What Are The Causes Of Alcoholism?

What causes alcoholism? There are many different theories as to whether alcoholism is a disease with a biological cause or simply a psychological dependence. Many people believe that alcoholism is a disease that is passed on genetically from generation to generation. They believe that a person with the alcoholism disease must manage their symptoms in order to prevent drinking.

Genetic Factors

Other people think that alcoholism is not a disease, but that some people do have genetic tendencies that cause them to be more prone to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. They believe that while some people are more likely to become an alcoholic because of their genetic makeup, alcoholism is not a disease and cannot be treated as such. This belief is often coupled with the theory that modifying behavior and proper decision making can cure an alcoholic and prevent them from drinking.

Still others believe that both theories are correct and that some people do inherit alcoholism as a disease through genetics and others do not have the disease but their genes leave them more vulnerable to addiction. No matter which theory is correct, the fact remains that many people do suffer from alcoholism but with proper treatment they can overcome their addiction.

For individuals that believe they have the alcoholism disease, they often feel as though their addiction is not their fault and have a hard time accepting that they have a problem. Even though a disease is not the fault of a sufferer, victims still have to take action to manage their disease in order to live a happy and productive life.

It is dangerous for alcoholics who believe that they have a disease to not take responsibility for their addiction, even though it is not their fault that they have a disease they should still be responsible and seek treatment to manage their addiction.

Environmental Factors

Whether a person is genetically predisposed to alcoholism or not there are other causes of alcoholism that can drive a person to develop a drinking problem. If a person has trouble coping with problems or managing their lives, they may turn to alcohol for an escape. While it may seem like a harmless way to relax at first, continually turning to alcohol to solve or mask problems is a dangerous path to follow and can lead to alcoholism.

Alcoholism is often a vicious cycle. Alcoholics often start drinking to manage problems and stress but eventually their drinking becomes a problem itself. When a person’s life begins deteriorating because of alcohol use they will rely even more heavily on alcohol to ease their pain, setting up a vicious cycle of abuse stemming from the problems caused by drinking.

Every person is different and his or her motives to drink are different as well. Some people do seem to have greater chances of becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs because of genetics and others lack the coping skills need for everyday life and turn to alcohol as an outlet.

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