It can be called an escape from reality. But what really happens in our brain when we drink? How can alcohol affect our emotions? Does an alcoholic have feelings?
How does alcohol affect feelings?
Systematic alcohol consumption negatively affects most internal organs and overall health. It also takes control over emotions. An alcoholic's feelings are very changeable and difficult for others to understand. Initially, we reach for a glass to relax after a hard day's work or to suppress certain emotions. Everything that evokes feelings of happiness and pride also becomes an occasion to drink. This can lead to the emergence of so-called weekend alcoholism, which is harder to detect because it significantly differs from the known stereotype. Seemingly harmless, but in the long run it's very dangerous. In the case of unpleasant emotions, such as anger, sadness, or depression, ethyl alcohol provides relief. During the disease's development, compulsive drinking appears. The addicted person tries in an addictive way to avoid feelings of guilt that appear after another binge drinking episode. This is nothing other than continuous uninterrupted drinking lasting at least two days. It's hard to break, but it's the foundation for getting out of addiction.How does an alcoholic manipulate feelings?
Through the mechanism of addictive emotion regulation. They reach for alcoholic beverages due to low self-esteem. Let's not forget that alcoholism is a mental and physical illness causing various disorders, and a large amount of alcohol in the blood can lead to health- and life-threatening consequences. The behavior of an addicted person is very changeable, and sometimes even hurtful to others. Read also: How to recognize an alcoholic's manipulations?That's why sometimes the question arises: does an alcoholic have feelings?
It's commonly believed that drinking alcohol improves overall mood. It should be remembered that in the long run, alcohol is not an antidepressant, quite the opposite. After quitting, we're accompanied by unpleasant emotions such as sadness or anxiety. This is a kind of vicious circle, because that's when it's hardest to limit drinking. An alcoholic's feelings are shaky and uncertain, which is why in therapy we very often learn to open up and show emotions anew. An alcoholic's emotions are controlled by alcohol. We drink when we feel good – we drink when we feel bad. Alcohol becomes the only tool for regulating feelings, and that's why it's so dangerous. A conversation with an alcoholic under the influence won't bring expected results, which is why therapy and patience are so important.Feelings of a sobering alcoholic
A sobering alcoholic can primarily experience symptoms of alcohol craving, that is, an inexplicable, intrusive desire to consume at least a small dose of alcohol. At the beginning of abstinence, a hangover appears, or rather sensations resembling it. Headache, muscle or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shallow sleep, depression and anxiety states. These are symptoms of withdrawal syndrome. After stopping drinking, the alcoholic lives briefly in sobriety. Relapses of addictive alcohol consumption occur, and the person addicted to alcohol starts drinking again. For the recovery process to be effective and meaningful, it's worth starting addiction therapy right after stopping consumption. The most effective method of fighting relapses is comprehensive addiction treatment, which includes psychotherapy and the Esperal alcohol implant. Only in this way can the feelings of a sobering alcoholic be stabilized. Starting therapy is the first step toward breaking the addictive emotional regulation.An addicted person at home. How to live with an alcoholic?
Alcohol disease affects not only the alcoholic themselves but also their closest environment. In such a situation, the family is emotionally, physically, and also financially burdened. An alcoholic can transfer responsibility for their problems onto the people who surround them. The alcoholic's closest person (most often a husband or wife) can be recognized by their behavior. There appear:- anxiety and fear
- lack of self-confidence
- belief in changing the partner's behavior and their recovery
- avoiding contact with friends and other people
- excessive control of the partner
- lack of trust, yet susceptibility to manipulation
- feelings of guilt.
Alcohol kills our brain cells
Research confirms that an adult's brain contains about 100 billion neurons and 1 trillion glial cells. The mature brain loses approximately 100 brain cells daily, however, a single instance of getting drunk to unconsciousness can lead to the destruction of as many as 10-12 million cells. It's also worth remembering that alcohol washes out vitamins, which in the long run can have very bad effects. A significant deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to activation of Korsakoff syndrome.How to control emotions?
Alcoholism is a mental illness, which is why it's very important to learn to regulate your emotions. It's very difficult to do this on your own, which is why it's recommended to start individual psychotherapy with an addiction therapist. Meetings take place in a professional rehabilitation center or private specialized practice. Additionally, there are AA communities where you can participate in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. This will help overcome the alcohol problem faster and return to a normal, sober life. The alcohol craving diary is one solution for alcoholics. It's available on our website for download in .doc and .pdf format:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
