The Root of Alcoholism

Alcohol dependency is a form of addiction that may also be known as Alcoholism.

Alcoholism in short, is when a person is mentally or physically addicted to alcohol. It’s described as having a powerful need, or craving, to consume alcohol.

Alcoholism is what’s known as a chronic illness or a long-term disease. Similar to numerous other diseases, Alcoholism has known indicators, can be predictable, and is influenced by genes and circumstances.

Getting To the Root of Alcoholism.
Realistically, alcohol addiction isn’t caused by one single “thing”. Studies have found that there are actually several causes that can be congregated into four rudimentary categories:

1. Biological
2. Psychological
3. Socio-Cultural
4. Spiritual

This is known as the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model of addiction to Psychologists. Each category effects the other since they are all related in some way.

Biological
When it comes to biological causes of alcoholism, a person’s genetics and physiology unique to them comes into account. The capacity to temper impulsive urges with rational logic is a function of the brain which differs among individuals. Some people, due to their genetic vulnerability, are at higher risk of developing addiction in life.

Psychological
People tend to habitually repeat certain behaviors, even behaviors that they know are harmful. This happens because even though the addiction is harmful, the addict often receives some sort of benefit from it. These benefits could include:

• Stress Reduction
• Entertainment
• Enjoyment Or Pleasure
• Aids In Coping With Bad Or Negative Circumstances
• Detering Symptoms Of Withdrawal

People who have negative coping skills are simple more at risk of developing an addiction.

Socio-cultural
This term defines a group’s shared and learned set of beliefs and values, and they can contribute to the cause of alcohol addiction. Some cultures tolerate or even accept drunkenness, which means that its members are more vulnerable to developing an addiction.

The ultimate social influence will always be the family. Culture is passed on through family by one generation to another. A child learns about alcohol use from their family, they also learn about its misuse and abuse from family.

Spirituality
Spirituality can often be overlooked as a deciding factor of developing alcohol addiction. It can determine if an alcohol dependency develops. Spirituality reveals a belief wherein life has a deeper purpose. There are many different religions and beliefs out there.

Many different people believe in a higher power, or greater being. Some people find purpose and meaning via a personal list of goals and values.

Those who lack purpose and meaning in their personal lives are often lost and disconnected form others. As addiction advances and grows, so does this void and disconnection. Without a spiritual anchor to tether a person to their purpose, they are at higher risk of developing an addiction.

Managing Your Addiction the Right Way.
Once you have admitted to yourself that you have a problem, reaching out and being open to help is essentially the next step. Build yourself a strong support system. You can do this by going to rehab, attending AA (and other support groups) and staying in therapy.