The WHO calls alcoholism "a term of long-standing use and variable meaning", and use of the term was disfavored by a 1979 WHO expert committee. Alcohol consumption by an expectant mother may cause fetal alcohol https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/causes-of-alcoholism-why-are-people-alcoholics/ syndrome (FAS) and pre-term birth complications. A  causal relationship has been established between harmful drinking and incidence or outcomes of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.

• Adolescents are also likely to binge drink, which can lead to serious consequences, including injury and death.
• Professional medical staff can assist in the difficult process of withdrawal, making the transition into sobriety less daunting.
• If a blood test reveals that the red blood cells have increased in size, it could be an indication of long-term alcohol misuse.
• If you find that you’re feeling down, take a healthier route to feel better.
• If you’ve lost a loved one, gotten divorced or got fired from your job, you’re likely dealing with grief, pain and loss.

Malnutrition may be a factor in why very thin people are more impacted by heavy drinking. Medical detox followed by alcohol rehab treatment will strengthen one’s resistance to triggers as they move forward into a sober life. Contacting The Recovery Village can help you leave alcohol behind and take back control of your life. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a blood test that helps detect heavy alcohol consumption. If a blood test reveals that the red blood cells have increased in size, it could be an indication of long-term alcohol misuse. Some people experience some of these signs and symptoms but are not dependent on alcohol.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

However, once an individual begins drinking, personal choice has considerably less influence over whether they become an alcoholic compared to other factors. There are dozens of risk factors and causes, any of which can impact a specific individual. Also, no factors are determinative; someone with very few risk factors may have severe alcoholism, and someone else with many risk factors may have no drinking issues. Alcohol is prevalent among young adults, and it is more accepted and pervasive compared to illicit drugs like marijuana and over-the-counter medications. According to NIAAA, a young person drinks because his or her friends drink alcohol. It is a manner of adapting to their environment and as a way to confirm their increasing independence.

Ultimately, problematic drinking can be attributed to multiple social, psychological and biological factors. People who fall into alcoholism may not realize why alcohol is so addictive. There is no one cause but rather a combination of precursors that lead to an alcohol addiction. At Compassion Behavioral Health, our team specializes in providing successful treatment programs to those struggling with a variety of substance abuse issues in Florida. To learn more about our programs, visit our Addiction Treatment page.

The Causes of Alcoholism

Total alcohol per capita consumption in 2016 among male and female drinkers worldwide was on average 19.4 litres of pure alcohol for males and 7.0 litres for females. No matter how hopeless alcohol use disorder may seem, treatment can help. If you think you might have a problem with alcohol, call SAMHSA or talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you cope, make a treatment plan, prescribe medications and refer you to support programs.

Alcoholism is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, upbringing and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders. While the factors that determine someone’s likelihood of becoming an alcoholic are complex and can only be interpreted by a clinician, the symptoms are much easier to spot. If someone is concerned about their or a loved one’s alcohol use, they can look for some straightforward signs and symptoms. Some personalities are more likely to develop alcoholism than others.

Unsupervised Underage Drinking

However, if someone who enjoys social drinking significantly increases their consumption or regularly consumes more than the recommended quantity, AUD may eventually develop. While the exact causes of alcoholism are not known, a number of factors can play a role. The condition is likely the result of a combination of genetic, social, psychological, and environmental factors. CDC also works with many national organizations, including the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), to prevent excessive drinking. CADCA, in turn, works with its member coalitions to translate effective strategies for preventing excessive alcohol use into practice at state and local levels. CDC also supports the Center for Advancing Alcohol Science to Practice to provide training and technical assistance to states and communities on effective strategies to reduce excessive drinking.

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties that has been widely used in many cultures for centuries. The harmful use of alcohol causes a high burden of disease and has significant social and economic consequences. Your treatment setting will depend on your stage of recovery and the severity of your illness. You may need inpatient medical (hospital), residential rehabilitation (rehab), outpatient intensive therapy or outpatient maintenance.

Factors affecting alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm

College graduates who drink are 61% more likely to say that they have consumed alcohol within the last 24 hours than non-college graduates who drink. College graduates in the United States strongly prefer wine to beer, and non-college graduates prefer beer to wine. It is categorized as a dependence syndrome by the World Health Organization. Alcohol addiction can be overcome with help from a comprehensive, professional treatment program consisting of a variety of scientifically validated supports and interventions. Run by caring and experienced staff, these programs offer effective, specialized services aimed at combating alcohol addiction. There are a number of variables to consider when determining what leads a person to develop an alcohol abuse problem.

This definition is inadequate, however, because alcoholics, unlike other drug addicts, do not always need ever-increasing doses of alcohol. Since there isn’t one exact cause of alcoholism, experts instead identify “risk factors” as potentials for development. Professionals believe that these factors may play a role in the development of alcohol use disorders as they have been evident in the lives of many individuals who suffer from alcohol dependence and addiction. Mental health plays a significant role in all forms of substance abuse.

Learn More About Alcoholism Treatment in Florida

You should also consider attending a local AA meeting or participating in a self-help program such as Women for Sobriety. People with the condition may not fully understand AUD and what causes alcoholism, so seeking out a professional opinion and treatment options is always recommended to limit the risks. The concept of inveterate drunkenness as a disease appears to be rooted in antiquity.