Causes of Alcoholism Addiction

Alcoholism addiction is a severe problem and should not be taken lightly.  More than 13 million people in the United States alone are alcoholics.  The causes of alcoholism are diverse.  There are many factors that lead to alcohol dependence.  Most people have a mixture of several factors that lead them to become alcoholics.

Genetic factors

Sometimes alcoholism can be attributed to genetics.  If you have a close relative who had alcohol dependency problems the chances that you will have problem also are greatly increased.  Alcoholism runs in families.  Yet, some people who have alcoholic relatives do not become alcoholics.  While there is much to learn about the genetic factors involved in alcoholism if you have parents who were alcoholics you need to be careful about your own alcohol use.

Physiological

Poverty and physical/sexual abuse are two factors that can contribute to alcoholism addiction.  If you grow up in a poor urban area the chances are increased that you will have a dependency problem.  The same holds true for those who have suffered physical, mental or sexual abuse in the past.  Often these people learn to take away the pain and memories of the past hurt by turning to alcohol.

Psychological

Traits such as impulsiveness, low self-esteem and need for approval all can lead to alcohol dependence.  Alcohol can provide a new world for some people – a world where they are important and happy.  When the alcohol wears off they find they are no different so they need to drink more alcohol to again become happy.  The same is true for those with depression.  Depression and alcoholism go hand in hand.  Many people who suffer from depression self-medicate with alcohol.  This gives them a temporary good feeling.  However, the after-effects make them slump into an even greater depression.  The cycle continues so that the person must have alcohol to feel as though they can survive.

Social

Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can aid some users, particularly younger ones, in becoming alcoholics.  What starts as drinking with others may easily turn to alcoholism.  Teens may drink to impress their friends and to be one of the gang.  They may like the attention they get when they drink.  Many people like to brag about their drinking and their ability to hold their liquor.  This may make them drink even more.  Social drinking at college is another way that young people get involved in regular drinking.  Soon they find that they have become dependant on alcohol and have trouble stopping.