The causes of alcoholism are due to several factors. Most people use alcohol to change how they feel because they want to feel better or different. They use alcohol for the perceived benefits, or the benefits experienced, not for the potential harm. People use alcohol to relax, have fun, to be part of a group, out of curiosity, and to escape from physical and/or psychological pain. Many of the reasons young people use alcohol are the same reasons adults use alcohol.

The general theory is that alcoholism can be broken down into two basic phases, problem drinking and alcohol addiction. Problem drinking occurs when alcohol is used repetitively, to relieve stress, anxiety, other emotional problems, or combinations of these problems. Problem drinking can be characterized as the early stages of drug addiction  or alcoholism. People often become dependent on alcohol after discovering that it helps relieve stress, and because alcohol is used more and more frequently, as stressful situations arise, a pattern of abuse develops. This is unfortunate because the more dependent a person is on alcohol, the less stress they can actually handle. This relationship is inversely proportional, meaning that as the dependence on alcohol increases, the ability to effectively deal with stress decreases. (Stress is only an example, you could literally, substitute almost any emotional problem into this equation.) This dependence slowly builds until the individual is drinking nearly constantly. In extreme cases, this does not just mean every evening, but constantly, during all hours of the day, from the time they get up until the time they go to bed, or pass out. As tragic as it sounds, this happens every day, in the smallest towns and the largest cities, all over the world. It is also important to remember that many alcoholics may continue for extended periods of time to lead functional, relatively balanced, and productive lives. This causes the alcoholic to live in denial and makes it more difficult to admit they have a problem and enter a rehab facility or attend AA.

The causes of alcoholism also includes the drinkers use alcohol to "self-medicate" themselves. This means that alcohol is used to try to relieve anxiety, depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness. No one wants to be an alcoholic, but this doesn't stop people from getting addicted. The most commonly asked question is simply - how? How could my son, daughter, father, sister, or brother become a liar, a thief, someone who cannot be trusted? How could this happen? And why won't they stop? The truth is, they cannot, they oftentimes need the help of a treatment center

 Effects of Alcoholism

 The effects of alcoholism  vary from person to person, but the most common effects seen are changes in emotional state or stability, behavior, and personality. Alcoholics may become angry and argumentative, or quiet and withdrawn or depressed. They may also feel more anxious, sad, tense, and confused. They then seek relief by drinking more. Because time and amount of drinking are uncontrollable, the  alcoholic is likely to engage in such behaviors as breaking family commitments, both major and minor; spending more money than planned; drinking while intoxicated and getting arrested; making inappropriate remarks to friends, family, and co-workers; arguing, fighting and other anti-social actions. The alcoholic would probably neither do such things, nor approve of them in others unless he was drinking.

Society tends to aid in the development of alcoholism by making alcohol seem glamorous, showing that by drinking, you will become more popular, more glamorous and more worthy of respects from others. The physical effects of alcoholism are somewhat gruesome. Excessive in take and prolonged use of alcohol can cause serious disturbances in body chemistry and cause someone to need treatment to stop. Many alcoholics exhibit swollen and tender livers. The prolonged use of large amounts of alcohol without adequate diet may cause serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism also causes loss of muscular control.

 Physical

The condition, delirium tremens, known primarily to heavy drinkers, causes hallucinations along with loss of control of muscular functioning. When this condition develops and the alcoholic slows their drinking, withdrawal syndrome can and often does occur, with is consistant with all drug addiction. This may include agitation, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. Detox  is necessary to deal with these symptoms Alcoholism also cause's damage to the brain. Alcoholics may suffer from lack of concentration. The alcoholic may also experience blackouts, occasional onsets of memory lapses, and possibly complete memory loss. They may also suffer from more serious forms of brain damage.

Social

The social effects of alcoholism can be as devastating as the physical effects. Families must deal with emotions such as anger towards the alcoholic and guilt over what role they believe they may play in the addiction. Family breakdown, financial problems, legal problems and psychological troubles all result from alcoholism. Society as a whole also pays a price for the alcoholic's addiction. Employers may see productivity affected. Police and law courts may deal with crimes committed by alcoholics while they are drunk. Families, employers and the law can seek the services of a rehabilitation program to help prevent alcoholism

Cravings - A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.

Loss of control: The inability to limit ones drinking on any given occasion.

Physical dependence: Detox withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.

Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high.
Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you ever felt bad or guilty about drinking? Do you have a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a drinking problem. In the United States, 23 million people have an abuse problem and more than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Physical and emotional signs of alcoholism

Insomnia

Accidents

Loss of self esteem

Anxiety

Not taking care of yourself

Being unusually suspicious

Poor work performance

Blackouts/memory loss

Taking sick days for hangovers

Breakdown of relationships, such as divorce

Trembling hands

Depression

Trouble having erections in men

Driving offenses

Easily annoyed

Drinking alone or in secret

Not remembering conversations or commitments.

Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned.

Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure.

Irritability as usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available.

Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car.

Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal."

Having problems with relationships, employment or finances or legal problems.

Ask yourself these questions to find out if you show signs of Alcoholism
 

Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but it only lasted a couple of days?

Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking?

Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in hope that you wouldn't get drunk?

Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?

Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

Do you need a drink to get started, or to stop shaking?

Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?

Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking anytime you want to, but you don't stop?

Do you have "blackouts"?

Have you ever felt your life would be better if you didn't drink?

Please, Get Help Now!