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The Primary Causes of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a serious problem for individuals and society at large. A recent study by the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism showed that a third of Americans say that they have had a problem with alcohol at some point in their lives. Alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems and have a significantly negative impact on an individual's personal and professional life. In addressing this serious problem, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to alcohol addiction.

  1. Genetic Predisposition

    • Most studies indicate that a person has a higher than average risk of abusing alcohol if he or she has a family history of alcoholism, though having a parent or close family member who has suffered from the disease does not necessarily mean that one will develop the condition.

    Social Life and Environment

    • A person's social environment can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction. Someone whose social interactions center on nightlife and bars, who spends a significant amount of time around heavy drinkers, or whose friends abuse alcohol has an increased probability of developing alcoholism.

    General Stress Level

    • Experiencing a high level of stress increases the likelihood of abusing alcohol. Some people perceive drinking as a method of relaxation, and people who rely on alcohol for stress relief are more likely to become dependent on alcohol during stressful periods.

    Age at Which Drinking Habit Begins

    • Many studies indicate that the younger a person is when he begins to use alcohol regularly, the higher his risk of becoming dependent on and abusing alcohol.

    Gender

    • The general scientific consensus is that men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol and develop an alcohol addiction. According to the WebMD Alcohol Abuse Health Center, men are three times more likely than women to develop problems with alcohol addiction.

    Mental Health Problems

    • A person with diagnosed mental health problems such as schizophrenia, anxiety or depression may have an increased likelihood of abusing and becoming dependent on alcohol.

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