Nature vs. Nurture: What Is the True Cause of Alcoholism?

Finding the root cause of an addiction can lead to some troubling answers. This is the main purpose of the nature vs nurture argument that explores how alcoholism develops. Although it varies among individuals, there are some noticeable similarities that are worth exploring.

A Hard Pill to Swallow

Things get really heavy when you’re looking at a lengthy stay at an intensive outpatient program for alcoholism. Instead of looking at the positive parts of treatment, you become obsessed with the required work ahead. A lot has to be done in order to put you in the best position for success. That means patience, hard work and the right attitude to get things done. If you are having second thoughts about treatment, take a long look at the cause of your alcoholism. Some of the things that are uncovered will point to problems that are still waiting to be addressed.

Genetics

Genetics has been brought up as a possible root of alcoholism. When discussed in this context, it is not being said that nature is the sole reason that an individual becomes alcoholic. Instead, nature can make a person predisposed to alcoholism and that type of lifestyle. It means that a person that has a family history of drinking will be more likely to fall into the same habits. Depending on other factors, the nature and nurture parts of this discussion begin to blend together. There are also the stories of individuals that have a clean family history but still manage to succumb to alcohol use disorder.

Environment

When you take away the nature side of alcoholism, the nurture begins to look just as relevant. The environment that an individual grows up in plays a major role in the progression of alcohol use disorder. This includes family dynamics, peer pressure, upbringing, stress and the availability of alcohol. Having a close group of friends that always want to hang out at the local bar can lead to bad habits. This type of environmental behavior hits really hard as cultural and societal norms become a mandatory routine. Instead of being able to pick and choose how you spend free time, every day feels like a task that needs to be completed. Before you recognize the cues, the environment has completely changed your personality. Addiction based on nurture factors are real, and there are plenty of stories that follow individuals slowly spiraling out of control.

The Complexity of Nature Versus Nurture

There is a pretty profound interaction between nature and nurture when it comes to addiction. Despite the complexity, both of these can contribute to the root of alcoholism. Your environment can make drinking seem like a way to comfortably relieve stress. And a family that is used to alcohol consumption can make you forget any personal limits you have on drinking. Self-control is the way to manage both of these factors, as well as an understanding of when you need to talk to a professional.

A Way Out

There is more than one way to approach alcohol treatment. There is always a way out, but the choice you make for treatment requires a full commitment. Make the first step to transitioning into sobriety by believing that there is a better way to live.