Signs of alcohol addiction

The signs of alcohol addiction are well studied and are no secret.

We have tried to briefly describe all the signs of alcohol addiction and answer basic questions.

How can you tell if someone just likes to drink or if they have signs of alcohol addiction?Is there a line between “recreational” alcohol consumption and alcohol addiction?

What are the signs of alcohol addiction?

1. Craving for alcohol.This can manifest itself by the emergence of reasons for drinking that were not previously observed.In anticipation of a drink, the mood improves, the person is excited and full of enthusiasm.There may be supplies of beer, wine and vodka at home.
2. Anything related to drinking alcoholic beverages is jealously guarded and defended.Alcoholic friends gain authority and respect.A list of excuses for your own drunkenness appears.Life values change, moral principles are restructured.Criticism of one's own behavior disappears.
3. Loss of control over alcohol dosage.An alcoholic cannot limit his drinking;He is unable to stop taking small doses.Once he starts drinking, he drinks every drop (or until he passes out).
4. No vomiting when drinking large amounts of alcohol.The gag reflex is the body's defense against alcohol poisoning.In drunkards this reflex disappears.
5. Changes in tolerance (susceptibility) to alcohol.In the first stages of alcoholism it increases (the person drinks a lot and does not get drunk), over time it decreases and the alcoholic becomes drunk from smaller doses of strong drinks.
6. Drinking regularly.It is believed that someone who rarely drinks is not an alcoholic.Meanwhile, regular consumption of beer, wine, cognac or vodka, even once a week, is already a cause for concern.If this occurs frequently, it can be referred to as alcoholism.

How to recognize signs of alcohol addiction in yourself?

• Try to answer some questions honestly.
• Have you started drinking more often?Drink alone?Do you secretly drink from everyone?
• Are you looking forward to the upcoming holidays or weekends when you can drink alcohol?
• Does your character change when you are sober and drunk (ask your relatives and friends about this)?
• Does drinking alcohol lead to temporal and spatial disorientation?Do you experience memory lapses in the morning after a feast?
• Have you ever had withdrawal symptoms?
• Does the thought of having to give up alcohol make you angry?
• Can you reduce the amount you drink?
• Have you ever had a binge drink?
• Have you ever had problems at home or at work because of alcohol consumption?
• Has your appearance changed recently?Do you care about your clothes, hairstyle, appearance?
• Are you worried about your heart, liver or stomach?

Positive answers to the above questions are a signal that you need to seriously think about solving the problem of alcoholism.

Reasons for drinking alcohol

You've probably heard the expression "Let's have a drink and warm up" more than once.In everyday life, it is believed that alcohol is a good way to warm the body.It is not for nothing that alcohol is often referred to as a “strong drink”.Doctors, on the other hand, are of the opinion that an ulcer patient should definitely not drink alcohol.Where is the truth?Because small doses of alcohol really stimulate the appetite.Or another popular belief among people: alcohol excites, invigorates, improves mood, well-being, makes conversations more lively and interesting, which is important for a group of young people.It is not for nothing that alcohol is drunk “for tiredness”, when feeling unwell and at almost all celebrations.One of the medical congresses adopted a resolution on the dangers of alcohol: "... there is not a single organ in the human body that is not exposed to the destructive action of alcohol; alcohol has no effect that cannot be achieved by another remedy that acts more usefully, safely and reliably; there is no condition so painful that it is necessary to prescribe alcohol for a long time."Therefore, talking about the benefits of alcohol is a common misconception.Take for example the obvious fact - the appetite stimulation after a glass of vodka or wine.However, this is only the case for a short time as the “ignition juice” is created by the alcohol.In the future, consuming alcohol, including beer, will only harm digestion.

alcohol

Alcohol paralyzes the function of such important organs as the liver and pancreas.The need for alcohol is not one of the natural needs of a person's life, such as the need for oxygen or food, and therefore alcohol itself has no motivating power for a person.This need, like some other human “needs” (for example, smoking), arises because society, firstly, produces this product and, secondly, “reproduces” the customs, forms, habits and prejudices associated with its consumption.Of course, not everyone has these habits to the same extent.

The effect of alcohol on the human body

Alcohol from the stomach enters the bloodstream two minutes after consumption.The blood carries it to all cells in the body.The cells in the cerebral hemispheres are particularly affected.A person's conditioned reflex activity deteriorates, the formation of complex movements slows down, and the ratio of excitation and inhibition processes in the central nervous system changes.Under the influence of alcohol, voluntary movements are impaired and a person loses the ability to control himself.

The effect of alcohol on the nervous system

Due to the peculiarities of its effect on the nervous system, signs of alcohol addiction begin to form.The penetration of alcohol into the cells of the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex frees a person's emotions, unjustified joy, stupid laughter and easy judgment appear.After increasing excitement in the cerebral cortex, there is a strong weakening of the inhibitory processes.The cortex no longer controls the work of the lower parts of the brain.A person loses his reserve and modesty, he says and does things that he would never say or do if he were sober.Each new portion of alcohol increasingly paralyzes the higher nerve centers, as if connecting them and not interfering with the activity of the lower parts of the brain: coordination of movements is disrupted, for example, eye movement (objects begin to double in size), and an awkward, staggering gait appears.Disturbances in the nervous system and internal organs are observed with any consumption of alcohol: one-time, episodic and systematic.

Where does drunkenness begin?

The need for alcohol is not one of a person's natural life needs, such as the need for water or food, and therefore alcohol itself has no motivating power for a person.So what is the reason for drinking alcohol?

Before the age of 11, the first acquaintance with alcohol occurs either by chance, or it is given “for the appetite”, “spoiled” with wine, or the child tries alcohol himself out of curiosity (a motive that is especially characteristic of boys).In older age, traditional reasons for alcohol consumption become the first motive: “vacation”, “family celebration”, “guests”, etc.

At the age of 14-15, reasons such as “it was inconvenient to lag behind the boys”, “friends persuaded me”, “for company”, “for courage”, etc. appear. All these groups of motives for the first contact with alcohol characterize boys.The second, “traditional” group of motifs is particularly typical for girls.Usually this happens with an “innocent” drink, so to speak, in honor of a birthday or other celebration.And although this happens with the consent of the parents, it is still dangerous to introduce children to wine in the family circle.Because once you touch alcohol, the psychological barrier is removed and the teenager considers himself entitled to drink with friends or even alone if such an opportunity arises.No wonder people say, “Rivers begin with a stream and drunkenness begins with a glass.”

Alcohol is a common topic for people who are unfamiliar with it.A company has gathered, everyone is somewhat restricted.They've been drinking - you see, they're laughing, dancing, getting to know each other, having fun.Gradually, alcohol becomes an indispensable feature of communication.Alcohol quickly and easily creates the illusion of psychological security and a problem-free existence.People get used to this illusory way of solving problems and increasingly switch from real actions to retreating into an alcoholic fog.

Where is the line?

An alcoholic is a person who suffers from alcoholism.Before the disease develops, there is usually a more or less long phase of episodic alcohol consumption.This period is known in medicine as the period of alcoholization.The onset of the disease is considered to be the transition to systematic, daily alcohol consumption.The answers to the following questions will help you determine the degree of predisposition to alcoholism.Try to answer them honestly.

1. Have I already tried to limit my alcohol consumption several times?
2. Do I have any regrets because I drink?
3. Do I drink alcohol in the morning to relieve a hangover?
4. Do I find it difficult to tolerate criticism from my work colleagues and family about my alcohol consumption?

If you answered “yes” to at least two questions, you are at risk and should take appropriate action as soon as possible.

Signs of alcohol addiction are a disease

There is a legitimate question that is easy to ask when looking at a person addicted to alcohol from the outside: "If you have signs of alcohol dependence and a drinking problem, then why don't you just stop drinking? Stop - that's all."The first obvious answer: “There is no such thing as willpower” is wrong.Not only weak-willed, weak-willed people suffer from alcoholism and cannot stop, but also those who succeed, cope with problems and win.The point is not that the will is weak, but that the enemy is strong.Alcoholism is a serious chronic disease that is difficult to cure in most cases.It arises on the basis of regular and long-term alcohol consumption and is characterized by a special pathological condition of the body: an uncontrollable craving for alcohol, a change in the level of tolerance and a deterioration in personality.Alcoholism develops according to this pattern:

Initial phase: intoxication with memory loss, “darkness”.A person constantly thinks about alcohol, it seems to him that he has not drunk enough, he drinks for future use and develops a craving for alcohol.However, he remains conscious of his guilt and avoids talking about his desire for alcohol.

Critical phase: loss of self-control after the first sip of alcohol.The desire to find an excuse for his drinking, resistance to all attempts to prevent his drinking.A person develops arrogance and aggressiveness.He blames others for his problems.He starts drinking and random drinking buddies become his friends.He has to give up his regular job and loses interest in everything that doesn't involve alcohol.

Chronic phase: daily hangover, personality decline, memory loss, confusion of thoughts.A person drinks alcohol substitutes, technical fluids and cologne.He develops unfounded fears, delirium tremens and other alcohol-related psychoses.One of the characteristic complications of binge drinking is delirium tremens.Delirium tremens is the most common alcohol psychosis.It usually occurs in a hangover state when the drunk develops unexplained anxiety, insomnia, shaking hands, nightmares (chases, attacks, etc.), auditory and visual illusions in the form of sounds, bells and the movement of shadows.The symptoms of delirium tremens are particularly pronounced at night.The patient begins to have vivid experiences of a frightening nature.For example, there seems to be a conspiracy against the drunkard.Since he sees no way out of this situation, he could commit suicide.

Alcohol and people

Signs of alcohol addiction and the effects of alcohol on a person are immediately apparent.And if you ask people who drink how often they drink, most will say it's not regularly.But even after drinking alcohol once, people have a restless night and get up in the morning feeling broken, with a swollen face and an aching head.The working day usually turns out to be ruined, and if a person's work is associated with machinery, for example, with a machine tool or a car, keep in mind that on this day there is a greatly increased risk of an accident or even a catastrophe.In mental workers, after drinking alcohol, thought processes are significantly impaired, the speed and accuracy of calculations decreases, and the work, as they say, falls out of their hands.Even after irregular, accidental alcohol consumption, serious problems occur in the body that indicate serious poisoning.When alcohol consumption becomes systematic, a person drinks for some reason and looks for a reason to get drunk, this is already called household drunkenness.For a drunkard, the significance of the celebratory event does not matter;He doesn't care if others approve of his behavior.During this period of introduction to alcohol, the drinker's attitude towards others, towards generally accepted and acceptable norms of behavior, changes significantly.Signs of alcohol addiction are actively forming.For a drunkard, his closest confidants are his drinking buddies, even if this is their first time sitting at the same table.The time, place and environment in which people drink is becoming less important.The difference between occasional drinking and drunkenness lies not only in the amount drunk at once, but also in the psychological attitude of the drinker.In the first case, a person celebrates a solemn or significant event, and in the second, he drinks just to get intoxicated.Stopping a person from drinking in a timely manner will prevent him from falling and developing alcoholism.

What does it mean to have a chronic illness?

This means that the signs of alcohol addiction and the metabolic changes that systematic alcohol consumption brings to the body are difficult to reverse.This.For the rest of your life, the body remains “ready” to reabsorb the overall picture at the first ingestion of alcohol in the body.Signs of alcohol addiction return quickly, even if this happens many years or even decades after you stop drinking alcohol.

Can alcoholism be cured?

Nope.No – under the aspect that it will never be possible to resume “cultural drinking”.The brain's metabolic processes are disrupted and the normal response to alcohol is never restored.Any consumption of alcohol will inevitably lead to a breakdown immediately or some time later.If metabolic disorders occur, remember that your barrel or tank is drunk.Even long-term abstinence does not allow you to count on the fact that “the body is cleansed” and you can drink culturally.

Yes - in the sense that even with severe alcoholism, complete and indefinite abstinence from alcohol is possible.A person is not just a physical body.And his psyche consists not only of what the illness brought with it, but also contains unused resources.Man is characterized by higher moral feelings - love, the desire for beauty and harmony.After long and difficult work on himself (with help, of course) and psychological and spiritual development, a person is able to change his attitude towards alcohol and give it up forever.But of course we can only speak of absolute sobriety.To drink or not to drink – alcoholism leaves no third option.With their own unwavering determination, even the most critically ill patients can achieve amazing results with medical help.

What to do if the patient does not agree to the treatment?

If there are signs of alcohol dependence, it is important to constantly try to convince the patient of the need for therapy.It requires the joint effort of all people important and interested in the patient (relatives, friends, spouses, employees, teachers, etc.).There is a specifically designed method of encouraging an alcoholic to seek help called an “intervention.”Each of the intervention participants (parent, spouse, child, boss) tries to help the patient recognize the presence of a problem by reporting on the changes in him and his life caused by alcohol consumption.When the desired result is achieved, they offer a solution - treatment in a specific medical institution, a rehabilitation program.This method often requires the involvement of a psychotherapist who coordinates and doses the actors' efforts.

Is it possible to treat a patient without his consent?

In our country, assistance to patients with alcoholism is regulated by the law of our country “On psychiatric care for the population and the rights of citizens in its provision.”According to the law, treatment of a patient with drug addiction, substance abuse or alcoholism is carried out on the basis of his voluntary consent.Treatment without the patient's consent is carried out only by court order, when the citizen is held criminally liable.

As already mentioned, alcoholism is a disease and, like any disease, requires thorough and long-term treatment.Appeals to dubious “specialists” who treat alcoholism “by photo”, “without the patient's knowledge”, are, firstly, a waste of time and, secondly, make the patient believe that this disease is incurable.

What does it mean to help a patient overcome?

Such help consists of several phases.First, the patient needs help during the “abstinence” period.This problem is usually solved by doctors, preferably in a drug or psychiatric clinic.After 5-10 days, the so-called post-withdrawal phase begins, which lasts up to 1.5 months.There are two approaches to treating patients at this stage.

The first is to continue the patient's drug treatment to stabilize his mental and physical state: improving mood, restoring sleep, relieving strong cravings for alcohol (so-called cravings) and correcting behavioral disorders.It is recommended that the patient be isolated from their usual surroundings and stay in a hospital during this time.

Another approach to treating patients in the post-abstinence period has a psychotherapeutic focus and involves directly involving the patient in one or another rehabilitation program with psychotherapeutic management, including in a hospital or a rehabilitation center.

The third stage is rehabilitation.It usually takes place on an outpatient basis.Patients continue to work on the chosen program and attend psychotherapeutic groups or support groups.The goal of rehabilitation is to teach a patient with alcoholism to live without alcohol.

Is it possible to stop drinking at home?

It is preferable to treat the patient at the stage of alcohol withdrawal in a medical hospital under round-the-clock medical supervision.Home care only worsens the course of the disease.Not only does the disease become more severe, but serious comorbidities also develop.In addition, it becomes significantly more difficult to convince the patient of a fully-fledged therapy.

How can you “code”?

As already mentioned, the power of alcohol addiction is very great.The attraction to its use often exceeds even the fear of mortal danger.Programming doesn't help everyone stick with it for a while.It cannot be considered an independent method of treating patients with alcoholism.Rather, it saves some patients time if they can start working on themselves, develop psychologically and spiritually and take part in one or another rehabilitation program.The method has a very important negative side: it replaces one's own will and responsibility for abstaining from alcohol and behavior in general with an artificially imposed attitude.

What results does treatment of patients with alcoholism bring?

All over the world, the effectiveness of help for people with alcoholism is the same.Help limited to the first stage (“weaning from binge drinking” or “coding”) leads to a very poor outcome.But completing a patient rehabilitation program increases the effectiveness of care by almost tenfold.

After what time can we talk about the reliability of the result achieved?

Experts dealing with the problem of alcoholism agree that the process of psychological and social recovery takes about five years.It is very important that the recovering person does not stop in his psychological and spiritual growth in the future.

Chemical protection methods

"Torpedo".One of the most famous and widespread radical methods of treating alcoholism.A group of drugs is administered intravenously and deposited in the patient's tissues.The method does not have a negative effect on the body, but simply reduces the craving for alcohol.However, when interacting with alcohol, a powerful poison (poison) is created that can cause serious health problems and even death.

“Neurophysical blockade” is a treatment method that involves applying weak pulsed currents to specific parts of the brain.This achieves a normalization of the state of the central nervous system and its regulating effect on other body systems.Treatment suppresses the desire for alcohol, reduces irritability, anger and aggression.

“Acupuncture” One of the oldest and most proven methods for treating alcohol, drug and nicotine addiction.Selection of points, method of influencing them (needles, electromagnetic waves, lasers).

“Biological coding”.The most reliable method of radical treatment of alcohol addiction.After intravenous administration of the drug, to check its effectiveness, it is recommended to take a small amount of alcohol, i.e.h.the intolerance of alcohol and the administered medication is proven.This method allows you to dispel doubts and instill confidence in the patient in the high effectiveness and reliability of the anti-alcohol drug.Coding only takes place in an intensive care unit or resuscitation ward;Eating food and liquids is prohibited 3 hours before the procedure.

Intramuscular administration of a long-acting anti-alcohol drug that suppresses alcohol cravings.In addition, the drug is also a highly effective therapeutic agent (increases human immunity, improves liver and brain function).Within 3 days the drug adapts to humans.The drug is then “released” into the blood at a frequency dependent on the patient’s biorhythm for a period of time determined by the patient.

Implanting the drug is a reliable method of treating alcoholism that has been proven for decades.In 1996, using new advanced technology, production of a drug with a stronger and longer response to alcohol was resumed in France.The operation is performed in the hospital under asepsis and antisepsis.After anesthesia with Novocaine, the drug is introduced through the skin incision and the incision is sutured.