Alcoholism Causes & Risks

Causes

Several factors can contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism, including:

Genes
Brain chemicals that may be different than normal
Social pressure
Emotional stress
Pain
Depression and other mental health problems
Problem drinking behaviors learned from family or friends

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing alcoholism. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Sex: male
Family members who abuse alcohol (especially men whose fathers or brothers are alcoholic)
Starting to use alcohol at an early age (younger than 14)
Using illicit drugs or non-medical use of prescription drugs
Peer pressure
Easy access to alcoholic beverages
Psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety
Smoking

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

True or False: Mixing Different Types of Alcohol Increases Your Risk of Getting Sick
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for True or False: Mixing Different Types of Alcohol Increases Your Risk of Getting Sick.
True or False: Women Get Drunker Than Men
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for True or False: Women Get Drunker Than Men.
True or False: You Can Cure a Hangover
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for True or False: You Can Cure a Hangover.