Alcohol abuse and alcoholism differ slightly. Alcoholism, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a chronic disease, causing a person to lose control over drinking, while alcohol abuse causes problems in a person's life due to excessive drinking, however they are not completely dependent on alcohol.
Gender
Men are five times more likely to abuse alcohol than women, according to Aurora Health Care. In addition, men will often take part in binge drinking and alcoholism than women. On the other hand, women present a higher risk than men of developing liver disease, says the Mayo Clinic.
Family History
People with a family history of alcohol abuse face a greater risk of developing this condition. Aurora Health Care states that the rate of alcoholism in those whose parents do not abuse alcohol is approximately 11 percent, while those with one parent who abuses alcohol have an approximate rate of 30 percent.
Social
People with friends or family members who drink regularly can increase the risk of alcohol abuse. While these friends and family members may have the ability to control themselves and the amount of alcohol they consume, they may not have that same ability. The more they drink with them, the more they want or need to drink.
Psychiatric Problems
Psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can increase a person's risk of alcohol abuse, according to both the Mayo Clinic and Aurora Health Care. The alcohol feels like a temporary escape to them, even though in reality it only worsens the symptoms.
Psychological
Alcohol abuse tends to become worse in those with a low self-esteem, those with high expectations of themselves and people who need large quantities of praise or reassurance. Aurora Health Care explains this people with these personality types are often impulsive and aggressive, thus drinking excessively without thinking of the consequences.
