Addiction is an overused word.  So is alcoholism.  Here is a site that I think will be a good starting point for anyone that really wants to look at the causes of addiction from a Neurochemical point of view.

http://www.utexas.edu/research/asrec/alcoholfacts.html

Now, before you click that link or paste it to your browser, please take a moment to CLEAR YOUR MIND of pre-existing views on drugs and alcohol.  Remove, at least for now, the stench of Gin on Aunt Calpurnia's breath at Sunday Brunch or the glazed over look of your older brother zoning out to Quaaludes and Ummagumma.  We're not looking at morals or ethics or willpower or society or anything else.  Just neurochemical reasons for addiction.  This means, "Well, Uncle Joe should just have more control over his drinking" statements simply do not apply.

Happy reading!

PRH