The World Health Organization estimated that approximately 140 million people around the world struggle with an addiction to alcohol. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 17.6 million Americans struggle with alcohol abuse. There are five identified risk factors that contribute to alcohol abuse.
Number One – Emotional – A person can be tempted by alcohol as a coping mechanism for emotional and stress related issues in their life. One study focused on a link between stress and alcohol consumption and that alcohol abuse changes the levels of stress hormones and serotonin in the body.
Number Two – Psychological – Research has shown that various psychological factors increase the risk of alcohol abuse. Some of these factors include feelings of inadequacy, a strong need for praise and encouragement, having a temper and being especially impulsive.
Number Three – Genetic – It is believed that a family history plays a role in the development of alcoholism. Certain genetic factors affect the size of the right orbitofrontal cortex. This difference in size in a specific region of brain can be responsible for an increased susceptibility to alcohol addiction.
Number Four – Age – Teenagers who have had a troubled childhood or who have a family history of manic depression, stressful life events, such as divorce of death of a parent, or violence, are more likely to be at risk for alcohol addiction. Teenagers that begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become an alcoholic than those who begin drinking after the age of 21.
Number Five – Gender – Studies have shown that women who abuse alcohol are more likely to have had an alcoholic "role model" or spouse in their family. Men, however, are at a higher risk for developing an addiction to alcohol and this is not a relevant risk factor.
