According to the WHO definition, alcoholics are intense drinkers whose dependence on alcohol reaches such an extent that there are obvious mental disorders or conflicts in their physical and mental health, in their interpersonal relationships and economic functions, or they are a prodrome of such development and therefore need treatment." Therefore, the criteria are dependence and harm.
Alcoholism is constantly the biggest and growing problem of drug addiction. Men become alcoholics 6-7 times more often than women. The first contact with alcohol occurs on average at the age of 13 (with a wide range).
Appearance. The development and spread of alcoholism does not have a single cause, but is determined by the combined action of various conditions of occurrence.
First, we need to consider the effect of alcohol, which is not only a means to get pleasure, but also a psychopharmacological substance with a tranquilizing effect. Alcohol can suppress tension and fear, helps to combat despondency and discomfort, and overcome insomnia. Many people who drink, even after decades of experience, do not become addicted to alcohol. Therefore, it is necessary to study the issues of pathogenetic factors.
Alcohol use and addiction can also be facilitated by social factors: family traditions, social stratum, professions or associations can contribute to abuse. The attitude of our society towards alcohol corresponds to the type of permissive culture that allows moderate alcohol consumption without fully assessing the risk associated with it.
No less important are the individual conditions of the affected person, starting from childhood: if the family relations between its members are disordered, the father is a drinker or alcoholic (as well as the mother) – this can only give a negative example.
Current difficulties and conflicts are often a reason to use the psychopharmacological properties of alcohol in order to find relief and relaxation.
The development of alcoholism follows the pattern of a vicious circle. In some cases, several vicious circles are established. Pharmacologically addiction leads to an increase in the dose and to manifestations of withdrawal syndrome, which is also overcome with the help of alcohol. Psychologically, mood disorders and feelings of displeasure predispose to alcohol consumption
