Alcoholism
The biological mechanisms that cause alcoholism are not well understood. Social environment, stress, mental health, family history, age, ethnic group, and gender all influence the risk for the condition. Consuming large amounts of alcohol produces changes in the brain's structure and chemistry. Some changes occur very early, even when small amountas of alcohol are consumed, in a short time. Examples are tolerance and physical dependence. Because of the changes, it is very difficult for an alcoholic to stop drinking, as this would result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome if the person stops. Alcohol damages almost every organ in the body, including the brain. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause both medical and psychiatric problems.