There are many risk factors that can increase the likelihood that someone will become an alcoholic.  Steady drinking over time can increase the chance of physical dependence on alcohol.  Men that drink in excess of 15 drinks a week and women that drink 12 or more drinks a week are at risk for developing dependence.  Drinking is itself is only one of the many risk factors of alcoholism; some of the other risk factors are:

Age – Those who start drinking at an early age (16 or earlier) are at a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence or abuse.

Genetics / Family History – Your genetics / family history may increase or decrease the chance that you become an alcoholic.

Gender – Men are more likely to become alcohol dependent than women are.

Emotional State – Having severe depression or aniexty increases the chance of abusing alcohol; adults that are diagnoised with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also have a greater risk of developing alcoholism.