Alcoholism is by no means easy to understand and there are many factors that influence an individual’s chances of choosing to drink. Raising their risk of alcohol dependency. Factors such as genetics, family behaviour, upset, impulsivity, sex and brain circuitry all play an important role. However there are also other factors that play a role. Such as pressure from friends and more current enquiries have now suggested that geography, where you live, may also have an impact.
Ease of Access
Scholars looking at alcohol dependency investigated the issue of how close one lives to alcohol venders such as bars, clubs and liquor stores and the relation of this to unnecessary alcohol use and risk of alcoholism. Their conclusions revealed that people who live close to bars, clubs etc. Are considerably more likely to partake in hazardous drinking behaviour. There are multiple potential reasons for these findings. The scholars suggest that ease of access is the prominent reason and that being able to walk to a place that sells alcohol further increases the possibility. This reduces need for transport or having to consider driving. Which would normally reduce the potential of someone buying or drinking alcohol.
Complex Disorder
These results are thought-provoking as it helps further demonstrate that alcohol consumption is a very complex disorder. There are many issues that need to be addressed. For example, someone who develops alcoholism and drinks excessively due in part because they live close to a bar. They need to address this at a residential alcohol program and decide whether they can continue to live close to a bar.
There are likely to be other issues at work as well. It may be that simply moving away from temptation is a good step to take to help regain control over the situation. The findings from this study help show that when an individual is suffering from alcoholism. It is important that they consider all possible factors to help them gain a real understanding of their behaviour. Help them to change their behaviour to help control their urge to drink.
Deeply Rooted Reasons
Clearly where one lives is not the root of alcoholism. The real and more deeply rooted reasons that the substance abuse stems from need to be examined and overcome. The most effective way in which one can overcome alcoholism is from a long-term 12 step rehabilitation facility where trained councillors, therapists and doctors are there to help every step of the way as there is both a mental and physical side to addiction.
Once the addict has tackled these problems it will also be incredibly helpful to acknowledge the above findings from recent research on geography and alcoholism. If you or you know anyone who suffers from alcohol abuse it is important to acknowledge all aspects of the disease. To seek help as quickly as possible so as to get back on the path of recovery . Go back to the person they were before alcohol took over their lives.