Genetic Predisposition

Research studies show the risk for developing alcoholism runs in families. Children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than others to develop alcohol problems.

Environmental

Parental alcohol use and peer drinking can influence a person's alcohol use. Advertising may influence people to be more favorably predisposed to drinking.

Age at Onset

People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at age 21, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Emotional Problems

Some people do not respond well to stress. Alcohol blocks out emotional pain.

Mental Illness

Reports published by the Journal of the American Medical Association show that about 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. Thirty-seven percent of alcohol abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.

Gender and Metabolism

An NIAAA study compared alcoholic and non-alcoholic men and women. The results indicate greater sensitivity to the poisonous effects of alcohol among women. Alcohol is metabolized differently by some people. As a result, they require more alcohol to have the same effect than normal drinkers would need.

Source:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Who Is at Risk?

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: Youth, Alcohol and Other Drugs

JAMA: A Population-Based Twin Study of Alcoholism in Women

More Information:

Alcoholism Information