WHAT CAUSES ALCOHOLISM?
People have been drinking alcohol for perhaps 15,000 years. Just drinking steadily and consistently over time can produce dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence; this physical dependence, however, is not the sole cause of alcoholism. To develop alcoholism, other factors usually come into play, including biology, genetics, culture, and psychology.
Alcohol is metabolized in a two-stage process: it is first converted to acetaldehyde (AcH), which is then converted into acetate. AcH is being researched because it plays a role in most actions of alcohol, including damaging effects on the liver and upper airway. It also may be protective. For example, some people, particularly in Asian and possibly Jewish populations may be less likely to become alcoholic because of a genetic deficiency in AcH, which produces a build-up of acetate after drinking alcohol. Acetate is toxic and in high amounts causes to flushing, dizziness, and nausea. Individuals with this genetic factor, then, are less likely to become alcoholic
Some people with alcoholism may have inherited dysfunction in the transmission of serotonin. This is an important brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter that is important for well-being and associated behaviors (eating, relaxation, sleep). Abnormal serotonin levels are associated with high levels of tolerance for alcohol. They are also linked to impulsive and aggressive behaviors, which can predispose people to drink and also increase the risk for dangerous behaviors and suicide in alcoholics.
