Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease that is characterized by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages. It has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of an individual and, as a result, leads to many social problems.
Causes of alcoholism
Genetic and biological factors
Research shows that genetics plays a significant 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 influence the risk of developing alcoholism.
Psychological factors
People with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder have a higher risk of developing alcoholism. Using alcohol to cope with stress or to relieve unpleasant feelings can lead to addiction. In addition, low self-esteem and inability to cope with stress also contribute to alcohol consumption.
Social and cultural factors
Social and cultural environment influence alcohol consumption. In communities where drinking is widely accepted and encouraged, the risk of developing alcoholism is higher. Some people under pressure may drink alcohol in large quantities, which also increases the risk of addiction. These may be students, people working in stressful environments, or those facing difficulties in their personal lives.
Symptoms of alcoholism
Physical symptoms
The physical signs of alcoholism vary depending on how often and how much a person drinks. Common symptoms include the following:
- Increased tolerance to alcohol, which means you need to drink larger doses to achieve the same effect.
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. This may include anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea and tremors.
- Deterioration in general health, including problems with the liver, pancreas, heart, and the appearance of nervous disorders.
Psychological symptoms
Psychological symptoms of alcoholism may include:
- Infatuation with thoughts about drinking, inability to control alcohol consumption, loss of interest in previous hobbies.
- Feelings of guilt or regret after drinking alcohol.
- Increased anxiety, depression and other mental problems that can be worsened by alcohol use.
Behavioral symptoms
Among the behavioral signs of alcoholism are the following:
- Inability to perform responsibilities at work, university or home.
- Continuing to drink alcohol even if it causes relationship problems or poor health.
- Attempts to hide alcohol use, lying about how much was drunk and when.
Consequences of alcoholism
Alcoholism has various consequences that can seriously affect a person's health, social relationships, professional life and financial status.
Health
Long-term alcohol use can cause numerous diseases and health problems, including:
- Liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
- Heart diseases such as: hypertension, heart failure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Diseases of the digestive tract, including gastritis and pancreatitis.
- Neurological disorders, including alcoholic polyneuropathy and alcoholic encephalopathy.
- Development of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol psychosis.
Social and professional consequences
- Family and relationship problems, including arguments, divorce and domestic violence.
- Professional problems: decreased productivity, dismissal, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation, when close people move away from the alcoholic.
Methods to stop drinking
Stopping alcohol consumption is a complex process that requires an individual approach and specialist support. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Contacting specialists
Treatment for alcoholism often begins with a consultation with a specialist who will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or narcologist.
- Hospital treatment
Inpatient treatment is required for people with serious addictions. In the hospital, the patient is under the supervision of doctors, receives medication and works with a psychotherapist.
- Ambulatory treatment
Outpatient treatment is suitable for those coping with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Patients visit a doctor or support groups on a regular basis 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 problems.
- Drug therapy
Medications are helpful in the process of quitting alcohol. Some of them reduce the desire to drink, others can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, which helps you avoid drinking. However, any medicine must be used under the supervision of a physician.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of alcoholism. It helps a person understand the causes of addiction, learn new ways to deal with stress and improve relationships with loved ones.
It's important to remember that there is no one "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 alcohol addiction treatment medications require a prescription, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help combat alcoholism. They can serve as an additional tool in an integrated approach to treatment. However, it is important to remember that any use of medications 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 commonly recommended to support the nervous system and overall health. A good remedy can be a drug that contains both minerals necessary for normal functioning and a complex of vitamins.
- Natural remedies
Some natural remedies, such as milk thistle and motherwort, may be helpful in combating alcohol addiction. They have a calming effect and can help the body cope with stress while quitting alcohol. For example, milk thistle.
Prevention of alcoholism
Alcoholism prevention includes a wide range of measures aimed at preventing the initiation of alcohol use, reducing use in those who already drink, and reducing the harm from alcohol use. Here are some of them:
- Education and enlightenment
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.
- Healthy lifestyle support
Promoting healthy lifestyles helps people cope with stress and reduce dependence on alcohol.
- Family and community support
Family and community support plays an important role in the prevention of alcoholism. Loved ones can help people overcome stress and avoid addiction.
- Access to 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. Preventing this disease requires a comprehensive approach and the active participation of the entire society.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects not only an individual's health, but also their social, professional and personal aspects of life. It can lead to numerous illnesses, negatively impact relationships and lead to financial problems. Various factors, including genetics, environment and personal circumstances, can influence the risk of developing alcoholism. Understanding this fact helps in preventing the disease.
Symptoms of alcoholism vary, but it is important to know that constant and excessive drinking, difficulty controlling consumption, and a persistent desire to drink despite negative consequences are signs of addiction.
Treating alcoholism can be a difficult process, but with support from professionals and family, people can recover from this addiction. Referral to specialists, inpatient and outpatient treatment, support groups, medication therapy and psychotherapy are just some of the available tools to combat alcoholism.
The importance of preventing alcoholism cannot be underestimated. This includes education and awareness, early intervention, regulation of the sale and advertising of alcohol, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.