Question

Throw light on three causes of Alcoholism.

Hint:

Categorizing the causes into social, psychological, and biological factors provides a clear and comprehensive structure to your answer.

Answer 1

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. Its causes are complex and multi-faceted, often involving a combination of factors. Three main causes are:

Social and Environmental Factors: The social environment plays a crucial role. This includes:
Peer Pressure: Especially among young adults, the influence of friends who drink heavily is a strong predictor of alcohol abuse.

Stress: People may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with stress from work, relationships, or financial problems.

Cultural Norms: Societies where heavy drinking is socially acceptable or even encouraged have higher rates of alcoholism.

Psychological Factors: An individual's mental and emotional state can be a significant cause. This includes:
Mental Health Conditions: People with depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders are at higher risk of developing alcoholism, often as a form of self-medication.

Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-worth may drink to feel more confident or less anxious in social situations.

Biological and Genetic Factors: There is a strong biological component to alcoholism.
Genetics: Individuals with a family history of alcoholism have a higher genetic predisposition to the disorder.

Brain Chemistry: Alcohol increases the levels of dopamine and other "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, creating a pleasurable sensation that the brain may seek to repeat, leading to addiction.