Childhood Experiences:- Traumatic events during childhood, eg. sexual abuse, may be linked with development of alcohol problems in later life (- along with other psychological problems such as depression and anxiety).

Genetic Factors:- Increasing evidence suggests that genetic factors may account for an increased susceptibility to develop alcohol dependency / alcohol - related problems. Research findings are stronger for males.

Occupation:- A higher incidence of alcohol problems is found in certain occupations egs. publicans, restaurateurs, soldiers, building workers, journalists, chefs, etc. These occupations are often associated with heavy drinking work cultures, workplace stress, job insecurity and ready access to alcohol. Self-selection may also be aetiologically important.

Personality Factors:- The concept of the addictive personality is now largely discredited - tho' factors such as poor impulse control, low boredom threshold and "thrill / novelty-seeking" may be relevant in some cases. Research is often complicated by the fact that long-term heavy drinking can cause frontal lobe (brain) damage and thereby influence personality development.

Psychological Problems:- Alcohol problems are frequently associated with anxiety problems and low mood / depression. Alcohol offers rapid relief for these problems tho' in the long term usually exacerbates these difficulties.

Significant Life Events:- Heavy drinking is often precipitated by events such as relationship breakdown, redundancy, divorce, bereavement, etc.

Role Modelling:- The Presence of a respected heavy drinking parent or family member may influence the drinking pattern of offspring. Peer influences during young adulthood can also be important in shaping a pattern of heavy drinking.

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