Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease 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 play a big 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, sex, 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 are at greater risk of developing alcoholism. Using alcohol to cope with stress or relieve unpleasant feelings can lead to addiction. Additionally, low self-esteem and the inability to cope with stress also contribute to alcohol consumption.
Social and cultural factors
The social and cultural environment influences alcohol consumption. In communities where alcohol consumption 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. They may be students, people who work in stressful environments, or people who are 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, meaning you need to drink larger doses to achieve the same effect.
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms when stopping drinking alcohol. This may include anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, and tremors.
- Deterioration of general health, including problems with the liver, pancreas, heart and the appearance of nervous disorders.
Psychological symptoms
Psychological symptoms of alcoholism may include:
- Falling in love 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 made worse by alcohol consumption.
Behavioral symptoms
Behavioral signs of alcoholism include:
- Inability to carry out responsibilities at work, university or home.
- Continue drinking alcohol even if it causes relationship problems or poor health.
- Attempts to hide alcohol consumption, lying about how much and when was drunk.
Consequences of alcoholism
Alcoholism has various consequences that can seriously affect a person's health, social relationships, professional life and financial situation.
Health
Prolonged alcohol consumption can cause numerous diseases and health problems, including:
- Liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
- 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 alcoholic psychosis.
Social and professional consequences.
- Family and relationship problems, including arguments, divorce, and domestic violence.
- Professional problems: decreased productivity, layoffs, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation, when close people distance themselves from the alcoholic.
Methods to stop drinking
Quitting alcohol is a complex process that requires an individual approach and specialist support. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Contacting specialists
Alcoholism treatment usually begins with a consultation with a specialist who will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or narcologist.
- Hospital treatment
Hospital 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.
- Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is appropriate for those with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Patients visit a 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 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 to avoid drinking. However, any medication 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 deal 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 successful treatment often involves a combination of different methods.
Over-the-counter medications 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 must be carried out 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 vitamin complex.
- Natural medicine
Some natural remedies, such as milk thistle and motherwort, can be helpful in combating alcohol addiction. They have a calming effect and can help the body cope with stress while giving up alcohol. For example, milk thistle.
Alcoholism prevention
Alcoholism prevention includes a wide range of measures aimed at preventing the initiation of alcohol consumption, reducing consumption in those who already drink, and reducing the harm caused by alcohol consumption. Here are some of them:
- Education and enlightenment
Education is an important tool to prevent alcoholism. Educating people about the dangers and consequences of alcoholism can help them think about the consequences.
- Rapid 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 health professionals.
- Alcohol regulation policy
Government measures, such as age restrictions on alcohol sales, alcohol taxes, and advertising restrictions, can help reduce public alcohol consumption.
- Support for a healthy lifestyle
Promoting healthy lifestyles helps people cope with stress and reduce alcohol dependence.
- Family and community support.
Family and community support plays an important role in preventing alcoholism. Loved ones can help people overcome stress and avoid addiction.
- Access to psychological help
Providing access to mental health support to 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, sex or social status. The prevention of this disease requires a comprehensive approach and the active participation of the entire society.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a serious illness that affects not only the health of an individual, but also their social, professional and personal aspects of life. It can cause numerous illnesses, negatively affect relationships, and cause financial problems. Several factors, including genetics, environment, and personal circumstances, can influence the risk of developing alcoholism. Understanding this fact helps prevent the disease.
The symptoms of alcoholism vary, but it is important to know that constant and excessive alcohol consumption, difficulty controlling consumption, and persistent desire to drink despite negative consequences are signs of addiction.
Treating alcoholism can be a difficult process, but with the support of 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 tools available to combat alcoholism.
The importance of preventing alcoholism cannot be underestimated. This includes education and awareness, early intervention, regulation of alcohol sales and advertising, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.