Alcohol abuse is a condition characterized by irresponsible or excessive use of alcohol. The causes, symptoms and outcomes of alcohol abuse are different for everyone. For this reason, each individual may require a different treatment plan to regain lasting sobriety. Understanding the possible causes of alcohol abuse is an important step on the road to recovery.
Genetic Susceptibility
Even though most, if not all, people are exposed to alcoholic beverages, not everyone abuses them or becomes addicted, which suggests a genetic link to alcoholism. According to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, genetic factors may influence a person's mental health and can affect the way drugs are metabolized in the body, both of which can increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction.
To prevent problems, limit your use of alcohol if you have a family history of addiction or substance abuse. If you find it hard to moderate your alcohol consumption, abstain from using it altogether.
Environmental Factors
External environmental factors can greatly influence a person's likelihood of abusing alcohol. Childhood trauma, early exposure to alcohol, and the attitudes of parents and other role models toward alcohol may determine a person's ability to use alcohol responsibly.
Excessive stress coupled with poor coping skills may act as a trigger for alcohol abuse, as can repetitive exposure to alcohol in childhood or adolescence. In most cases, environmental factors interact with genetic traits to determine a person's risk for becoming an alcohol abuser.
Abstaining from alcohol use is the only proven way to prevent abuse and dependence altogether. Learning about the health consequences of alcohol abuse and practicing healthy coping strategies can help further reduce the risks.
Age and Development
The age at which a person first uses alcohol can affect the individual's future relationship with the substance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, people who begin using alcohol at a younger age are more likely to progress to abuse or dependence in adulthood. Using alcohol frequently or in large amounts increases the likelihood of becoming physically dependent on the substance. The circumstances under which occasional use crosses over into abuse may also play a role in determining whether a person becomes addicted.
Mental Illness
The presence of mental illness is a well-known risk factor for alcohol abuse and addiction. According to the Mayo Clinic, substance abuse is common among people with depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Self-medication---or the use of mind-altering substances to treat stressful symptoms caused by mental illness---is a commonly cited reason for alcohol abuse. Proper treatment of mental health conditions is vital to the success of many recovering substance abusers. A combination of medication and talk therapy can be effective for managing mental disorders like bipolar disease, depression and anxiety disorders.
