Risk Factors for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is not a disease that is created overnight. Continuous, repeated drinking can cause women to develop a tolerance towards alcohol, which means that they must drink more and more to achieve the same effects. Once this happens, alcoholism is the next step. In fact, more than 14 drinks per week for seven to eight weeks can greatly increase the possibility of developing a dependence on alcohol, yet anyone who drinks is potentially at risk.

There are other factors that put you at an increased risk for developing a dependence on alcohol, as well. These include having family members who are alcoholics, a familial history of substance abuse, a familial history of depression, having PTSD and easy proximity to alcohol.

At Orchid Recovery Center, we help women recover from their dependence on alcohol by providing them with the tools and treatments they need to break their addictions – for good.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism: Family History

Research on alcoholism has indicated that there may be a genetic factor, so if you have a family history of alcoholism, you may be at a higher risk of developing it yourself. The rates of alcoholism for people who have at least one alcoholic parent versus no alcoholic parents is nearly tripled, so if you have family members who are alcoholics, you should take special care with your alcohol consumption. Addictions can also skip generations, so you look to your grandparents as well as teach your children about the risks associated with becoming an alcoholic and educate them on how they can protect themselves.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism: Genetics

While it is still unknown precisely which genes may be responsible for the hereditary passing down of alcoholism from parent to child, there is most definitely a danger of this happening. Be cautious of developing a dependence on alcohol if one or both of your parents were alcoholics or abused alcohol regularly.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism: Culture

Cultural influences can also have an effect on whether or not a person is more likely to develop alcoholism. In cultures where alcohol use is much more common and people often drink in social situations, the risk of developing alcoholism is significantly higher. Conversely, cultures where alcohol consumption is limited or forbidden, women have much lower rates of alcoholism.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism: Psychological and Psychiatric Disorders

In addition to hereditary and cultural factors, researchers have also found that there may by psychological and psychiatric factors at play when alcoholism is present. Women who have high self-expectations and who are aggressive and/or impulsive are at a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism: Statistics

Statistically speaking, there are several areas that can be examined to see patterns in alcohol dependence and abuse. For example, when women start drinking in their teens as opposed to after they turn 21, they are more likely to develop a dependence to alcohol. Additionally, the highest rates of alcohol dependence problems are in women who are between 18 and 29 years of age, and the lowest rates are in those who are older than 65.

Alcohol Rehab at The Orchid

At the Orchid, we provide women with the tools they need to recover from alcohol addiction. If you have any questions about the alcohol rehab available here at Orchid Recovery Center of if you would like to get started on treatment, contact us today.

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