Treatment of Alcoholism: Signs and Stages of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence is a progressive condition that intensifies if left untreated.
It can be identified by the following characteristics:
Amount of Alcohol Consumed: The person drinks and cannot stop.
Alcohol Mood: Sobriety brings no joy; there is no alcohol intoxication to feel happy.
Denial of Dependence: When talking to an alcoholic, you will hear justifications for every drink consumed.
Alcoholism has three stages of development:
First Stage:
Gradual increase in alcohol dosage while maintaining normal behavior and clear consciousness, indicating increased resistance to alcohol.
Development of psychological dependence, manifested by a constant need for alcohol consumption for various reasons.
Irritability when unable to consume alcohol.
Loss of the vomiting reflex in response to excessive alcohol intake.
Second Stage:
Appearance of severe withdrawal syndrome, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, insomnia, palpitations, facial and hand tremors. Mental disorders, psychosis, and alcoholic delirium may also occur.
Onset of binges, where the withdrawal syndrome leads to further alcohol consumption to alleviate discomfort.
Strong psychological dependence on alcohol, even when intoxicated.
Inappropriate behavior due to emotional imbalance, unwarranted aggression, loss of interest in family, work, and leisure activities, and deception.
Third Stage:
Prolonged periods of intoxication, lasting weeks.
Easy intoxication, even with small amounts of alcohol.
Severe physiological and psychological disorders: liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and other serious illnesses leading to a fatal outcome.
Complete degradation, where the individual is only interested in alcohol consumption.
Severe hangover syndrome.
Without treatment, individuals at this stage rarely live more than five years due to serious organ pathologies.
Treatment of Alcoholism:
Elimination of the influence of addictive substances under medical supervision.
Detoxification to rid the body of toxins from the environment, food, water, and medications.
Laboratory tests to determine the biochemical and neurochemical imbalances in each patient.
Psychotherapy to identify and treat underlying psychological issues contributing to addiction.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to alleviate symptoms of depression.
My Brain Solutions™ therapy – scientifically designed computer exercises to enhance attention, memory, reduce stress, and promote positivity.