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Causes of Alcoholism
Research studies have confirmed that genetics play a pivotal role in a person’s vulnerability to alcohol addiction, according to the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The NIAAA July 2003 issue of Alcohol Alert reports that studies among identical twins, who share the same genes, are twice as likely as fraternal twins, who share on average 50 percent of their genes, to resemble each other in terms of presence of alcoholism. Other research initiatives have shown that 50 to 60 percent of the risk for alcoholism is genetically determined in both women and men. Yet, heredity alone does not determine whether a individual is destined to become alcohol dependent. Environmental and social factors are also causes of alcoholism and contribute significantly to a person’s propensity to abuse alcohol or become addicted. The attitudes and behaviors of parents and family members play a key role in the onset of problematic drinking habits. If alcohol consumption is a regular occurrence and condoned in a household, family members are more likely to partake – especially youth who are at an age where experimentation and "fitting in" are priorities. For teens, a lack of parental involvement, monitoring and communication may increase the propensity of underage drinking that can lead to life-long abuse or dependence. Peer pressure, behaviors of friends and other social factors also contribute to a teen’s decision to drink. Some psychiatric disorders also have shown to contribute to drinking issues. This can be further exacerbated by a traumatic life event that can lead someone who is already at risk to use alcohol as a way to relieve emotional pain and anxiety. For information on the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, click here. Source: National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Alcohol Alert, #60, July 2003, http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa60.htm. Related InformationAlcoholic BehaviorGenetics and Alcoholism Help and Support Organizations
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