alcoholism -- Causes

Alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by the habitual consumption of alcohol. Some alcoholics drink daily. Others drink less often, but the drinking becomes out of control. Alcohol use is to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health or with normal social or work behavior.

Alcohol produces both physical and psychological addiction. It is a central nervous system depressant that reduces anxiety, inhibition, and feelings of guilt. It lowers alertness and impairs perception, judgment, and motor coordination. In high doses, it can cause loss of consciousness and even death. Chronic alcoholism damages the brain, liver, heart, and other organs.

Many people wonder what causes alcoholism. No one can become an alcoholic if they do not drink alcohol. For people who do choose to drink alcohol, some seem to be able to drink without problems, while others do not. Nonetheless:

* There are certain signs and symptoms that are the same for every alcoholic.

* There are certain "stages" that each alcoholic will go through if the disease is not treated.

* Alcoholism is chronic, and the disease won't go away on its own.

* Without treatment, alcoholism can cause death.

* Alcoholism can be treated.

We can think of alcoholism like we think of other diseases. Some people are more at risk for the disease. They can learn ways to live with the disease and take care of themselves. As in other diseases, if the person refuses treatment, the disease will get worse, and the person may even die.

Risk factors for alcoholism in people who drink alcohol include:

* a family member who is alcoholic,

* a history of other substance abuse,

* depression, or

* post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Research has shown that alcoholics may not be able to metabolize alcohol in the way other people can. It may never be completely understood what causes alcoholism, but there is treatment for alcoholism. If an alcoholic decides to get treatment, he or she has a very good chance of living a long and healthy life.

To find out more about alcoholism and treatment, contact the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at (800) NCA-CALL, your school nurse or counselor, worksite nurse, Employee Assistance Program, or Alcoholics Anonymous in the white pages of your phone book.