Causes of Alcoholism Alcoholism has become a dramatically important health concern in America today. Alcoholism is a fairly common problem. In fact, it has become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Many people have to deal with this disease on a daily basis. People become addicted to alcohol just like any other drug. Some people do not consider alcohol a drug, but it can affect the body in similar ways. “Alcohol has about the same addiction potential as cocaine� (Prentiss).
“In 1956, the American Medical Association named alcoholism as a disease� (Prentiss13).
Alcoholism has serious health risks such as cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, and certain cancers. “Alcoholism is prevalent in 20 percent of all adult hospital inpatients� (Thompson).
Many people do not think that alcohol is a drug, but it can affect the body negatively as any other drug would. “Alcohol affects virtually every organ system in the body and, in high doses, can cause coma and death� (Thompson).
So, how can alcoholism be prevented? If we know the warning signs and causes of this disease we can avoid it. Alcoholism is caused by genetics, misuse, and depression. Family medical history affects everyone’s health in one way or another. If my grandmother had cancer then I am at higher risk for having cancer later in life. “Genetic research shows that 50 percent of vulnerability to alcoholism is linked to genetics and the other 50 percent it triggered by environment, such as cultures where heavy drinking is common� (Join Together).
Alcoholism is a disease that is passed down genetically as many other conditions are. “Whether reared by biologic or adoptive parents, sons of males with alcoholic problems are four times more likely to have problems with alcohol than sons or persons who are not� (Thompson).
Also, genetic ethnicity plays a part in alcohol tolerance. Many Japanese, Chinese, and Jewish people carry the genes that protect against alcoholism. These genes increase levels of certain liver enzymes, causing nausea, flushing, and rapid heartbeats among those who drink. On the other end of the spectrum, some people genetically have a higher tolerance to alcoholic beverages. Higher tolerance to alcohol can lead to heavier drinking which can result in an addiction. Many Caucasian people carry genes that affect brain function and can increase the risk of becoming an alcoholic. According to Dr. Mary-Anna Enoch, a research physician at the national Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Genes work both ways, with some protecting people against alcoholism and other genes raising the risk for the disease.�(Join Together) Addictive tendencies seem to run in families. So the more people in a family with an addiction problem, the more future generations become susceptible. If someone knows that there is a history of alcohol abuse in their family they should avoid alcohol. Everyone needs to know his or her family history completely as possible to check for genetic susceptibility. So then maybe this disease can be prevented. Alcoholism is an addiction to a substance just as serious as any drug addiction. Misuse of any substance may result in dependency. Some people begin to drink and are not able to stop. Of men aged 18- 25 years, 60 percent binge drink (Thompson).
Binge drinking can lead to addiction and dependency. Even a single incidence of binge drinking in adolescence can trigger a change in the brain leading to dependency and addiction. If someone cannot control the amount they drink, or can’t stop once they start, then they shouldn’t drink at all. Also, people who drink for the effect can lead to abuse. If someone drinks regularly, they have to drink more and more each time to get the same effect. “Developing “tolerance� doesn’t mean that we can no longer get drunk, but that it takes more alcohol to get us drunk than it did when we first began drinking�(Prentiss25).
Misuse and abuse of alcohol is the major cause of alcoholism. Depression and stress are often linked to alcoholism, but which causes which is debated. “The inability to cope with current conditions in our lives produces anxiety, frustration, stress, and fear, all of which contribute to drinking�(Prentiss156).
Drinking too much and on a regular basis can lead to depression. Alcohol releases chemicals in your brain which can leave you feeling depressed. Many people end up binge drinking at the end of a stressful week and regret it later. Some people drink to feel relaxed and less depressed, but end up feeling worse afterwards. Alcohol is a sedative which people use to help with anxiety. Anxiety in many cases leads to depression. There are many causes of alcoholism. Some of them include genetics, misuse, and depression. Alcoholism is a very real problem with very real consequences. “Annually, 85,000 deaths are attributable to alcohol�(Thompson).
That is more than the motor vehicle accident deaths each year. Addiction is a huge problem in this country and alcohol is a big part of that. Works Cited Join Together. Research Confirms Alcoholism as Genetic Disease. 19 Oct. Boston University School of Public Health. 30 Oct. 2007. . Prentiss, Chris. The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure. Malibu Power press, 2007. Thompson, Warren. “Alcoholism.� eMedicine. 6 Jun. 2007. WebMD. 30 Oct. 2007. .