By Mayo Clinic staff
Steady drinking over time can produce a physical dependence on alcohol. Drinking more than 15 drinks a week for men or 12 drinks a week for women increases the risk of developing dependence on alcohol. However, drinking by itself is just one of the risk factors that contribute to alcoholism. Other risk factors include:
Age. People who begin drinking at an early age — by age 16 or earlier — are at a higher risk of alcohol dependence or abuse.
Genetics. Your genetic makeup may increase your risk of alcohol dependency.
Sex. Men are more likely to become dependent on or abuse alcohol than are women.
Family history. The risk of alcoholism is higher for people who had a parent or parents who abused alcohol.
Emotional disorders. Being severely depressed or having anxiety places you at a greater risk of abusing alcohol. Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also may be more likely to become dependent on alcohol.
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