Alcoholism, drug abuse, and scores of other forms of addiction have dogged the human race since time immemorial. But what is it that triggers alcoholism? People involved in prevention and cure of addiction have not only established rehabilitation centres for different types of addiction but also invested a lot of time in investigation of the causes that lead to addiction.
Addiction is a matter of great concern to the human society since addiction could lead to abnormal lifestyles, anti-social activities, self-effacement, and scores of other repercussions that could end in disastrous situations if these are not tackled in time.
Study and research on addiction have revealed four causes for addiction. For the purpose of this writing, we will stick to the causes of alcoholism to keep things in sharp focus. These relate to ‘Genes,’ Physiological Factors, Psychological Problems, and Social Conditions.
Genes
According to a study, Genes could be one of the reasons why people turn to alcohol and eventually become alcoholics. Based on empirical data, the study claims that children of alcoholics are four times more prone to become alcoholics. Ostensibly, science has established a genetic link to alcoholism.
Physiological Reasons
Basically, alcohol alters the balance of chemicals in the brain. To be more specific, it affects the chemicals in the reward centre of the brain. Once addicted, the body craves alcohol to restore the illusion of pleasure. The other thing is: Alcohol numbs the brain when consumed in large quantities and provides temporary relief from painful situations.
Psychological Problems
People affected by low self-esteem, depression and chronic stress often turn to alcohol for relief. In the process, they become alcoholics over a period of time. Alcohol acts as a confidence-booster to some of them in certain situations.
Social Factors
Children, adolescents, and the youth are always curious about smoking, drinking, drug abuse etc. When fellow students discuss their experiences, curiosity gets the better of them and they also decide to go out and try it out. There comes a time when they start enjoying the company of their friends in drinking bouts. Once it gets on to them, it draws more members of the peer groups to indulge in this kind of pleasure. This creates a perfect environment for alcoholism. Crafty advertisements to play a significant role in fanning this fire.
The word ‘addiction’ is usually used in a negative sense and refers to the formation of a habit as a result of perpetuation of an undesirable action. What is true of alcoholism is largely true of smoking, drug abuse and other forms of addiction. And, the factors that lead to alcoholism are similar to the factors that lead to other forms of addiction.
