Alcoholism can develop because of various factors. Some people may be born with a predisposition to alcoholism. Others are affected by their surroundings. Once these people begin on a road toward excessive or long-term drinking, it becomes harder for them to give it up. Chemicals in the brain that are associated with the pleasures of drinking alcohol may cause a stronger craving for it.
Genetics
Heredity has long been suspected of leading people onto a path of alcoholism. Genetics may play a role in about half of the people at risk for alcoholism, The New York Times reports. Many different genes may be involved. An area of the brain involved with controlling emotional cravings has been found to be smaller in people with a family history of alcoholism. There may also be a lack of genetic warning signals that help people to stop drinking at a certain point. However, heredity is not the reason for all cases of alcoholism.
Biology
Certain groups of people may be more at risk for developing alcoholism than other groups, according to the Mental Health Channel. Native Americans have had a high incidence of alcoholism. They sometimes drink more because of a high tolerance to alcohol. Some people in Asian countries have a deficiency of a liver enzyme. Their bodies may not tolerate high levels of alcohol and they experience flushing, increased heart rate and vomiting when drinking a certain amount of alcohol.
Stress
Some people going through stressful events or traumatic episodes may drink more to suppress the emotional pain or forget about their problems. Brain chemicals may be involved when the person associates drinking with eliminating stress. The alcoholic will continue to drink to remember those pleasant feelings. Stress hormones may be altered to increase the risk of alcoholism.
Personality
Some people with low self-esteem or depression tend to become alcoholic, the Mayo Clinic explains. They may be with friends or acquaintances who drink regularly but do not abuse alcohol. Their deep-seated feelings may cause them to drink more in such situations and continue the pattern.
Environment
Being around people who drink excessively, whether it is with families or friends, may increase the risk of alcoholism. Many alcoholics start drinking when they are young or in their teens. They may mimic the drinking patterns of parents or adults. Lack of parental monitoring may be a factor. Young people who are not taught the hazards of drinking may fall prey to outside influences, even if their parents do not drink to excess. Peer pressure may be involved in drinking at a young age. Drinking alcohol has a glamorous reputation, as portrayed by the media and through advertising. A person prone to developing the disease may think it is charming or romantic to drink, even excessively.
