7 Factors That Lead To Alcoholism

Substance abuse can prove detrimental to physical, mental, and emotional health across generations. Addiction to alcohol is one such progressive syndrome that can cause significant health risks in the long run. 

Alcoholism not only affects the individual consuming it, but impacts the entire society. Alcoholism statistics by NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence USA) suggest that more than 40% of all violent crimes in the US are attributable to alcohol.

This article further discusses alcoholism, its symptoms, and the factors that lead to developing alcohol use disorder in detail.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism can be defined as the irresistible compulsion to consume alcohol even after understanding the health issues and legal consequences related to it. 

It is a medical condition, a chronic disorder that renders an individual unable to control their alcohol intake and might result in withdrawal symptoms if done forcibly.

Alcoholism - Signs & Symptoms

Some of the signs to understand if you are already addicted to alcohol may include struggling to control the frequency of alcohol consumption, difficulty limiting the quantity, experiencing blackouts after drinking, weight gain, always being preoccupied with drinking, etc. 

It's important to note that uncontrolled alcohol consumption can cause serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart & liver disorders, weakened immune system, brain dysfunction, and even cancer.

However, there are behavioral therapies, dedicated detoxification programs, psychological treatments, and medications available to help you improve. A place like WhiteSands Orlando Recovery Center can offer you a chance to choose life over addiction while you still can.

7 Main Causes Of Alcoholism: 

Following are some of the most evident causes and risk factors that contribute to alcoholism or alcohol dependence.

1. Biological or Scientific Factors

Some people can develop alcoholism faster than others. That is because alcohol may seem more tempting to these people.

These effects of alcohol on the body may be explained owing to lower levels of dopamine and lower brain capacity for self-restraint, which in turn makes resisting alcohol cravings harder for them.

2. Social And Cultural Factors

It is alarming how and to what extent we as a society are normalizing alcohol consumption. Binge drinking among college students, associating sophistication with drinking, growing drinking party culture among youngsters, accessibility to alcohol, and influential public advertising and marketing are some of the many examples that explain the increasing alcohol abuse and the behind-the-scenes social and cultural context of alcoholism.

3. Environmental Factors

Social triggers, widespread community acceptance, parental alcoholism, stressful life events, and affinity to alcohol shops and centers can significantly affect a person’s perception of alcohol.

4. Conscious Choice Factor

Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can certainly prevent alcoholism unless someone is already addicted. 

Once you begin to ignore the threats that alcohol poses and start giving in to your compulsions, you trigger the development of alcohol use disorder which soon becomes unmanageable. 

5. Age Factor

As per age and alcohol tolerance studies, if you start drinking earlier than the age of 15, you are 4 times more likely to get afflicted with alcohol abuse later in your life.

Additionally, alcohol consumption in such early stages of life can impair your mental growth and learning capabilities. 

Similarly, as age advances, the body’s capacity to process alcohol also deteriorates and leads to a higher rate of health risks and organ failures.

6. Mental Health Factor

Mental health directly affects a person’s vulnerability to alcohol misuse. People may turn to alcohol when they fail to address their stress and depression, due to traumatic experiences in the past, low self-esteem, bipolar disorders, etc.

7. Family History or Genetic Factors

It has been found that you are 50% more susceptible to alcohol use disorder if your family has had a past history of alcohol misuse. It can also affect a person's alcohol tolerance.

The only way to avoid alcoholism in this case, is to completely steer clear from consuming alcohol or at the very least limit the intake quantity to as minimum as possible.

When alcoholic genes are at play along with other environmental factors, Alcoholism can easily spiral out of control even before you get a chance to resist. In these cases, alcohol abuse recovery can become more challenging.

Conclusions

Alcohol rehab can be life-changing for individuals, no matter the age or extent of damage already caused. 

Sincere efforts, counseling, and careful treatment can be life-saving more times than not. Remember, alcohol use disorder is a medical sickness that can be diagnosed and helped with. 

All it takes is the first step toward change!

Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

6 Tips To Help You On Your Road To Recovery From Alcohol Abuse

Options For Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Weekend Binge Drinking: 4 Signs You Might Be a "Weekend Alcoholic"