Causes Alcoholism has a biological basis. The tendency to become alcoholic is increased if family members are alcoholic. Both men and women are four times more likely to become alcoholics if one of their parents was and ten times more likely if both parents were. Environmental factors also play a role. For example, the more a person drinks, the greater the risk.
Recovery requires lifelong changes.
This can be done through different treatments. They focus on education and are often set up in a group format. Substance abuse counselors, psychologists, social workers, etc. staff this type of treatment, which generally lasts from 6-10 weeks. Day treatment programs in which the person checks into a facility all day, but goes home at night. Individual and group therapy as well as education are provided.