Introduction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is like a pestilence that indiscriminately plagues people of all races, ages, religions, and social-economic statuses. Solving this human service issue requires greater awareness of its germ, as this paper briefly explores. Alcohol use disorder is caused by various internal and external factors, demanding the infected seek help over their condition.
Main body
Causes of AUD are subsumable into two categories: internal and external factors. Internal causes of alcohol use disorder are genetics, drinking history, personality, psychological conditions, and personal choice (Juergens, 2021; Smith, 2020; Vertava Health, 2020). Researchers believe that genetic factors compile into the most significant determinant of whether a person will become an alcoholic. Having a biological parent with AUD increases the likelihood of becoming an addict, even if the child is raised by non-alcoholics – and vice versa (Juergens, 2021). Likewise, if other internal factors lean towards alcohol, especially over a stretched period, a person may become an alcoholic. External factors, which fall mainly within sociocultural and economic spheres, have equally been linked with UDI. Considerably higher family income, social settings, and cultural norms that are generally permissive of drinking likely produce alcoholics (Alcohol.org, 2019; Vertava Health, 2020). Although it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause of alcoholism, it is clear that many internal and external factors serve as raw material in the making of an alcoholic.
The Bible takes a rather disdainful stance on alcohol, perceiving it as a trial with adverse effects, requiring endurance and exploitation of the right resources to overcome. The scripture stresses the pervasiveness and indiscriminateness of alcoholism, noting that drinking blurs vision and compromises judgment (Isaiah 28:7). Moreover, Paul perceives alcohol abuse as an act of vandalism on God’s temple – the body (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). It is not surprising, then, that 1st Peter 5:8 advises people to remain sober-minded and watchful, warning that getting drunk predisposes a person to sin. Interestingly, Paul views alcoholism as a temptation that is never too great for the individual to defeat (2 Corinthians 10:14). The scriptures advise people to avoid alcohol and offer hope to those with UDI that a means of escaping is always within reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both science and religious teachings acknowledge the destructive nature of AUD. They recognize drinking as a problem that anyone can have. Regardless of causes or level, alcoholism can be defeated, a victory that begins by seeking help.
References
Alcohol.org. (2019). What are the causes of alcoholism & alcohol abuse? Web.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. Web.
Juergens, J., & Parisi, T. (2021). Causes and risk factors of alcoholism. Addiction Center. Web.
Smith, C. (2020). Causes of alcoholism. Rehab Spot. Web.
Vertava Health. (2020). Factors that influence alcohol abuse and addiction. Web.