Alcoholism Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of alcoholism

The causes of alcoholism are complex. Everyone has a different set of physical (genetic), emotional, and environmental influences that can create the foundation for alcoholism. Over the last few decades, researchers have uncovered certain indicators that are present within persons classified as alcoholics. Extensive research has specifically targeted genetic factors, biomedical factors, and behavioral markers. This research is used to identify more specific and effective treatments or prevention measures for alcoholism.

It appears that some people are born with a gene that pre-disposes them toward alcoholism. In reality, alcoholism is considered a “polygenic disorder.” That means a group of genes are responsible for a person’s vulnerability or susceptibility to alcoholism. However, genes alone do not determine a person’s response to alcohol, there are psychological, social, and environmental influences as well.

Research has established a link between genes and the environment. Certain genes (or polygenes) coupled with environmental factors can lead to a greater likelihood of alcoholism. For example, research has identified two types of genetic and environmental linkages. Type 1 alcoholism “affects both men and women, but mostly female adults. Individuals with this type of alcoholism generally exhibit high harm avoidance and low novelty-seeking personality traits, and drink primarily to relieve anxiety. Type 2 alcoholism, which affects mostly men, is associated with early onset (before age of 25) of both alcohol abuse and criminal behavior and an inability to abstain from alcohol.” (American Society of Addiction Medicine 03, pp. 36-37)

A comprehensive understanding of the influences leading to alcoholism encompasses a variety of disciplines beyond the genetic and biomedical factors. While brain studies have yielded significant information concerning the effects of alcohol, the environmental, psychological and psychosocial markers have as much significance as the genetic and biomedical.

Research has illustrated that risk factors include

The earlier a person drinks (before 15), the greater the risk of alcoholism later in life
Stress hormones have a profound influence on developing alcoholism
Scientists are looking closely at the relationship between alcoholism and post traumatic stress syndrome (as it is being expressed in service men and women from the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars for example)
Depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders can lead a person to self-medicate
Heredity
Peer drinking
The body’s ability to metabolize alcohol
Occasional cigarette smokers are five times more likely to become alcoholics
Access to alcohol, media, and advertising exposure influence a person’s perspective on the appropriateness of alcoholic behavior
Physical and verbal abuse can lead to increased alcoholic drinking
Isolation

Alcoholism and Violence

The prevalence of alcohol abuse among violent offenders is significant. Though no direct link exists between the consumption of alcohol and violence, it is a known risk factor.

Cultural expectations surrounding alcohol and behavior have an influence on behavior as well. For example, a public perception exists that alcohol is a “time out” for appropriate behavior. Thus, many who drink believe they have license for violent, controlling, aggressive or silly behavior because they are intoxicated.

Scientists have found a link between the chemical reaction in the brain and an increase in aggressive behavior in both monkeys and humans. The statistics surrounding alcohol, violent crimes, and the percentage of intoxicated offenders are clear.

Percentage of Violent Offenders Intoxicated at Time of Assault

86% of homicide offenders
37% of assault offenders
60% of sexual offenders
57% of the men and 27% of the women involved in domestic violence
13% of child abusers (when combined with drug abuse the figure rises to 80%)
(NIAAA #38, 1997)

And in a 1994 U.S. Department of Justice study, half of all spousal murders occurred while the defendant was drinking alcohol.

The combination of environmental, psychological, and physiological factors all contribute to the propensity of violence in certain social situations. Treatment for alcoholism is generally required as a range of issues connected to alcohol, family dynamics, work, and mental health must also be addressed if abstinence is to be obtained.

Test your risk factor

Sometimes a person has been unable to acknowledge to him/herself that there is an alcohol issue. Throughout these pages, you will find a variety of screening tools to help you assess the issue. Below we offer a simple, self-screening test for you to begin the process. Just remember, if you do feel you have a problem help is available.

Alcohol Screening T-ACE Test

How many drinks does it take to make you feel high?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

(2 or more Yes answers indicate a problem. Please speak with your health care provider for options to dealing with alcohol abuse and dependence)