Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease characterized by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages. It has a great impact on the physical and mental health of an individual and, as a result, leads to many social problems.
Causes of alcohol addiction
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 have a higher risk of developing alcohol addiction. Using alcohol to cope with stress or to relieve unpleasant feelings can lead to addiction. In addition, 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 drinking is widely accepted and encouraged, the risk of developing alcoholism is higher. Some people under stress may drink large amounts of alcohol, which also increases the risk of addiction. These may be students, people who work in a stressful environment, or those 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, which means you need to drink larger doses to achieve the same effect.
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. These 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:
- Obsession with the thought of 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 use.
Behavioral symptoms
Some of the behavioral signs of alcoholism are as follows:
- Inability to carry out 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.
As a result of alcoholism
Alcoholism has many consequences that can affect a person's health, social relationships, professional life and financial status.
Health
Long-term alcohol use can cause a variety of diseases and health problems, including:
- Liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
- Heart disease such as: hypertension, heart failure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Diseases of the digestive 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: decreased productivity, dismissal, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation, when close people stay away from the alcoholic.
Ways to stop drinking
Stopping alcohol use is a complex process that requires an individual approach and expert support. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Contact an expert
Treatment for alcoholism often begins with a consultation with a specialist who will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. This may 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 a doctor, receives medication and works with a psychotherapist.
- Ambulatory treatment
Outpatient treatment is suitable for those facing mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Patients visit doctors or support groups regularly but continue to live at home.
- Support group
Alcoholics Anonymous support groups can help in dealing with alcoholism. They offer meetings where people share their stories and find support from others facing similar problems.
- Drug therapy
Medicines help in the process of quitting alcohol. Some of them reduce the desire to drink, others can cause an unpleasant reaction to alcohol, which helps you avoid drinking. However, any medication must 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 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 medications for the treatment of alcoholism
Although most alcoholism 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 drugs should be under the supervision of a specialist.
- Food supplements and vitamin complexes
Food 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 medicine can be a medicine that contains both the minerals necessary for normal functioning and a vitamin complex.
- Natural medicine
Some natural remedies, such as milk thistle and motherwort, may help in the fight against alcoholism. They have a calming effect and can help the body cope with stress during alcohol withdrawal. For example, milk thistle.
Prevention of alcoholism
Alcoholism prevention includes various measures aimed at preventing the initiation of alcohol use, reducing consumption in those who already drink, and reducing harm from alcohol use. Here are some of them:
- Education and enlightenment
Education is an important tool in preventing alcohol addiction. 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 started drinking but have not yet developed addiction. This may include a brief consultation with a doctor or other health care professional.
- Alcohol regulation policy
Government measures such as age restrictions on alcohol sales, alcohol taxes and advertising restrictions can help reduce public alcohol consumption.
- Healthy lifestyle support
Promoting a healthy lifestyle helps people cope with stress and reduce dependence on alcohol.
- Family and community support
Family and community support play an important role in alcoholism prevention. Loved ones can help people cope with 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 attack anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status. Preventing this disease requires a comprehensive approach and the active participation of the entire community.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects not only the health of individuals, but also the social, professional and personal aspects of their lives. It can lead to various diseases, negatively affect 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 this disease.
The symptoms of alcoholism vary, but it is important to know that continuous and excessive drinking, difficulty controlling consumption, and a persistent desire to drink despite negative consequences are signs of addiction.
Treating alcohol addiction can be a difficult process, but with support from professionals and family, people can recover from this addiction. Referrals to specialists, inpatient and outpatient treatment, support groups, drug therapy and psychotherapy are just some of the tools available to combat alcoholism.
The importance of preventing alcohol addiction cannot be underestimated. These include education and awareness, early intervention, regulation of alcohol sales and advertising, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.