Alcohol abuse is an all-too-common problem in our society. Alcohol is ubiquitous – it can be purchased at stores across the nation, advertisements for alcohol are displayed everywhere, and the movies portray drinking as something desirable and entertaining.
This might lead someone to think that everyone is vulnerable to alcohol addiction – and this is, unfortunately, the case. However, some people are more likely to develop problems with alcohol abuse than others.
Understanding the risk factors for alcohol abuse can be one of the best ways to prevent or prepare for potential alcohol problems. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common risk factors involved in alcohol abuse.
Common Risk Factors
Some of the most common risk factors that could lead someone down the road to alcohol addiction include:
Family History of Alcoholism
People who have a family history of alcoholism are more likely to experience problems with alcohol abuse. This can be because of the time spent with alcoholic parents, grandparents, or siblings. There is also some evidence that alcoholism can be hereditary, meaning that it may be more likely for someone born to alcoholic parents to become an alcoholic even if the parents no longer drink.
Anxiety, Stress, Depression
Many people use alcohol as a form of self-medication. These people are often unaware that they have mental health problems as well as an addiction, or they simply prefer to self-medicate rather than seek help from a doctor.
In some cases, these people may reside in an area where there are no medical facilities or doctors. In these situations, alcohol may be one of the only forms of medicine available. This leads us to our next risk factor:
Poverty
Many people who live in poor or impoverished areas are more likely to turn to alcohol. People living in poverty often struggle with many problems related to health, education, social security, and safety. These problems can make someone more likely to develop a problem with alcohol.
Environment
An individual’s environment can affect the likelihood of developing an alcohol problem. The environment can heavily influence people at any stage of their lives, not just during childhood.
Children who grow up in unhealthy or toxic environments are particularly likely to develop problems with alcohol abuse, as they may develop issues related to trauma. Children who live in houses or neighborhoods where alcoholism is prominent may also be more likely to develop alcohol problems.
Conclusion
Alcohol abuse is a very common problem, and anyone can fall victim to the dangers of alcoholism. Unfortunately, some people are more likely than others to develop problems with alcohol abuse.
If you or any of your loved ones or friends meet the criteria for some of these risk factors, it could be a good idea for you to seek help from a rehab facility or from a counselor. These can help you better understand the problem and prepare for any dangers that may be lurking around the corner.
Written By Nigel Ford
