Alcoholism is a disease affecting more and more people. It’s no surprise that there’s increasing discussion around how to treat it. Which methods are worth considering to return to the path of sobriety? Here are proven solutions that can help a person struggling with addiction regain full control over their life.
What is an alcohol implant (alcohol aversion implant)?
Let’s start with the alcohol implant, as it is a method that is continually gaining popularity. Disulfiram, implanted under the skin, inhibits the breakdown of alcohol in the body. As a result, the addicted person experiences severe symptoms even after consuming trace amounts of alcohol. You can learn more about this method on www.helpmewithalcohol.eu, a website run by the Help Me With Alcohol clinic, operating in Ireland at Unit 8, Long Mile Business Park, Long Mile Rd, Robinhood, Dublin, D12 Xo17. You can also contact the clinic by phone at (+353) 89 944 8715. This is the place where a person suffering from alcohol addiction can undergo the implantation procedure and begin aversion therapy.
What is aversion therapy?
Aversion therapy is currently recognized as one of the most effective methods of combating alcoholism. Its main goal is to create negative associations with alcohol consumption. This is made possible through the alcohol implant, which causes extremely intense and unpleasant symptoms due to alcohol poisoning. The most common symptoms include:
- severe headaches and dizziness,
- nausea and vomiting,
- facial flushing,
- heart palpitations.
As you can see, these symptoms resemble those experienced after excessive alcohol consumption—but they are significantly more intense, which effectively discourages further drinking.
What role does psychotherapy play in treating alcoholism?
Even the best aversion therapy will not be effective without psychological support. During sessions with a specialist, the addicted person can identify the root causes of the addiction and learn how to manage emotions without turning to alcohol. This is especially important when the implant wears off, which usually happens after about 12 months. Psychotherapy also provides motivation during difficult moments on the road to sobriety. A particularly helpful tool in this process is moral dissonance, often used by therapists to highlight real values—such as family or health—that are being destroyed by alcoholism.
What does addiction therapy look like?
Psychotherapy for people struggling with alcohol addiction is provided through:
- outpatient detox clinics,
- addiction treatment centers.
Sessions with a specialist usually take place three times a week and last around 4 to 6 months. An alternative is treatment through day programs, which last around 2 months and may involve therapy sessions up to five times per week. Individuals who are unable to stay sober despite treatment efforts may be referred to inpatient treatment. This often begins with hospitalization in a detox ward, where the individual undergoes withdrawal and detoxification.
Is alcoholism treated pharmacologically?
There are no medications that can completely cure alcoholism. However, addicted individuals are often administered:
- oral or intravenous rehydration medications,
- vitamin B1,
- benzodiazepines, which have anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, and calming effects.
Supportive medications prescribed by a psychiatrist may also be helpful, but they must always be taken under strict medical supervision.
What Is Alcohol? A Simple Guide to Understanding It
When people hear the word alcohol, many immediately think of beer, wine, or spirits shared at social gatherings. But alcohol is more than just a drink—it’s a chemical substance that has been part of human culture for thousands of years. Let’s take a closer look at what alcohol really is, how it works, and why it matters.
The Science Behind Alcohol
From a scientific point of view, the type of alcohol we drink is called ethanol. It’s a clear liquid produced through fermentation, a natural process where yeast breaks down sugars found in fruits, grains, or other plants. That’s why wine comes from grapes, beer from grains like barley, and rum from sugarcane.
While there are different types of alcohol in chemistry (like methanol or isopropyl alcohol), ethanol is the only one safe for human consumption—though even then, only in moderation.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
When someone drinks alcohol, it quickly enters the bloodstream and begins to affect the brain and nervous system (alcohol’s effects). That’s why people may feel relaxed, more talkative, or even euphoric after a drink. In small amounts, alcohol can act as a social lubricant, but larger amounts can impair coordination, slow reaction times, and alter judgment.
Over time, heavy drinking (alcohol abuse) can lead to serious health problems, such as liver damage, heart disease, and addiction (alcohol disorder). This is why doctors often stress moderation and awareness of one’s own limits.
Cultural and Social Roles
Alcohol has played an important role in human history. From ancient rituals and religious ceremonies to modern celebrations like weddings, festivals, meetings with friends, events, it has often been seen as a symbol of community and tradition. At the same time, nearly every culture also recognizes the risks of overuse and develops its own rules, customs, and regulations around drinking.
Finding Balance
So, what is alcohol? At its core, it’s both a chemical substance and a cultural phenomenon. It can bring people together, enhance flavors in food, and mark special moments—but it can also cause harm if misused. Understanding alcohol means seeing both sides: the enjoyment it can offer and the responsibility it requires.
What Is Alcoholism? Understanding the Struggle Beyond the Bottle
When people think of A l c o h o l i s m, they often picture someone who drinks too much, too often. But the truth is, it is more complex than simply liking alcohol. It’s a condition that touches not only the person drinking, but also their family, friends, and community.
Defining alcohol addiction
Often called alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is a chronic disease where a person loses control over their drinking. It’s not just about how much someone drinks, but also about the inability to stop, even when alcohol starts causing harm in daily life—at work, in relationships, or to health.
Unlike casual drinking, alcohol addiction is not a choice someone makes every day. Over time, the brain and body adapt to alcohol, creating both physical dependence (needing alcohol to function) and psychological dependence (feeling unable to cope without it).
How It Develops
It doesn’t usually appear overnight. For many, it begins with social drinking—sharing a beer with friends or a glass of wine with dinner. But for some, drinking gradually increases. Stress, trauma, genetic factors, or even cultural influences can play a role. Eventually, alcohol shifts from being a pleasure to becoming a necessity.
The Signs
Some common signs include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended.
- Struggling to cut back despite wanting to.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it.
- Craving alcohol strongly.
- Continuing to drink even when it causes problems with health, work, or relationships.
The Impact
A l c o h o l i s m can take a heavy toll on the body, leading to liver disease, heart problems, or mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. But the impact goes beyond the individual – it often strains families, friendships, and entire communities.
A Path Toward Recovery
The good news is that alcohol addiction is treatable. Support can come in many forms: medical help, therapy, support groups, and the encouragement of loved ones. Recovery is rarely easy, but countless people have found new, healthier paths after struggling with a l c o h o l i s m.
In the End
So, what is a l c o h o l i s m? It’s not just “drinking too much” – it’s a complex condition where alcohol takes control of a person’s life. Understanding it with compassion rather than judgment is the first step toward real change, both for those affected and for society as a whole.
