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 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 affect 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 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 greater. Some people under pressure may drink alcohol in large quantities, which also increases the risk of addiction. These can be students, people who work in a stressful environment or those who are facing difficulties in their personal life.
Symptoms of alcoholism
Physical symptoms
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 have to drink higher doses to get the same effect.
- The onset of withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. These can 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 can include:
- Preoccupation with thoughts of drinking, inability to control alcohol consumption, loss of interest in former 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 fulfill obligations at work, college or home.
- Continuing to drink alcohol even if it causes relationship problems or ill 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 a number of 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 psychoses.
Social and professional consequences
- Family and relationship problems, including arguments, divorce and domestic violence.
- Professional problems: reduced productivity, dismissal, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation, when close people distance themselves from the alcoholic.
Methods to stop drinking
Stopping alcohol consumption is a complex process that requires an individual approach and professional support. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Contacting a specialist
Alcoholism treatment often begins with a consultation with a specialist who will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. It can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or narcologist.
- Hospital treatment
People with serious addictions require hospital treatment. In the hospital, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor, receives medication and works with a psychotherapist.
- Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is suitable for those dealing with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Patients regularly visit a doctor or support groups, 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 issues.
- 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 you avoid drinking. However, any medication 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 cope 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 drugs to treat alcohol addiction require a prescription, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help fight alcoholism. They can serve as an additional tool in an integrated treatment approach. However, it is important to remember that any use of medication should be under the supervision of a professional.
- 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 general health. A good medicine can be a medicine that contains minerals necessary for normal functioning and a complex of vitamins.
- Natural remedies
Some natural remedies, such as milk thistle and lemon balm, can be helpful in the fight against alcohol addiction. They have a calming effect and can help the body deal with stress while weaning off 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 alcohol use among those who already drink, and reducing the harm caused by alcohol use. Here are some of them:
- Education and enlightenment
Education is an important tool in the prevention of 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 involve short consultations with doctors or other health professionals.
- Alcohol regulation policy
Government measures such as age limits for the sale of alcohol, alcohol taxes and restrictions on advertising can help reduce public alcohol consumption.
- Supporting a healthy lifestyle
Promoting healthy lifestyles helps people cope with stress and reduce alcohol dependence.
- Family and community support
Family and community support play an important role in alcoholism prevention. 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. Prevention of this disease requires a comprehensive approach and active participation of the entire society.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects not only an individual's health, but also his social, professional and personal life. It can lead to numerous diseases, negatively affect relationships and lead to 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 are different, but it is important to know that constant and excessive drinking, difficulty in controlling consumption and a persistent desire to drink despite the negative consequences are signs of addiction.
Alcoholism treatment can be a difficult process, but with the support of professionals and family, people can recover from this addiction. Referrals, inpatient and outpatient treatment, support groups, drug therapy, and psychotherapy are just some of the tools available to combat alcoholism.
The importance of preventing alcoholism cannot be underestimated. These include education and awareness raising, early intervention, regulation of alcohol sales and advertising, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.