Combat Alcoholism

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Known Causes of Alcoholism

As far as we know, alcoholism, alcohol addiction or alcohol dependency has a gradual onset. The continued indulgence in alcohol causes certain chemical imbalances in our body- most specifically to our brain.

There are two brain chemicals that are affected by alcohol as we drink. They are the gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA and glutamate. The former (glutamate) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that obstruct the transmission or diffusion of a certain impulse that comes from one cell to another cell in the CNS (Central Nervous System), thus, averting the possibility of a nerve cell over-firing. GABA is utilized by the brain in its metabolic process and in treating epilepsy as well as hypertension. This chemical is also used to create tranquilizers for persons with acute disturbance and frenzied manners, while the latter excites or stimulates the Central Nervous System. 

In addition, alcohol increases dopamine levels within the brain which accounts for the pleasure that is felt when drinking alcoholic beverages. Extreme or excessive and continuing indulgence on alcohol can either reduce or raise levels of the aforementioned chemicals in the brain, thus, craving may result from this imbalance. Craving is a natural reaction of the body to acquire the substance that it lacks.  

Other known factors that in one way or another pave the way towards alcoholism are:

• Inherent or Genetic factors

 Even if one comes from an alcoholism plagued family, abstinence from drinking is not a guarantee that a person can be spared from alcoholism. Sometimes our genes are the culprit behind our tendency to become an alcoholic for some reasons. 

• Emotional Condition

 Persons suffering from too much stress and other emotional confusion tend to over indulge in drinking that may eventually lead to alcoholism. 

• Psychological and Socio-Cultural Aspect

Close associations with a person who drinks is as unconscious factor why another person develops potential drinking habit that can lead to alcoholism. Another factor towards this addiction emanates from our society itself. As alcohol is being freely advertised in all types of media, it concocts an idea in our mind that drinking even too much is fully accepted.  
 

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