The multicausal model of drug abuse takes into account the social and individual causes of addiction, both remote and immediate, that lead to a willingness to use drugs, drug consumption and the social and individual consequences. The reason why someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol is different for everyone. Some are genetically predisposed, some learn it from their environment (family or friends), and still others use it to avoid a trauma they have experienced. The case history describes a client who had both social and individual causes for her alcohol use and subsequent addiction. From an individual perspective, the client experienced child abuse, which resulted in feelings of fear and sadness and a desire to avoid these emotions. . Socially, she came from a family of alcoholics which allowed her to be very available. There was also the pressure to keep up appearances due to her mother's status in society. The initial individual consequences of the client's drinking became reinforced. She felt invincible, warm, and it helped her avoid the thoughts that came to her mind. All was right in the world as long as she was intoxicated. After long-term use, the consequences were unpleasant. She neglected her children and was unable to maintain a romantic relationship. His excessive drinking embarrassed his family. It seems that alcohol did not provide the same relief, which led her to find ways to drink more (i.e. make herself sick). After years of drinking, she had entered a neuroadaptive state where tolerance led to an increased craving for alcohol. This condition also explains the extreme withdrawal symptoms she experienced when she stopped drinking. Just as there are many patterns and causes of abuse, there are also many theories about addiction...... middle of article ......ence of alcoholism. Similarly, a family history of alcohol could be a genetic factor in the client's drinking problem, as could acceptance of alcohol as an avoidance tool. This client was given alcohol at age 6 by her teenage sister to numb her pain. We don't know why his sister started drinking, but we can assume that the practice is not generally frowned upon since underage drinking seems to be a norm in this family unit. As illustrated, the addiction model and the theories behind addiction are varied. There is no concrete reason why a person who drinks should become addicted to alcohol compared to someone who does not drink. Several factors contribute to why a person starts drinking and why they continue to do so despite reasons to stop. Case history shows a client with numerous risk factors associated with alcohol use and dependence..