When you suspect that a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, looking for answers becomes second nature. What causes alcoholism? Could you have seen it coming? Should you have been able to?

Is There a Reason Why Some People Enjoy a Few Drinks with Friends and Others Drink to Excess?

Terming it the alcohol disorder gene, researchers continue to look for the genetic factors that predispose someone to drink. Thus far, this gene is elusive. So, what causes alcoholism as far as genetics are concerned? Interestingly, there are three commonalities among individuals with an alcohol problem.

• Some people find the effects of alcohol intake or light intoxication enjoyable, which can cause an addiction.
• There are varying abilities to control impulse behavior; someone with an addiction lifestyle cannot curb some impulses.
• Alcohol abuse can run in the family, in which case your likelihood of suffering from the disease increases.

What Causes Alcoholism Other Possibly Genetics

If you or a loved one does not fit the genetic profile, what are other risk factors for developing alcoholism?

• Benefit perception. Alcohol consumption functions as a numbing agent. When unwelcome thoughts or feelings intrude, drinking alcohol to excess can numb your mind sufficiently to ignore them. If a hangover or socially embarrassing situation occurs, you might find that the benefit of drinking outweighs the negative result.
• Varied stressors with unmatched coping skills. Work, a tense home life, a midlife crisis, and a host of other stressors require coping skills. You build those over the course of your life. If something stunts their development, you find a different way of dealing with stressors. Alcohol is an easy to obtain substance for this purpose.
• Traumatic experience. It doesn’t take a lot to stunt the growth of coping abilities. Trauma such as the experience of personal loss, abuse, or violence can make it impossible to develop these skills. Until you resolve the trauma, it remains in the background and heightens the likelihood of substance or alcohol abuse.
• Mental health disorder. Therapists refer to the presence of addiction as well as a mental health disorder as a dual diagnosis. Frequently, people struggling with addiction do not know that they have a mental illness. Because it goes untreated, it increases the chance of falling victim to alcohol abuse.

How Influential is Someone’s Environment in a Disorder Development?

If what causes alcoholism doesn’t fit a genetic or psychological profile, therapists look at the home environment. They also investigate the social activities of someone struggling with alcohol addiction. For young adults, peer pressure is proving to be an enormous factor in the development of alcoholism. It may start as binge drinking but spirals out of control from there.

In the professional realm, senior workers in a position of authority set the tone regarding alcohol consumption. If they show that intoxication at work-related functions is okay, others follow suit. Within a family, the attitude of the head of the household determines the mindset of others toward drinking. In many cases, the behavior of parents or adults leaves an indelible mark on youngsters concerning alcohol and intoxication.

Do You or a Loved One Need Help Today?

No matter what causes alcoholism in your life or the life of a loved one, there’s help. Don’t let an addiction destroy your life, happiness, and relationships. Talk to a group of compassionate therapists who conduct alcohol counseling and help folks whether this is their first time in rehab or their tenth. Call 267.719.8528 today to reach the experts at Steps to Recovery. Together, you’ll take the first stride toward healing.