Alcoholism can be caused by many factors. Some alcoholics may be influenced by only one cause. Others may develop drinking problems because of more than one underlying factor. The more the problem drinker continues to drink, the higher the risk of drinking as a way to avoid uncomfortable or unpleasant feelings.
Genetics
Heredity may play a role in alcoholism for many alcoholics. Psych Central points out that people who have a high tolerance for liquor may be more at risk for alcoholism. It may show that they are more likely to become vulnerable to alcohol dependence. Family history or alcoholism, however, does not mean that children of alcoholics will automatically be subject to alcoholism. Genetic factors in some cases do not explain all cases of alcoholism and certainly not the many cases where there is no genetic link found, the New York Times reports.
Brain Chemicals
Alcohol can affect nerve cells and brain chemicals after long-term use of alcohol. The brain may be programmed by the drinking of alcohol to reveal a need for more alcohol use. Brain chemicals may also be stimulated to produce the feelings of euphoria often associated with alcohol and other drugs. After years of abuse, the pleasurable feelings may not be as strong as they once were, but the alcoholic has become conditioned to drinking on a regular basis, according to the New York Times.
Emotional Problems
People undergoing high levels of stress or anxiety may lead to alcoholic problems, the Mayo Clinic points out. Emotional problems can cause some people to start drinking more to blot out their difficulties. Alcohol can have the power to temporarily block out the pain. But an alcoholic might continue to seek this numbing effect as chemicals in the brain tempt the alcoholic to return to the pleasant feelings once experienced. Stress hormones may be involved in alcoholism. Alcoholics can continue drinking to excess as a form of self-medication.
Psychological Links
People with low self-esteem or depression may be more prone to excessive drinking that leads to alcohol dependence, the Mayo Clinic says. People may have friends or relatives who drink on occasion but do not drink to excess. When they drink with these friends or loved ones, they may start abusing alcohol because of their psychological factors, even though the others around them are able to control their drinking.
Cultural Pressure
Drinking is often portrayed as a romantic or adventurous activity by the media through advertising and tv shows. Even when drinking is shown in moderation, the person who is predisposed to alcoholism may think it is fine to drink excessively. Peer pressure may play a role in alcoholism in places where heavy drinking is considered a normal practice. People who grow up in poverty or undergo physical abuse may have an increased risk of becoming alcoholic, according to Psych Central.
