Men and women across the world are battling an addiction to alcohol. Some researchers believe that it’s caused by biological factors while others believe that alcoholism is influenced by environmental factors. Whatever the cause, alcoholism is a destructive disease that affects not just the individual but the family too. So what are some of the common risk factors for developing an addiction to alcohol?
Alcoholism is a destructive disease that affects communities around the world.
Men and women across the world are battling an addiction to alcohol. Some researchers believe that it’s caused by biological factors while others believe that alcoholism is influenced by environmental factors. Whatever the cause, alcoholism is a destructive disease that affects not just the individual but the family too. So what are some of the common risk factors for developing an addiction to alcohol?
- Family history with alcohol: If your parent or other family members suffered from an addiction to alcohol, you are at a much greater risk for becoming an alcoholic. Within your blood line you carry certain traits that may promote your alcohol use. You many have a high tolerance to alcohol, suffer from depression or have personality traits such as compulsive behavior.
- Mental health problems: Bi-polar disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders are common among alcoholics. Often times, you may not be diagnosed for your condition and in turn use alcohol as a means of self-medication.
- Gender: Men are twice as likely to become alcoholics over men. According to recent studies, men have a 20 percent chance of becoming an alcoholic while women have an 8-10% chance. Women are much more likely to become alcoholics later in life. Women are much more likely to become alcoholics if their partner is alcohol dependent.
- High levels of stress: Stress over work, financial matters and family can create excessive stress. Individuals suffering from high levels of stress or depression are at a high risk to develop alcoholism. Alcohol is used as an escape mechanism and to help relax the user. People often turn to heavy drinking as a way to deal with their stress.
- Social circle: Surrounding yourself with others who indulge in drinking alcohol frequently puts you at risk for developing a dependency to alcohol. Your social circle may include family members, friends, coworkers or even neighbors. These people may not support activities that don’t involve alcohol. Peer pressure can cause you to drink if when you man not feel like it.In this day in age with the pressures put on our society to be everything and do everything on our own, we are fostering an environment that encourages alcoholism. You may be at risk for developing alcoholism but there are measures you can take to prevent it from taking over your life. Live a healthy lifestyle. Surround yourself with healthy people. Learn to balance the stresses of life through exercise or meditation. If you see yourself slipping into alcoholism, don’t wait. Pick up the phone and call The Cabin Chiang Mai at +66 818295250 or at contact@thecabin.com. You are not alone and there are people who can help. Call us today for more information.
