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The Psychology of Alcoholism

There are a combination of factors that typically cause alcoholism. They include having a genetic predisposition, emotional or psychological problems, alcoholism in the family and repeated exposure to people who drink.

  1. Biological

    • While the genetic link is still not a proven fact, it is gaining support. "The British Journal of Psychiatry" cites several biological causes for the disorder, though it acknowledges that genetics alone are not the sole cause. Researchers hope that further studies will isolate a specific genetic cause. Some theorize that there are specific genes for addictive behaviors and others for a particular drug (see References 1).

    Emotional

    • Emotional considerations, such as stress and anxiety, sometimes lead to alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism published an alert in 1996 suggesting that people tend to drink during times of stress. To eliminate the naturally occurring stress hormone, people consume alcohol, and persistent stress leads to chronic alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

    Family Influence

    • The influence of an alcoholic family member may not be genetically related but rather environmental. A child who grows up in an environment in which drinking is used as an outlet for coping with life may grow up and repeat what he has learned. Children who grow up in homes in which an alcoholic is present also have a greater chance of suffering from low self-esteem, according to the "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing." Low self-esteem and emotional problems brought on by family influences are also risk factors for alcoholism.

    Psychological

    • People who have a psychological disorder have a far greater chance of turning to alcohol for relief of their symptoms, according to a study published in 1989 by the American Psychiatric Association. The study noted that mentally ill people with a substance abuse problem have more problems that those who do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Mentally ill people abuse alcohol and other drugs despite the fact that psychological problems worsen with the addition of the substance.

    Social

    • Social situations provide many opportunities for alcohol abuse. People who have social anxiety turn to alcohol to eliminate uncomfortable feelings. Peer pressure in social situations is another potential cause, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

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