8 Risk Factors for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a widespread issue in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, while 70 percent of American adults drink at low levels or not at all, 28 percent drink at high levels indicative of alcohol abuse disorders, necessitating intervention through drug rehab and other programs. But not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic. The following are eight risk factors that predispose one to alcoholism.

Gender

Men are three times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse problem than women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17 percent of men and eight percent of women meet the criteria for alcohol abuse at some point in their lives.

Genetic Predisposition

If your father and grandfather were both alcoholics, there may be a genetic factor for alcoholism present in your family bloodline. People with a family history of alcoholism should be especially careful around alcohol.

Age

Individuals who start drinking at an early age — especially binge drinking — are at increased risk for alcoholism later in life. The earlier one starts drinking, the greater the risk.

Mental Health Disorders

Persons with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder are at increased risk for alcohol dependency and may benefit from drug rehab programs.

Other Substance Abuse

Persons who abuse other substances such as tobacco, prescription medications and other drugs are more likely to abuse alcohol as well.

Environmental Factors

People who live in areas where alcohol is readily available or in a culture where drinking alcohol is easily accepted are more susceptible to alcohol abuse.

History of Abuse

Individuals who suffered from abuse as children are more likely to turn to alcohol abuse as an escape. Individuals with a history of abuse also respond less well to interventions and drug rehab programs.

Ethnicity

Some ethnic groups, such as Native Americans, have a much higher incidence of alcoholism than the rest of the U.S. population. Asian and Jewish Americans have a lower incidence of alcoholism than white Americans.

Natalie Benoy is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter