WHAT CAUSES ALCOHOLISM

Alcohol dependency develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur.These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol, which makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.
Although the exact cause of alcoholism is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. 
Known risk factors for alcoholism include having:

• more than 15 drinks per week if you’re male.
• more than 12 drinks per week if you’re female.
• more than five drinks per day at least once a week (binge drinking).
• a parent with alcoholism.
• a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.

You may also be at a greater risk for alcoholism if you:

• are a young adult experiencing peer pressure.
• have low self-esteem.
• experience a high level of stress.
• live in a family or culture where alcohol use is common and accepted.
• have a close relative with alcohol use disorder.