some people, while other people can enjoy small to moderate amounts of alcohol without ever developing a problem. The exact underlying cause of this difference is not known. However, there is significant understanding about the risk factors that lead a person to abuse alcohol. For example, health care experts know that alcoholism is more common in men than women and that it runs in families.

What are the risk factors for alcoholism?

Research shows that both alcoholism and alcohol abuse tend to run in families and statistics show that men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol. However, environmental factors, such as your peer group and stress level are also involved, meaning that you are not predestined to alcohol abuse or alcoholism solely based on your family history. Risk factors for alcoholism include:

• Alcohol consumption at age 14 or younger

• Exposure to heavy drinking as a lifestyle, such as being around family and friends who drink heavily on a routine basis

• Family history of alcoholism

• Heavy drinking on a regular basis, such as having five or more drinks on one occasion more than once per week

• Male gender

• Psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia

• Psychological traits including impulsiveness and low self-esteem

• Young adulthood, particularly ages 18 to 29