Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease characterized by uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. It significantly affects the physical and mental health of a person and eventually leads to many social problems.
Causes of alcoholism
Genetic and biological factors
Research shows that genetics play an important role in how a person reacts to alcohol. Some genes can increase sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing addiction. Biological factors such as age, gender, and general health also affect the risk of developing alcoholism.
Psychological factors
People with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. Using alcohol to cope with stress or relieve unpleasant feelings can lead to addiction. In addition, low self-esteem and inability to cope with stress also lead to alcohol consumption.
Social and cultural factors
Social and cultural environment influences alcohol consumption. The risk of developing alcoholism is higher in communities where drinking is widely accepted and encouraged. Some people under pressure may drink large amounts of alcohol, which increases the risk of addiction. These can be students, people working in stressful environments, or those struggling in their personal lives.
Symptoms of alcoholism
Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms of alcoholism vary depending on how often and how much a person drinks. Common symptoms include:
- An increase in alcohol tolerance, that is, to achieve the same effect, you need to drink larger doses.
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. This can be anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea and tremors.
- Deterioration of general health, including the appearance of liver, pancreas, heart problems and nervous disorders.
Psychological symptoms
Psychological symptoms of alcoholism may include:
- Falling in love with thoughts about drinking, not being able to control alcohol consumption, losing interest in previous hobbies.
- Feelings of guilt or remorse after drinking alcohol.
- Increased anxiety, depression and other mental problems that can be worsened by alcohol use.
Behavioral signs
Behavioral signs of alcoholism include:
- Inability to perform tasks at work, university or home.
- Continuing to drink alcohol even if it causes relationship problems or poor health.
- Tries to hide alcohol use, lies about how much and when drunk.
Consequences of alcoholism
Alcoholism has a variety of consequences that can seriously affect a person's health, social relationships, professional life, and financial situation.
Health
Long-term alcohol use can cause numerous diseases and health problems, including:
- Liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
- Heart diseases, for example: hypertension, heart failure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastritis and pancreatitis.
- Neurological disorders including alcoholic polyneuropathy and alcoholic encephalopathy.
- The development of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and alcoholic psychosis.
Social and professional consequences
- Family and relationship problems, including arguments, divorce and domestic violence.
- Professional problems: decrease in productivity, dismissal, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation, when close people withdraw from alcohol.
Ways to stop drinking
Stopping alcohol consumption is a complex process that requires an individual approach and expert support. Some of the most common methods are:
- Contact with experts
Alcoholism treatment often begins with a consultation with a specialist who will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or narcologist.
- Hospital treatment
Inpatient treatment is required for people with severe addiction. In the hospital, the patient is under the supervision of doctors, receives medication and works with a psychotherapist.
- Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is suitable for those struggling with mild to moderate alcohol addiction. Patients visit the doctor or support groups regularly but continue to live at home.
- Support groups
Alcoholics Anonymous support groups can be helpful in dealing with alcoholism. They offer meetings where people share their stories and find support from others facing similar challenges.
- Drug therapy
Medicines help in the process of withdrawal from alcohol. Some of them reduce the desire to drink, others can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, which helps to avoid drinking. But any medicine should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of alcoholism. It helps a person understand the causes of addiction, learn new ways to cope with stress and improve relationships with loved ones.
It's important to remember that there is no "right" path to sobriety. Each person may require a unique approach, and often successful treatment involves a combination of different methods.
Over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of alcoholism
Although most drugs for the treatment of alcohol addiction require a prescription, there are some over-the-counter drugs that can help in the fight against alcoholism. They can serve as an additional tool in an integrated approach to treatment. However, it should be remembered that the use of any drug should be under the supervision of a specialist.
- Dietary supplements and vitamin complexes
Dietary supplements (BAS), as well as vitamin and mineral complexes, can help restore the body after prolonged alcohol consumption. B vitamins, as well as magnesium and zinc, are generally recommended to support the nervous system and general health. A good remedy can be a medicine that contains both minerals and a complex of vitamins necessary for normal functioning.
- Natural remedies
Some natural remedies like milk thistle and motherwort can be helpful in fighting alcohol addiction. They have a calming effect and can help the body cope with stress while giving up alcohol. For example, milk thistle.
Prevention of alcoholism
Alcoholism prevention encompasses a wide range of measures aimed at preventing the initiation of alcohol use, reducing use in heavy drinkers, and reducing the harm of alcohol use. Here are some of them:
- Education and awareness
Education is an important tool in preventing alcoholism. Educating people about the dangers and consequences of alcoholism can help people think about the consequences.
- Early Intervention
Early intervention involves identifying and treating people who have already started drinking but have not yet developed an addiction. This may include brief consultations with doctors or other healthcare professionals.
- Alcohol regulation policy
Government measures such as age restrictions on alcohol sales, alcohol taxes and advertising restrictions can help reduce alcohol consumption at the public level.
- Support for a healthy lifestyle
Promoting a healthy lifestyle helps people cope with stress and reduce alcohol dependence.
- Family and community support
Family and community support play an important role in preventing alcoholism. Loved ones can help people relieve stress and avoid addiction.
- Possibility to get psychological help
Providing access to mental health support for those who need it can help people manage their emotions and cope with stress.
Alcoholism is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status. Prevention of this disease requires a complex approach and active participation of the whole society.
The result
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects not only the health of an individual, but also the social, professional and personal aspects of his life. It can cause numerous diseases, negatively affect relationships and cause financial problems. A variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and personal circumstances, can affect the risk of developing alcoholism. Understanding this fact helps prevent disease.
The symptoms of alcoholism vary, but it is important to know that constant and excessive drinking, difficulty in controlling consumption, and the desire to continue drinking despite negative consequences are signs of addiction.
Alcoholism treatment can be a difficult process, but with the support of professionals and family, people can overcome this addiction. Referral to specialists, inpatient and outpatient treatment, support groups, medication, and psychotherapy are just a few of the tools available to combat alcoholism.
The importance of preventing alcoholism cannot be overstated. This includes education and training, early intervention, regulation of alcohol sales and advertising, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.