Alcoholism is a condition characterized by physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Like the disorder itself, the causes of alcoholism are complex and often involve interplay between two or more risk factors, such as family history of alcoholism and early drinking. Understanding the risk factors for alcoholism helps identify those at risk for developing the condition.
Family History
While not an absolute determinant of substance abuse, genetic factors play an important role in a person's overall risk. Inherited differences in the way the body processes alcohol in conjunction with genetic predisposition to mental health disorders and other factors may affect a person's risk for alcohol abuse and addiction.
Genetic influences often interact with other factors to increase a person's overall risk of developing alcoholism. According to the National Institutes of Health, girls who were sexually abused in childhood and possess a variant of a gene involved in the physical stress response are more likely to become alcoholics than abused girls without the gene.
Early Exposure
Exposure to alcohol during a child's formative adolescent and teen years is a risk factor for alcoholism. According to Mayo Clinic, people who first experiment with alcohol at a young age are at a greater risk for abusing alcohol than their peers. Frequent abuse of alcohol can lead to physical dependence on the drug, with early-onset alcohol abuse increasing the risk for full-blown alcoholism in early adulthood.
Waiting until the mind and emotions are more fully developed to begin drinking can help reduce the risk for alcohol abuse and addiction. Educational programs that reinforce alcohol's negative effects are helpful for preventing alcohol abuse in children and teens.
Child Abuse
Alcohol plays a key role in many types of violent crimes. According to the National Association of Children of Alcoholics, children of alcoholics are more likely to be physically abused by their parents, leading to an increased risk for developing behavioral problems like impulsiveness, which in turn act as risk factors for alcohol abuse in adulthood. Other forms of abuse--such as verbal or sexual abuse--may also serve as risk factors in some children.
Mental Illness
Mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder can greatly increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction. According to the New York Times, alcoholism is extremely common in people with mood disorders, while people who suffer from anxiety disorders like social anxiety and panic attacks may be at an even higher risk.
Mentally ill persons who abuse drugs or alcohol often do so in an attempt to relieve symptoms of their disorder. When used in excess, alcohol and drugs can actually worsen mood swings, social isolation and other symptoms of mental health conditions, making it difficult to distinguish between alcohol's effects and those of the underlying disease.
