Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), often arises from a mix of factors, including genetics, mental health struggles, social influences, and coping mechanisms for stress. Understanding the etiology of alcoholism is essential for addressing the condition effectively.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol and can range from mild to severe. It goes beyond occasional over-drinking, leading to a loss of control, cravings, and continued use despite harmful consequences to health, relationships, and daily life.
Read on with Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction treatment, to explore the causes of alcohol dependence and understand why people become alcoholics.
Causes of Alcoholism
Why do people become alcoholics? Alcohol addiction is a complex issue, and many alcoholism risk factors can increase a person’s risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Some factors that can cause alcoholism include:
1. Family History and Genetic Causes of Alcoholism
Among all physical and behavioral characteristics, a predisposition to alcoholism can be inherited through DNA. Roughly half the risk of AUD can be attributed to genetics. Those who are genetically predisposed to alcoholism are at greater risk for developing AUD if or when environmental and social factors are present. The genetic cause of alcoholism is often overlooked by society and seen as an issue that someone may be too weak to confront, but this is often untrue. Therapeutic intervention may be necessary.
2. Environmental Causes of Alcohol Dependence
Another one of the key factors that influence alcohol use is the individual’s environment. Environmental causes of Alcohol Use Disorder include:
- Stress
- rocky relationships
- career struggles
- easy access to alcohol
- peer pressure
- exposure to alcohol by family or friends.
Income and work also have an impact on the development of alcoholism, with unemployment being strongly related to AUD. Not only do these environmental factors serve as triggers for alcoholism, but they are exacerbated as well by the alcoholism itself.
3. Traumatic Experiences
Social causes of alcoholism range from family and home life to past trauma. Traumatic life experiences can greatly contribute to the development of AUD. A person’s past and present experiences can serve as a large factor in their susceptibility to developing alcoholism.
4. Underage Drinking
Underage (under 21 in the U.S.) drinking is a significant public health issue. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 10.6 million individuals ages 12 to 20 (27.9% of this age group) reported drinking alcohol in the past year.
In 2020, the heaviest alcohol users among Americans were 30 to 34 years of age - 32.3% - with ages 45 to 49 years coming in second, at 27%.
5. Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder significantly increase the risk of alcoholism. Many individuals use alcohol to self-medicate, but this often worsens symptoms and deepens dependence. Treating both mental health and alcoholism together is essential for recovery.
6. Frequency of Drinking
The frequency and regularity of drinking can be a major factor in the development of alcoholism. Consistently drinking, even in moderate amounts, can lead to increased tolerance and dependence over time. Drinking daily or using alcohol as a primary coping mechanism raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially when paired with genetic, environmental, or mental health factors.
Alcoholism Demographics
Alcoholism is no respecter of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. While some of these factors play some part in the development of AUD, there is no exact stereotype of an alcoholic.
Alcoholism and Race
A 2018 National Health Interview Survey showed that race is not an adequate determinant of alcoholism. Alcoholism rates among listed racial groups range from 2 percent to 9 percent. The lowest (2%) were identified as African Americans and whites, and the highest (9%) were American Indians and whites. White Americans ranked at 8%, black Americans at 7%, and Hispanic Americans at 7%.
Gender and Alcoholism
A 2019 survey showed that 7% of all males are likely to develop AUD, as opposed to 4% of all females. Men are also more likely to binge drink than women.
Why Do People Turn to Alcohol?
People often turn to alcohol because it provides immediate, intense effects that can temporarily numb emotional or physical pain. The reasons for drinking alcohol can vary, but many seek it as a quick escape from stress or emotional turmoil.
Unlike other coping mechanisms, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it quickly alters mood and perception. It can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, or a sense of escape from reality, making it a go-to choice for individuals seeking relief.
Over time, the brain starts to rely on alcohol’s calming effects, reinforcing the behavior and making it harder to break the cycle. While other substances may provide comfort, alcohol’s immediate and noticeable effects often make it a preferred choice for those struggling with emotional or psychological distress.
Alcoholism Treatment
Science and research have come a long way in the development of alcoholism treatment; this is especially true for genetic causes of alcoholism. It was once thought that those with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism would have greater difficulty in sustained recovery, but certain medications have been very successful in aiding sobriety. Comprehensive treatment approaches for alcoholism include:
- Medications: Prescription medications like naltrexone or acamprosate can reduce cravings and help maintain sobriety, especially for those with a genetic predisposition.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Structured inpatient rehab or outpatient programs provide a safe environment for detox, therapy, and skill-building.
- Counseling: Individual and group therapy sessions address the underlying causes of alcoholism, including mental health conditions and behavioral triggers.
- Support Groups: Peer-based groups like Alcoholics Anonymous offer ongoing encouragement and accountability through shared experiences.
Understanding Why People Become Alcoholics and Finding the Path to Recovery
Understanding why people become alcoholics is crucial in addressing the root causes of alcohol use disorder. Whether it's genetics, mental health conditions, environmental factors, or drinking habits, recognizing these risks is the first step toward creating effective prevention and treatment strategies.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, Avenues Recovery is here to help. Our compassionate team has helped thousands recover through personalized treatment plans focused on long-term sobriety. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today to take the first step toward a healthier, sober life.