Alcohol Abuse Advice

Causes Of Alcoholism

A number of factors contribute to the development of a problem with alcohol. Social factors such as the influence of family, peers, and society, and the availability of alcohol, and psychological factors such as elevated levels of stress, inadequate coping mechanisms, and reinforcement of alcohol use from other drinkers can contribute to alcoholism. Also, the factors contributing to initial alcohol use may vary from those maintaining it, once the disease develops.

Alcohol addiction – physical dependence on alcohol – occurs gradually as drinking alcohol alters the balance of some chemicals in your brain, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excites the nervous system. Alcohol also raises the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with the pleasurable aspects of drinking alcohol. Excessive, long-term drinking can deplete or increase the levels of some of these chemicals, causing the body to crave alcohol to restore good feelings or to avoid negative feelings.

Other factors can lead to-excessive drinking :

High levels of stress, anxiety or emotional pain can lead some people to rink alcohol to block out the turmoil. Certain stress hormones may be associated with alcoholism
Having low-self esteem or suffering from depression may make you more likely to abuse alcohol. Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly, but who may not abuse alcohol could lead to excessive drinking on your part. It may be difficult for you to distance yourself from these “enablers” or at least from their drinking habits.
The glamorous way that drinking alcohol is portrayed in advertising and in the entertainment media sends many people messages that it’s OK to drink excessively.