Common Causes of Alcoholism
Alcohol dependence stems from different factors. Some of the common causes of alcoholism are biological factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, and social factors.
Here is a breakdown of how each factor mentioned above contributes to the development of alcohol abuse
Environmental Factors
A person’s environment is an enabler of alcohol abuse. In most societies, drinking alcohol in bars, parties, and events is acceptable behavior. Some of the environmental factors include:
Society
Society encourages alcoholism by encouraging dangerous drinking through mass media and television. Little to no punishment for those who engage in dangerous drinking and cause trouble while drunk indicates society perceives drinking as normal.
Availability
Research shows that a person’s susceptibility to alcoholism is influenced by their proximity to alcohol retail stores or bars. People residing near alcohol-selling establishments like bars and liquor businesses are likely to become alcoholics. The more licensed liquor establishments in an area, the more an individual is likely to drink. Studies also show that the lower the alcohol prices, the more people drink.
Advertising and marketing of alcohol
Alcohol is widely advertised with famous stars as endorsers. Alcohol manufacturers also bombard the public with alcohol advertisements daily. Many of the ads show alcohol as acceptable, relaxing, and fun hence motivating people to try it out. Therefore, it creates an environment that suggests that alcohol consumption is acceptable.
Biological Factors
Most scientific studies examining twins and children whose parents are alcoholics have revealed the latter highly influence children’s alcohol use. This shows that there is an excellent link between alcoholism and genetics.
Certain chemicals in the brain are linked to alcohol susceptibility. For instance, research shows that alcohol dependence may be associated with up to 51 genes in various chromosome regions. The genes are later passed on to family members and generations to come.
Social Factors
Social factors have a tremendous influence on instances of heavy drinking. Your religion, culture, family, and work influence your chances of drinking. Family significantly dictates a person’s likelihood of being an alcoholic.
Individuals’ upbringing during early development affects their future predisposition for heavy drinking. Children exposed to alcohol abuse from an early age are more likely to develop dangerous drinking patterns in the future.
Many full-time workers also use alcohol to wind down after a stressful workday. On the other hand, people who aren’t making enough money to make ends meet often resort to alcohol as their way of relief.
Psychological Factors
Life is inherently chaotic and unpredictable. We Will inevitably face some difficult moments once in a while. However, how you handle such stressful situations can impact certain behaviors and traits. For instance, people with high stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions are likely to become alcoholics.
According to them, alcohol is a pain reliever, helping them cope with lingering psychological disorder symptoms.
The more you turn to alcohol as a pain reliever, the more your body becomes addicted to the drug making you dependent.
Consider Professional Help
If you are seeking help for a drinking problem that has escalated to alcoholism, seeking professional help is your only chance of beating the addiction. Alcohol treatment facilities like America’s Rehab Campuses are in place to help you.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a complex condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. While there is no single cause of alcoholism, there are several common factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing this condition.
One of the most common causes of alcoholism is genetics. Research has shown that individuals who have a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop this condition themselves. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to alcoholism that predisposes some individuals to this condition.
Another common cause of alcoholism is stress. Many individuals turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress and other negative emotions. Over time, this can lead to a dependence on alcohol and the development of alcoholism.
Trauma and other adverse childhood experiences can also increase an individual’s risk of developing alcoholism. Individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events may turn to alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain and cope with the lingering effects of these experiences.
Social and environmental factors can also play a role in the development of alcoholism. For example, individuals who live in environments where heavy drinking is normalized may be more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol. Similarly, individuals who have easy access to alcohol may be more likely to develop alcoholism than those who do not.
Overall, while the causes of alcoholism are complex and multifaceted, it is clear that there are several common factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing this condition. By understanding these causes, individuals and their loved ones can take steps to reduce their risk of alcoholism and seek appropriate treatment if needed. With the right support and resources, individuals can overcome alcoholism and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
