The website, About Alcoholism Info, explains alcoholism has four stages, the last being the chronic stage. In the most severe stage, the person loses control and is unable to control his drinking. MayoClinic.com adds that alcoholism itself is a chronic disease in which the person's body becomes dependent and is incapable of controlling how much he drinks, when he drinks and how long he drinks for. A number of causes or risk factors play a role in the development of this disease.
The Sex of a Person
Both MayoClinic.com and Aurora Health Care point out men are more prone to becoming alcoholics than women. Alcohol abuse is five times more common in men who are also more likely to binge drink, according to Aurora Health Care.
Drinking Excessively
People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol over extended periods of time are prone to becoming alcoholics. The more a person drinks, the higher his tolerance becomes. Over a long period of time, a person's body builds a dependency to alcohol because of his body's ability to tolerate more of it.
Family Habits
Aurora Health Care states that alcoholism has a tendency to run in families, which may be due to genes. According to the website, men with one alcoholic parent have a 30 percent rate of alcoholism, while men whose parents are not alcoholics have an 11 percent rate of alcoholism.
Depression and Anxiety
MayoClinic.com points out that people who suffer from disorders such as depression and anxiety are prone to alcoholism. Aurora Health Care adds that high rates of chronic alcoholism among people with depression and anxiety are common. Those suffering from these disorders want an escape from their feelings, whether it be sadness, loneliness or fear. To them, alcohol provides them this escape, even if it's short term. The longer they depend on alcohol to fix their problems, the greater the risk of their bodies forming a physical dependency.
Psychological Problems
Some people with personal psychological disorders face a greater risk for suffering from alcoholism. These include those who have high expectations of themselves, those who do not feel sure of themselves, people with a low tolerance for frustration and people who tend to be aggressive, according to Aurora Health Care.
Certain Societies
Alcoholism is more prevalent in certain cultures and societies, according to Aurora Health Care. In America and Europe, alcohol is seen as common and is accepted socially. Advertisements for the newest beer or liquor are abundant, sending the message that alcohol consumption helps relieve tension and stress after a long day. Aurora Health Care adds that alcoholism has a connection to peer pressure and easy access to alcohol.
On the flip side, certain religious groups choose to abstain from drinking and have the lowest rates of alcoholism. These include Mormons and Muslims.
