There has been a lot of study on alcoholics and those with alcohol abuse disorders, but most of it has focused on the individual's history of drinking and the brain's reward system. It has been demonstrated, for instance, that those who suffer from alcohol consumption problems are more likely to have experienced trauma either in childhood or later in life. Research has also shown that chronic exposure to alcohol alters brain chemistry in a way that increases the risk of both physical and psychological dependence. Addiction runs in families, therefore people who have had relatives who drank heavily are at a higher risk for developing an alcohol problem themselves.
Alcohol can improve the mood of someone who has been dealing with un-diagnosed and untreated depression, and it can assist individuals with untreated anxiety disorders feel less anxious. There are many reasons why people drink, and different people develop alcohol addictions for different reasons.

This is only one of many different things that might cause someone to misuse or become dependent on drugs. Here are five additional reasons why someone who starts drinking can go on to develop an alcohol consumption disorder:

1. He or she starts drinking when they are young. Young drinkers will develop a tolerance quickly, and because their brains have not fully matured, they may sustain lifelong brain damage.

2. Underlying illnesses of the mind. Untreated mental illnesses are more likely to lead to alcohol use as a form of self-medication.

3. Environmental elements How much stress you encounter and how you respond to stress are largely influenced by your environment. For instance, people who are raised in hostile environments and are taught to repress their emotions are more prone to abuse alcohol than people who are raised in nurturing environments and are given the tools to properly communicate their needs.

4. Genetics. As previously stated, genetics significantly influence the emergence of substance misuse diseases. Alcoholism is more likely to manifest if you have close relatives who have struggled with addiction disorders of any kind.

5. Combining alcohol with other chemicals. Alcohol's tendency to become addictive is exacerbated when it is combined with other drugs, such as prescription pharmaceuticals.