Alcoholism is a disease with no clear definition and is often seen as an excuse for bad behavior. Alcoholism is a syndrome with many potential triggers, including developmental delays, genetics, family history, and social pressures to drink. In this article, we will covers the most common factors that can make someone more prone to alcoholism.
Factors That Can Make Someone Prone to Alcoholism
Genetics: In most cases, alcoholism is inherited. It’s estimated that the risk of alcoholism is four times higher among the family members of a person with an alcohol problem. However, no reliable genetic markers can predict who will develop an alcohol problem. About 50 percent of alcoholism risk is due to genetic factors. The other half is determined by the environment, or learned through one’s individual experiences. Some studies suggest that certain genes make a person more susceptible to alcohol addiction, but it’s important to remember that no one gene causes alcoholism. Just as there are many genes involved in the development and progression of diabetes, cancer, and other diseases, so too are there many different genes that can lead to alcoholism.
Socioeconomic factors: The likelihood of developing alcoholism is related to socioeconomic status. We know that people in lower socioeconomic brackets, who are more likely to experience unemployment and have unstable housing, have a higher rate of alcoholism. However, there’s still much research to be done on the causes of alcoholism. Some researchers believe that genetic factors may predispose people in certain socioeconomic classes to alcoholism, while others suggest environmental factors drive it.
Mental disorders: A mental disorder can increase the chances of alcoholism. For example, someone who experiences depression is more likely to abuse alcohol. Certain mental disorders can lead to a person engaging in harmful drinking behaviors, and a lack of treatment for the disease may make a recovery more difficult. It’s important to seek help if you experience severe anxiety or depression.
Family history: If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you’re more likely to develop one as well. Alcoholism tends to be more common among family members of a person with alcoholism than on average. Unfortunately, there’s a lack of research available on whether genetics cause alcoholism. Some scientists believe that genetics are involved in the development of alcoholism, but others do not support this theory. However, certain studies have shown that people with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop it themselves. Although every family member may not be as susceptible to addiction, there may be other factors that can help predict whether someone else in your family will develop alcoholism.
Social learning: Children learn by watching the behaviors of their parents. If a parent drinks excessively and acts unruly while intoxicated, that behavior is often repeated by the children. Children who grow up in homes where their parents drink heavily are often very accepting of heavy or irresponsible drinking. These children may even begin to view this behavior as normal and acceptable. To help with this, it’s important to try to set a good example. If you are determined to drink responsibly, you should look for ways to do so. If you drink excessively, it’s important to keep this in check and not let drinking get out of control.
Peer groups: Social learning theory suggests that it’s not just parents who have an impact on children; it’s also peers. If a child spends time with friends who drink heavily or abuse alcohol, they may also begin to engage in this behavior. For example, if a teenager frequently takes part in social gatherings where alcohol is available and often used, they may be more likely to begin using alcohol themselves.
Gender differences: Men tend to drink more than women, but this could be a result of other factors. Men are more likely to smoke and drink heavily, but the difference in drinking behavior between men and women may also be due to the fact that men typically have more opportunities for drinking, such as at the workplace or at a bar. There are many social norms that promote alcohol abuse among men.
In conclusion, many factors contribute to alcoholism, but it’s impossible to predict who will develop an alcohol problem. The truth is, if you have a family history of alcoholism or mental illnesses, and you grow up in a home where your parents drink heavily and act unruly while intoxicated, you’re more likely to develop an alcohol problem. If you need help to get sober, feel free to contact us at 833-820-2922.