Many factors are involved in the craving of alcohol. Many of these factors are from the ideas of alcohol itself. We first come to be tempted by alcohol while in our teens, and in some people even younger. Since the law forbids anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol, it then becomes the forbidden fruit. Many teens and young adults under 21 see alcohol as desirable and "cool" to both obtain and drink.

This can lead to turning to a bottle of alcohol at a later point in order to "fit in" with peers or in a social situation. As the addiction grows, they turn to booze to feel better or to escape their troubles. Since alcohol can at least temporarily make them feel better about themselves or a situation, not only their body but their mind begins to crave it.

Drinking on a regular basis becomes a matter of habit after a while and like most bad habits, it is an easy one to deny or avoid. Soon when confronted with a problem or an uncomfortable situation, you may find that bottle in your hand without any conscious thought.

Quickly the body can adjust to the steady or ever increasing levels of alcohol when consumed on a regular basis. Your body gets used to the presence of alcohol in the blood stream and will experience withdrawal symptoms when drinking is stopped. For some these symptoms are mild, for many they can be severe.

Alcohol can be extremely dangerous. One of the most common diseases associated with alcohol addiction is liver cirrhosis, which causes liver cells to die and the tissue to harden as a result of drinking. It is by no means the only danger to your health.

Drinking can also lead to heart disease, stroke, dementia and brain damage, cancer (including liver cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer in women).

Should you find yourself wanting that occasional glass of beer or wine, make smart choices. Make sure that you recognize the craving as to not let it develop to anything serious and make a conscious choice to limit yourself to only one glass, or skip it at all. Don't let your cravings or emotions cloud your judgment.

If it is that you believe you are addicted to alcohol and are unable to say no to your cravings, please seek professional help, the sooner the better. Alcohol dependency is very serious and the earlier you seek intervention, the easier it will be to break the addiction and take control over your alcohol cravings.