Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease characterized by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages. It has a significant impact on a person's physical and mental health, thereby leading to many social problems.
Causes of alcoholism
Genetic and biological factors
Research shows that genetics plays an important role in how a person responds 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 are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. Consuming alcohol to manage stress or 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 alcohol consumption is generally accepted and encouraged, the risk of developing alcoholism is higher. Some people under pressure may drink large amounts of alcohol, which also increases the risk of addiction. These can be students, people who work in stressful environments, or people who face 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. The most common symptoms include:
- Increased alcohol tolerance, meaning you need to drink larger doses to get the same effect.
- The occurrence 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 nerve disorders.
Psychological symptoms
Psychological symptoms of alcoholism can include:
- Infatuation with thoughts about drinking, inability to control alcohol consumption, loss of interest in previous hobbies.
- Feelings of guilt or remorse after drinking alcohol.
- Increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems that can be made worse by alcohol consumption.
Behavioral symptoms
Behavioral signs of alcoholism include:
- Inability to perform tasks at work, college or home.
- Continue drinking alcohol even if it causes relationship problems or poor health.
- Try to hide alcohol consumption and lie 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 consumption can cause numerous illnesses and health problems, including:
- Liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Heart diseases such as: high blood pressure, heart failure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Digestive tract diseases, including gastritis and pancreatitis.
- Neurological disorders, including alcoholic polyneuropathy and alcoholic encephalopathy.
- Development of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol psychoses.
Social and professional consequences
- Family and relationship problems, including arguments, divorce and domestic violence.
- Occupational problems: reduced productivity, dismissal, loss of professional skills.
- Social isolation when close people move away from the alcoholic.
Methods to stop drinking
Quitting alcohol consumption is a complex process that requires an individual approach and expert 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 can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or narcologist.
- Hospital treatment
Inpatient treatment is necessary for severe addictions. In the hospital, the patient is under medical supervision, receives medication and works with a psychotherapist.
- Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is suitable for people with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Patients regularly visit a doctor or a support group but continue to live at home.
- Self-help groups
Alcoholics Anonymous self-help 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
Medication is helpful in quitting alcohol. Some of them reduce the desire to drink, others can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, which will help you avoid drinking. However, any medicine 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 is important to remember that there is no "right" path to sobriety. Each person may require a unique approach, and often successful treatment requires a combination of methods.
Over-the-counter medications to treat alcoholism
Although most medications used to treat alcohol addiction 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 treatment approach. However, it is important to remember that taking medications should be under the supervision of a specialist.
- Dietary supplements and vitamin complexes
Dietary supplements (BAS) and vitamin and mineral complexes can help restore the body after prolonged alcohol consumption. B vitamins, as well as magnesium and zinc, are often recommended for nervous system and general health support. A good remedy can be a drug that contains both minerals necessary for normal functioning and a vitamin complex.
- Natural remedies
Some natural remedies such as milk thistle and motherwort can be helpful in fighting alcohol addiction. They have a calming effect and can help the body deal 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 consumption, reducing consumption among those already drinking alcohol, and reducing the harm from alcohol consumption. Here are some of them:
- Education and enlightenment
Education is an important tool for preventing alcoholism. Educating people about the dangers and consequences of alcoholism can help them 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 medical professionals.
- Alcohol regulation policy
Government measures such as age restrictions on alcohol sales, alcohol taxes and advertising restrictions can help reduce public consumption of alcohol.
- Supporting a healthy lifestyle
Promoting a healthy lifestyle helps people manage stress and reduce alcohol dependence.
- Support for family and community
Family and community support plays an important role in preventing alcoholism. Family members can help people overcome stress and avoid addiction.
- Access to psychological help
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 the active participation of the entire society.
Diploma
Alcoholism is a serious illness that affects not only a person's health but also his 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 prevent the disease.
Symptoms of alcoholism vary, but it is important to know that constant and excessive alcohol consumption, difficulty controlling alcohol consumption, and a 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 members, people can recover from this addiction. Referrals to specialists, inpatient and outpatient treatment, self-help 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, early intervention, regulation of alcohol sales and advertising, promotion of healthy lifestyles, family support and access to mental health services.