Various genetic, psychological, environmental, and social variables all contribute to the development of alcoholism in some form. The greater the number of risk indicators that a person shows, the greater the likelihood that they may develop into an alcoholic. And, in certain cases, such risk factors are completely beyond the individual's control. Consider a few of them in further detail below:
Environmental, biological, and psychological risk factors may all play a role. The existence of any of these variables does not necessarily predispose a person to developing an alcohol use problem; nonetheless, it is vital to be aware of the conditions and causes that might contribute to alcoholism in certain individuals.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is similar to other addictions in that it appeals to the pleasure centres of the brain. When you use alcoholic beverages on a frequent basis, your brain tends to link the beverages with feelings of exhilaration, relaxation, and a lack of inhibition. As a consequence, cravings and, in some circumstances, reliance are experienced.
Ancestors and forefathers
The influence of family history on the development of alcoholism is significant. If you have a parent or family who has struggled with alcohol use disorder, you are more likely to develop an addiction. Although there is no one gene that is responsible for the development of alcoholism, many experts think that numerous genes are responsible for around half of the risk of acquiring the disease. In addition, those who have these genes are more prone to abuse alcohol if they are also dealing with social and psychological circumstances that are associated to addiction.
A family history of alcoholism may be attributed to both biological and genetic factors, but it can also be attributed to environmental factors. It is not necessary for alcoholism to run in your family for you to develop an addiction to alcohol. Simply being in the company of family members who consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis might induce you to begin doing so as well. They have the ability to glamorize excessive drinking and make it seem acceptable, allowing you to feel better about engaging in it as well.
Having a drink from a young age
The sooner you begin drinking, the greater the likelihood that you may develop an addiction to alcohol, particularly if you are under the age of 15 years. When you begin drinking at an early age, it is possible that you may develop used to it.
In particular, this is true for young people who binge drink throughout their high school and college years. The usual period of alcohol use starts in the late adolescent years, peaks in the early twenties, and then begins to decline in the early thirties. Drinking excessively at a young age may result in long-term consequences that can last well into your 40s and 50s.
While it is possible to begin consuming alcohol at any age, beginning to drink at a young age increases your risk of developing alcoholism later in life.
Early alcohol prevention should be encouraged by parents to avoid alcoholism from developing in their children at an early age. Families must begin educating their children about the consequences of excessive drinking at an early age in order to prevent them from establishing unhealthy habits in the future.
Environments that are stressful
People who are stressed at work or at home are more likely to drink. People who work long hours and in high-demand professions such as physicians, nurses, attorneys, and construction workers are more prone to develop alcoholism because they use alcohol to cope with the stress that comes with their jobs. According to research, anxious males are 1.5 times more prone than women to engage in binge drinking. Stress may be an emotional trigger for those who are recovering from alcoholism, and they may find themselves relapsing.
One of the factors that contributes to alcoholism is the desire to drink away tension. Finding a more healthy strategy to manage your stress is critical to avoiding dependency on prescription medications.
Peer Pressure is a term used to describe the pressure that others exert on one another.
Kids in high school and college have a strong need to be "cool," to be accepted, and to feel like they are part of the action. Heavy drinking has traditionally been regarded a socially acceptable habit among teenagers and young people between the ages of 18 and 34, and continuing to drink over this age is a contributing factor to the development of alcohol dependence.
Peer pressure does not just occur at a young age; it may occur at any age. Drinking has been a socially accepted behaviour around the globe for many years, and adults may feel under pressure to participate in this tradition. Drinking is also portrayed positively in the media among individuals of all ages.
Trauma
Abuse throughout childhood, as well as domestic or sexual abuse, is likely to leave a lasting psychological scar, and these are high-risk factors for alcohol use disorder. It's possible that if you don't adequately address your prior abuse in treatment, you'll resort to excessive drinking to make yourself feel better about your position briefly. This is a potentially harmful behaviour since it may spiral into a vicious cycle.
Consult with a therapist if you need help dealing with trauma and moving beyond it. This individual will discuss how these experiences have impacted you in the long run, and you will learn how to deal with trauma without resorting to alcohol.
Due to a lack of parental supervision
The likelihood of developing alcoholism increases significantly when one's upbringing was disrupted by the absence of one's parents or when one's family has a weak foundation. Children who have abandonment difficulties may resort to alcohol for solace, which might exacerbate their emotional problems.
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