TL;DR
Alcoholism is a chronic mental and physical illness, often denied by addicted individuals, despite clear symptoms that disrupt daily life. Typical alcoholic behavior includes aggression, neglect of responsibilities, denial of the problem, occurrence of withdrawal syndrome, and difficulties maintaining sobriety. Alcoholism develops in stages - from the warning phase to the critical one, in which the addicted person's life revolves exclusively around alcohol. The disease negatively affects health (liver, heart, nervous system) and social relationships, leading to isolation, manipulation, and loss of emotional control. Family often unknowingly supports addiction by adapting to the alcoholic's lifestyle or trying to control them, which strengthens the addicted person's defense mechanisms. Help for an alcoholic consists of disease awareness, psychological therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral), and active family participation, also through codependency therapy. The key is not taking responsibility for the alcoholic's behavior and encouraging them to seek treatment by confronting them with the consequences of addiction.Understanding alcoholism: What is it and what are its symptoms?
Alcoholism, otherwise known as alcohol disease, is a serious and chronic disorder that can neglect many aspects of an addicted person's life. Typical alcoholic behavior is often downplayed, even though it is a warning signal that drinking alcohol may be causing serious problems. An alcoholic often denies the problem, even when under the influence of alcohol, which significantly hinders the alcoholism treatment process.Typical alcoholic behavior
Although each addicted person is different, there are certain typical alcoholic behaviors that may indicate an alcohol problem. Among them are aggression, frequent arguments, neglect of responsibilities, problems maintaining sobriety, or occurrence of withdrawal syndrome.Phases of alcoholism: From the warning phase to the critical phase
Alcoholism develops gradually, going through various phases characterized by specific behaviors. The warning phase often includes denial of the problem and downplaying alcohol consumption. The critical phase is usually the period in which the addicted person is unable to maintain sobriety and their life begins to revolve exclusively around alcohol.Impact of alcoholism on alcoholic's behavior and health
Alcoholism has a tremendous impact on the behavior and health of an alcoholic. Drinkers may become aggressive, irritable, and their ability to think rationally may be seriously impaired. People addicted to alcohol often neglect their health, which can lead to numerous health problems, including liver, heart, and nervous system diseases.How to help an addicted person with an alcohol problem?
Alcoholism treatment is complicated but possible. It is important for the addicted person to understand that they have a problem and decide to change. Therapies focused on behavior change, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help alcoholics cope with alcohol cravings and other challenges related to sobriety.Alcoholism in the family – household members' behavior
It is difficult for an outsider to notice an alcohol problem in a given family. The reason for this is primarily the behavior of household members. Partners of alcoholics, as well as children, are afraid to mention addiction. They are ashamed that the family model is disturbed and daily life doesn't look as it should. Everyone begins to adapt to the alcoholic's rhythm. This looks different depending on the addicted person's state: binge drinking or sobriety. Planning all actions in accordance with what they believe the alcoholic needs gives silent consent to the persistence of addiction. The addicted person then doesn't feel consequences or losses related to alcohol disease. The family takes full responsibility, seeking excuses that justify drinking. Alcohol abuse becomes the most important element of life. Sometimes household members choose a different strategy and focus on preventing the alcoholic from drinking. Strong emotions and disturbed feelings, fear and anxiety overshadow the logic and rationality of thoughts.Alcoholic's behavior toward family
Alcohol disease negatively affects household members. What, however, is the alcoholic's behavior toward family? It depends on the phase of alcoholism and the decisions of loved ones. If someone tries to control the frequency of drinking and the amount of alcohol consumed, aggression and hostility from the alcoholic can be expected. Rational and sober thinking is not possible, so outbursts of anger and alcoholic manipulation often occur. Addicted people mainly live in denial. They look for the guilty among close people (most often partners) or point to past and present events. Drinking doesn't seem extraordinary to them, but merely an action that helps in daily life. However, they don't notice that at some point the amount of alcohol consumed begins to increase and life without it is no longer possible. They constantly deny the problem and downplay all symptoms. What makes an alcoholic want to start treatment? Awareness that alcoholism is a disease. It also helps to feel the losses caused by drinking.Alcoholic's family – how should one react?
An alcoholic must take responsibility for their actions while having the opportunity for improvement. Adapting to the lifestyle of the addicted person only strengthens them in the belief that there are no reasons for change. Awareness of the consequences and effects of alcoholism is essential. If they are noticeable and the family stops being interested in the alcoholic's behavior, this may be a signal. The addicted person should decide their own fate and start therapy. In this situation, family support is very necessary, but one must defend against it when addiction progresses. This is not easy to do, so many centers offer therapy for codependent people, through which one can learn to react properly to alcoholism at home. Sources: Cierpiałkowska L., Ziarko M., Psychology of addictions – alcoholism, http://m.publio.pl/files/samples/27/54/9b/48185/Psychologiauzaleznienalkoholizmdemo.pdf.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online visit. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule a visit :::
