Addiction Management with a focus on Alcoholism

Addiction Management is the need of the hour as a lot of people are getting into an addiction of some sort nowadays, especially alcoholism. The Common man sees Addiction/Alcoholism as a weakness of character. The moralist looks at it as a vice. Law finds the consequential acts of alcoholism as a crime. The clergyman considers it a sin. 

In the year 1951, the American Medical Association came to the conclusion that it is a disease. In the year 1956 WHO concluded that it is a disease. 

Who is a Social Drinker?

A Social drinker is one who drinks the way his social group permits. 

Who is an Alcoholic?

An alcoholic is one whose drinking causes continuing problems in one or more areas of his life. In spite of these problems, he will keep on drinking.

Why is Alcoholism classified as a disease?

Clinically a disease is confirmed if the following are present: 

• The aetiological agent
• How the agent comes in contact with the patient
• The lesson
• The Syndrome

So it is clear that an alcoholic is a sick person.

What are the dependencies of an Alcoholic?

Alcohol dependence

Physical dependence

Psychological dependence

Alcoholism is a 

1. Primary disease
2. It is a progressive disease
3. It will be a terminal disease if not treated
4. It is a veritable disease

Distinct stages of Alcoholism are as follows:

Early Phase (Primary Stage)

1. Increased tolerance
2. Blackout
3. Preoccupation
4. Avoiding any talk about alcohol

Middle Stage (Middle Phase)

1. Loss of control
2. Testifying his drinking
3. Grandiose behavior
4. Aggression
5. Guilt
6. Abstaining from alcohol 
7. Changing the drinking pattern
8. Decaying of social relationship
9. Problems on the job
10. Family Problems
11. Morning drink
12. Seeks help

Chronic Phase/Stage (Terminal Phase) 

1. Binge Drinking 
2. Decreased Tolerance
3. Ethical breakdown
4. Paranoia
5. Indefinable fear
6. Hallucinosis
7. Lack of Motor Coordination
8. Turning to God

Causative Factors of Addiction

1. Physical Factors
   • Genetics
   • Endocrine disorder
   • Geostrophic Theory
   • Other Theory (THIQ)

2. Psychological Theory
   • Freudian View
     • Repressed urges
     • Oral dependency
     • Need for security
     • Parental Hatred
     • Suicidal/Death instinct
   • Adlerian Theory
     • Inferiority Complex
   • Pavlov Theory
     • Classical Conditioning

3. Sociological Factors

4. Personality traits theory

5. Cultural/Religious theory

6. Deviant behavior theory

What are the Treatment Methods (Methods to stay sober)?

Addiction management procedures/steps

1. Detoxification (Medical center/ Hospital) followed by Counseling
2. Psychotherapies

a) Psychoanalysis

b) Hipnosis

i) Family Therapy

ii) Behaviour Modification Therapy

iii) Inner Child Therapy

iv) Empty Chair Therapy

v) CBT

vi) Yoga Therapy

vii) Learning Therapy

3. Medical/Aversion Therapy

i) Disulfiram tab

ii) Emeline

iii) Apomorphine

iv) Sacinicoline 

4. Food
5. Daily Work
6. Water Therapy

How to stay Sober?

1. Changing old routines
2. Remembering the worst drinking episode
3. Regular eating habits
4. Anger to be avoided
5. Avoid loneliness
6. Tiredness to be avoided
7. Getting Active
8. Commitment to recovery
9. Avoid Tunnel vision
10. Avoid fear about wellbeing
11. Avoid overconfidence
12. Avoid compulsive behavior
13. Keep a structured and systematic life 
14. Avoid thoughts of social
15. Strengthening Self-esteem

To know more about the topic and for counselling-related inquiries contact the author Psy. T. T. Joseph, Director – Krupa School of Counselling and Psychotherapy Kannur & Wayanad at +91-9400751874. Explore our course on Certificate in Addiction Management at Krupa.