Risk factors for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

A risk factor increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Sex: male
• Family members who abuse alcohol (especially men whose fathers or brothers are alcoholic)
• Starting to use alcohol at an early age (younger than 14)
• Using illicit drugs or non-medical use of prescription drugs
• Peer pressure
• Easy access to alcoholic beverages
• Psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety
• Smoking