Alcoholism A Complex Disorder - 961 Words

Alcoholism is a very complex disorder. It is believed that genetics and several other biological factors are likely involved in the materialization of alcohol dependence, along with cognitive behavior, temperament, psychological and sociocultural factors. Alcohol use patterns including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are â€Å"familial† in nature (cf. Heath et al., Kendlerm Heath, heath Neale, Kessler Eaves, 1992; Hesselbrock, 1995) Alcohol abuse is a drinking pattern that results In significant and recurrent adverse consequences. People suffering from alcoholism (technically known as alcohol dependence) have lost reliable control of their alcohol use. Neither the amount or kind of alcohol that an alcohol dependent person consumes†¦show more content†¦Genetics, social factors, psychological and physiological all play a role. Every individual person is not always equally affected by each cause. For some people who suffer with alcoholism such psychological trai ts like low self-esteem, impulsiveness and the need for approval can prompt inappropriate drinking. Others may try and drink to cope or â€Å"self-medicate† their emotional problems. When people begin drinking excessively, the problem can perpetuate itself. Excessive drinking can cause physiological changes that make drinking copious amounts the only way to avoid discomfort. Genetic factors make some people especially vulnerable to alcohol dependence. The absence of family drinking problems doesn’t necessarily protect you from developing the problem just as a family history doesn’t always guarantee you will automatically have the same problem. Although there is some research that suggests small amounts have beneficial cardiovascular effects, there is even more widespread research that concludes heavier drinking can lead to health problems. Some Short-term effects include hangovers, loss of memory , and blackouts. Long-term effects associated with heavy drinking include heart problems, brain damage, even more serious memory loss , cirrhosis of the liver and cancer. Heavy drinkers markedly increase their chances of dying from, homicide, suicide and car accidents. Although men are much more likely than women to develop alcoholism, a women s