Beer alcoholism

Alcoholism is a big problem in any of its manifestations, be it vodka, wine or beer alcoholism. And the whole point is that many consider beer to be a completely safe and even healthy low-alcohol drink akin to kvass. Some rely on the assertion that even in regular kefir and kvass there is something around 1 degree of alcohol. In beer, there is not much more. Another thing is vodka, where the percentage of alcohol content is 30 and higher. But no one thinks about the amount drunk.

Few people can handle even 0.5 liters of vodka at one time, but beer is easily drunk in liters. So, a regular half-liter bottle of beer is equivalent in alcohol content to half a 100-gram shot of vodka. So, a liter of beer is a shot of vodka, and 2 liters (the usual norm for a strong man) is already 2 shots, and a direct path to alcoholism, provided that the invigorating drink is systematically consumed.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of this process is such that beer alcoholism is becoming more widespread already in school age. Around 12-13 years of age, beer consumption (even in small quantities) becomes commonplace for teenagers, especially boys. By the time they reach adulthood, beer is actively consumed by about 98% of young men and women.

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Causes beer alcoholism

The type of alcoholic beverage does not matter for the development of alcohol addiction. The amount drunk and the regularity of alcohol consumption play a major role. In narcological practice, such a concept as beer alcoholism does not exist at all. Drunkenness is drunkenness, and it needs to be treated.

However, the pathological addiction to the foamy drink with a pleasant bread smell and a tonic effect causes more and more concerns among doctors. After all, people drink beer both with and without a reason. Just to relax in a pleasant company when meeting with friends or to relieve stress after a long day at work. On hot days, beer effectively quenches thirst, and on sad, cloudy days, it also helps to lift the mood.

Isn't this what the ubiquitous advertising tells us? And we don't even think about the fact that this is a direct call to alcoholism, which for some unknown reason is not prosecuted by law, although beer contains the same alcohol ethanol as vodka, and addiction to it is detected much faster.

The reasons for the development of beer alcoholism include the availability of the foamy drink, its wide range, and its relatively low price. Beer can be purchased at any grocery store and supermarket, as well as at markets and stalls. Many domestic and foreign brands, convenient packaging for any taste and needs tempt you to try everything. The low price makes beer accessible to a wide range of people, including teenagers. And unscrupulous and irresponsible sellers only contribute to the development of beer alcoholism in teenagers, deliberately or naively not equating beer with alcoholic beverages prohibited for sale to persons under 18 years of age.

Moreover, drinking beer does not entail social condemnation. In modern society, it is considered more the norm than a deviation from generally accepted forms of behavior.

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Risk factors

If alcoholism in general is a problem inherent mainly to adult males and some females, then beer consumption in various quantities has no clear age limits. Many people can honestly say that they have been familiar with the taste of beer since they were toddlers. Kids are often attracted by the pleasant bread smell of the drink, and they simply do not feel the alcohol component behind the gas. Parents and guests are amused by this, and from this moment on, the immature organism begins to develop an unhealthy need for beer. Without realizing the full danger, parents do not deny their children the opportunity to try a new taste even at an older age. And then they do not know which bell to ring the alarm when the teenager no longer imagines another way to have fun except drinking beer.

But children's beer alcoholism is much more terrible than adult alcoholism. It is no secret that ethyl alcohol contained in any alcoholic beverages negatively affects the functioning of many human organs, including the performance of the brain, as well as the mental state. Hence, lagging behind in studies, decreased memory and attention, irritability, depression, conflict and other aspects that interfere with the correct development and socialization of the young organism.

Beer alcoholism in teenagers has other unattractive consequences. Firstly, the addiction to beer of a completely unformed organism occurs much faster. Secondly, beer contains some components that negatively affect a person’s external attractiveness, which is very important at a young vulnerable age.

The fact is that beer contains phytoestrogens (analogues of female sex hormones), which act differently on men and women, without adding attractiveness in either case. Women and girls, due to the excess of specific hormones that suppress the action of their "native" ones, acquire features similar to those of men. The voice becomes rougher, the figure and gait change.

Phytoestrogens, on the contrary, make men and young men effeminate. Body shapes become rounded, especially in the chest and hips. Feminization of the male population occurs. This is also the source of problems with potency, which make themselves known already in adulthood.

Heredity plays a significant role in the development of beer alcoholism. No matter what alcoholic drink the parents were addicted to, in most cases their child will be 4 times more likely to develop beer alcoholism than their peers. In order for such a teenager to avoid the fate of their parents, it is necessary to monitor their alcohol consumption (no more than 1-2 times a week in small doses).

The development of teenage alcoholism can also be influenced by such factors as an unfavorable family environment, too much control from parents, violence in the family and outside the home, drinking company, etc. In such cases, drinking alcohol is perceived by teenagers as an opportunity for self-expression or the acquisition of freedom, albeit imaginary.

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Pathogenesis

Since beer consumption is considered almost a generally accepted norm, no one attaches importance to the negative impact of beer on the human body as a whole and on individual organs. Only the positive properties of beer are taken into account: effective thirst quenching, the ability to relieve stress, the presence of vitamins, especially group B, the presence of plant (grape, malt) sugars and extractive substances that are easily absorbed by the body, etc.

Seeing the obvious benefits of beer, we do not want to notice its harm. This is also facilitated by the fact that the development of an addiction to beer takes a longer period than in the case of vodka alcoholism. At the same time, in most cases, it is not even realized by patients of drug addiction clinics.

What is dangerous about beer alcoholism? First of all, because it causes gradual degradation of personality. The onset of beer alcoholism is already characterized by a change in psychological state and behavioral characteristics. A person becomes apathetic and weak-willed, he makes decisions slowly and reluctantly, does not adhere to the chosen position. Gradually, he loses the desire to develop, the desire for career growth disappears, work and family fade into the background.

The next stage of beer alcoholism manifests itself in the form of a refusal to communicate, a person withdraws into himself or drinks with a couple of drinking buddies. Not only the social circle gradually decreases, but also sexual desire, especially in men. The caloric content of beer provokes the appearance of visible symptoms of obesity, such as a beer belly in people of both sexes, as well as beer chest in men, and the development of hypodynamia (insufficient mobility).

The targets of habitual alcoholism are 3 organs: kidneys, liver, brain. Beer alcoholism has the heart and cardiovascular system as its main target, not forgetting about the other organs and systems of the body. And if an ordinary alcoholic can be given up to 20 years of life for his "hobby", then a beer alcoholic cannot even count on this.

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Symptoms beer alcoholism

Since beer alcoholism develops at a fairly slow pace, it is very difficult to recognize in the early stages. Well, if a person drank a bottle or two of beer, does that mean he has already become an alcoholic? If this does not happen often, then there is no particular reason to worry, but if drinking beer becomes a daily habit, there is every reason to suspect a painful addiction, from which alcoholism begins.

The first signs of beer alcoholism can be considered:

• the habit of starting the day with a glass of beer to lift your mood,
• the desire to drink beer with or without reason, at any time of the day,
• increased irritability if there is no opportunity to drink beer,
• inexplicable loss of desire for self-development and personal growth,
• the occurrence of sleep disorders if a person did not drink beer the day before,
• increased headaches,
• the daily drinking norm exceeds 1 liter.

These signs indicate the initial stage of beer alcoholism, and then other symptoms join them:

• short-term or long-term weakening of potency in men,
• the growth of a "beer" belly in men and women, as well as breast enlargement in men,
• change in body shape towards the opposite sex,
• rough, hoarse voice in women,
• lack of appetite due to the caloric content of beer,
• pronounced swelling of the face and body due to problems with the heart and kidneys,
• memory loss after drinking large amounts of beer,
• changes in the duration and regularity of the menstrual cycle in women,
• gradual degradation of personality.

As we can see, the symptoms of beer alcoholism are almost no different from the signs of ordinary drunkenness, and this once again speaks of the danger of this condition for a person’s physical and mental health.

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Stages

It is important to understand that beer alcoholism develops regardless of the strength of the drink. Whatever the types of beer, except for the non-alcoholic version, with their systematic use in decent quantities, an addiction to this type of alcohol is sure to arise.

The onset of the first stage of beer alcoholism is very difficult to calculate, since it practically does not manifest itself in any way. A slight craving for beer appears. Usually 1-2 bottles are drunk not every day, but several times during the week: on a holiday, after work, on the beach, in company, etc. Over time, periodic alcohol consumption becomes systematic, i.e. daily.

The second stage is an already established beer addiction. The amount of beer consumed per day is already more than 3 bottles, and sometimes more than 3 liters. A person with beer addiction at this stage is ready to drink beer several times a day, starting in the morning.

If at the first stage it is still possible to somehow influence a person without the help of narcologists, then the second stage already requires serious treatment/

The third stage of beer alcoholism is similar to regular alcoholism. These are disorders in various organs and functions of the body. Problems with thinking, memory, socialization. Partial or complete degradation of the personality.

It should be taken into account that beer alcoholism in women, due to physiological reasons, develops much faster than in men. At the same time, addiction to beer appears earlier than to other alcohol. The pleasant taste and aroma of the drink, its low strength and the spread of the myth about the harmlessness of beer are to blame.

But beer, in the case of women, first of all significantly undermines reproductive function. Hence the frequent miscarriages and infertility among beer lovers.

Beer alcoholism in men, although it develops more slowly, has no less dangerous consequences. What is the decrease in potency worth - a blow to male pride?! And what self-respecting man would want to externally turn into a curvy young lady with rounded shapes? How much negativity, and we have not yet mentioned problems with the heart, kidneys, liver and other important organs.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of uncontrolled beer consumption are quite predictable, as in the case of regular alcoholism, and include both the development of various diseases and complications of existing ones. This is especially true for heart disease. The high calorie content of beer is an additional burden on the heart and liver, as well as the development of vascular diseases. The enlargement of the heart cavities leads to compression of the vessels, the borders of the heart and the central vein expand, and this leads to premature weakening of the heart muscle and a decrease in the intensity of blood pumping. Heart attacks and strokes are the most common cause of early death of beer alcoholics.

Liver cells also die under the influence of alcohol, no matter whether it is beer or vodka. The liver shrinks and cirrhosis develops, the second most common cause of death among active beer drinkers.

Beer does not spare the human brain either, systematically destroying its cells. This leads to the development of dementia and personality disorders. The person actually loses interest in everything that was dear to him. His behavior becomes inadequate, and sometimes even aggressive.

Beer alcoholism can cause hormonal imbalances in the male and female body, and if in men it causes feminization and decreased potency, then in women it is a common cause of infertility and various disorders during pregnancy.

Beer produces a strong diuretic effect (with disruption of the acid-base balance), and this forces the kidneys to work in emergency mode, which can lead to hemorrhages and renal failure.

Ethanol contained in beer is a strong irritant to the gastric mucosa, which means it can lead to ulcers or gastritis. In addition, drinking beer in large quantities disrupts digestive processes, slows down the digestion of food, and develops pancreatitis.

An unenviable prospect, isn't it? 3-4 years of "foamy" pleasure, and as a gift a bouquet of diseases leading to a significant reduction in life expectancy. And all due to one's own stupidity or naivety!

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Diagnostics beer alcoholism

Since the treatment of beer alcoholism is a longer and more difficult process than the eradication of a painful addiction to vodka, it is very important to diagnose as early as possible the moment when a pleasant pastime with a bottle of beer turns into an unhealthy dependence on it. The fact is that beer causes a stronger dependence, since the intake of alcohol into the body comes in small portions and is associated with pleasant sensations.

The patient himself with the supposed diagnosis of "beer alcoholism" is unlikely to agree with such a statement, since he does not realize his addiction to beer. In such a situation, the help of relatives is very important, who can recognize the onset of the disease in time and prevent its development, clearly explaining the situation to the beer lover, or even seek help from a narcologist.

A narcologist may suggest that the patient take a simple test for beer alcoholism, consisting of 5 simple questions:

1. Do you have a craving for the smell of beer so much that you dream of drinking it as soon as possible?
2. Do you agree that a beer after work is the best way to relax?
3. Is your usual beer intake more than one bottle a day?
4. Do you drink beer whenever you have the chance?
5. Can't refuse a beer offered to you?

Thus, based on the number of positive responses, the doctor will be able to understand how strong a person’s craving for beer is, and explain how one can easily and effectively get out of beer alcoholism so that the disease cannot return in the future.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics based on collecting anamnesis, patient complaints (which does not always happen) and obtaining information about the patient from relatives and friends will help to make a timely diagnosis. If other health problems arise against the background of beer alcoholism, additional tests and studies may be needed.

Treatment beer alcoholism

A positive psychological attitude plays a major role in the effectiveness of beer alcoholism treatment, but it alone will not get you far. Firstly, the patient can change his mind at any moment and start drinking beer with renewed vigor. Secondly, not everyone has enough willpower to go through this path to complete recovery.

In this case, not only the psychological aspect is important in treatment. Long-term alcohol consumption in various doses over time causes severe intoxication of the body, which means that medications should be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of poisoning of the body with alcohol breakdown products.

It is for the purpose of detoxifying the body that the following medications are prescribed: Enterosgel, activated carbon, white carbon, etc.

"Enterosgel" is a preparation in the form of a paste or powder that reduces the negative effect of alcohol on the body. It should be taken no later than 1-2 hours before meals or after meals. Adult dose: 3 times a day, one and a half tablespoons (1 sachet). It should be taken either with water or mixed in an amount of water 3 times the volume of the medicine.

Precautions. Contraindications for use are hypersensitivity to the drug and atony (decreased tone and dysfunction) of the intestine. The drug should not be taken together with other drugs, this should be done 1-2 hours before or after taking other drugs. In case of liver or kidney failure, aversion to the drug may occur. Side effects are rare and are limited to constipation and nausea.

Among the drugs that reduce the psychological craving for alcohol, we can highlight "Esperal", "Disulfiram", "Colme". Among the means for correcting mental processes and behavioral disorders in the treatment of beer alcoholism, "Naltrexone" is most often used.

The pharmacological action of the first 3 drugs is based on increasing the side effects of alcohol intake, due to which not only the craving for alcohol is reduced, but also an aversion to the smell and taste of beer arises. This action is generally safe for the human body and quite effective in combating alcohol addiction.

The drug "Esperal" is created specifically for the treatment of alcoholism, including beer, and the prevention of relapses. The prescription of the drug to the patient is strictly individual. The doctor develops a regimen. They start with a dosage of 1 tablet in the morning with food, then I reduce the dose by half and even four times.

After 1-1.5 weeks, a theuram-alcohol test is performed and the further dosage of the drug is adjusted.

Precautions. The drug is prohibited for use in the following cases: pregnancy and lactation, renal and hepatic insufficiency, epileptic seizures, mental illness, diabetes, serious cardiovascular disorders.

The drug should not be taken with alcohol-based medications or alcohol, as this combination can lead to serious consequences such as cerebral edema, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, etc.

The side effects of the drug are due to the properties of the active substance. This is a metallic taste in the mouth, sometimes hepatitis, headaches, memory impairment, confusion, asthenic and allergic reactions.

"Disulfiram" is a powder drug with the same active ingredient. The dosage of the drugs is also similar: 125-500 mg according to an individual scheme. It is possible to implant the drug using a special technique into the subcutaneous fat layer.

"Kolme" is a medicine in the form of a solution with a faint smell of vinegar. The dosage and regimen are again determined by the narcologist. The usual dose is from 12 to 25 drops 2 times a day with an interval of 12 hours.

The drug is supplied with ampoules, a bottle and a dropper. First, the ampoule is opened, the solution is poured into the bottle, onto which a dropper is attached, allowing the required number of drops to be counted.

Precautions: It is not recommended to take the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, severe kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and in case of intolerance to the drug.

Side effects of the drug are relatively rare and include drowsiness and fatigue, tinnitus, and allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes. The drug can be taken no earlier than 12 hours after taking drinks and medications containing alcohol.

"Naltreaxone" is a behavioral medication in tablet form. It is taken for 12 weeks, 1 tablet once a day.

Precautions. The drug is not prescribed in case of a positive reaction to the presence of narcotic substances in urine, withdrawal syndrome, acute hepatitis and liver failure, and of course in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

The drug has many side effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous and genitourinary systems, as well as the musculoskeletal system. That is why this drug should be taken strictly under the supervision of a doctor after studying the side effects described in the instructions for the drug.

In addition to the main medications, doctors may prescribe vitamin preparations. Usually these are vitamin-mineral complexes containing vitamins B1, B6 and C, as well as essential microelements lost due to the diuretic effect of beer.

Homeopathy in the fight against beer alcoholism

Homeopathic remedies are the same drugs as pharmacy ones, but they are herbal and have fewer side effects. The peculiarity of using these remedies is that it is almost impossible to determine which drug is right for you on your own. The prescription should be made by a homeopathic doctor. This article describes the remedies that a doctor can prescribe for beer alcoholism.

Nux vomica is a homeopathic preparation in the form of granules or drops. Granules should be taken 5 pcs. between meals at night for a long time. Drops: 10 drops 3 times a day an hour after meals or 20 minutes before them. The preparation is taken for a long time until an aversion to alcohol appears.

Ubiquinone compositum is a homeopathic preparation in the form of ampoules with a general tonic effect. It is prescribed as part of a complex therapy for beer addiction, 1 ampoule 1 to 3 times a week as intramuscular injections. The course duration is from 2 to 8 weeks.

Coenzyme compositum is also taken as intramuscular injections. It has an effect that regulates metabolism in the body's tissues. The dosage and duration of treatment are the same as for the previous drug.

NUXVOMICA 6x is a homeopathic remedy that is most often prescribed for the treatment of any alcoholism. It has a cleansing effect and at the same time causes an acute aversion to alcohol. Dosage: 200c and above. Take 3 doses (every half hour). For a cleansing effect, take NUXVOMICA 6x 2-3 times a day.

Homeopathic preparations have almost no side effects, except for cases of individual intolerance to the components of these preparations. Contraindications to their use may also include: age under 18, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Folk treatment of beer alcoholism

Treatment of beer alcoholism is a rather complicated and lengthy process, and only a comprehensive approach plus the patient's desire to return to normal life can make it effective. Folk remedies for alcoholism are one of the links in the general chain of therapeutic procedures. It is simply impossible to cure beer alcoholism with herbs and spells alone. But you shouldn't underestimate folk medicine either.

Some folk medicine recipes can help a person get rid of beer addiction without him knowing about it.

• Recipe 1. A persistent aversion to alcohol can be caused by an alcohol tincture of a mixture of lovage and bay leaf. By adding 50-80 g of the tincture to a bottle of beer, you can cause a gag reflex. And with systematic use, an aversion to alcoholic beverages.
• Recipe 2. The same effect is achieved with tincture of the root of the asarum, but the dosage should be significantly lower.
• Recipe 3. Every day you need to take at least 1 tbsp. of honey, which helps reduce cravings for alcohol.
• Recipe 4. Sauerkraut brine mixed in equal proportions with green tea has a cleansing and restorative effect on beer alcoholism.

In folk medicine, herbal treatment is widely used, which has a positive effect in treating the problem of beer alcoholism. Most often, herbal mixtures with certain properties are used.

• Recipe 1. To cleanse the body of alcohol toxins, a decoction of thyme and savory herbs, taken in equal proportions, has a good effect.
• Recipe 2. A decoction of bearberry herb can be used with the same success to solve this problem.

These decoctions should be taken cold 2-3 times a day.

• Recipe 3. To achieve a lasting aversion to beer and alcoholic beverages, use the following infusion. Mix wormwood, thyme, and centaury in equal proportions. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp of the mixture. Wrap the container with the infusion well and leave to brew for 2 hours. Take the infusion 4 times a day before meals, 1 tbsp. for about 3 months, until the craving for beer subsides.

Do not forget that even treatment with herbal remedies requires mandatory consultation with a doctor, and sometimes a consistently positive psychological attitude of the patient.

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Additional methods of treating beer addiction

In addition to medicinal (taking medications) and psychological (working with a psychologist and psychotherapist) effects, physiotherapeutic treatment of beer addiction has become widespread in drug addiction practice. Physiotherapy is one of the most gentle and safe methods of treating alcoholism in any of its manifestations.

Physiotherapy procedures are especially effective when used as part of complex therapy. The procedures used in the treatment of beer alcoholism include:

• A therapeutic massage that activates the body's defenses to fight disease and improves the general condition of the patient.
• Water treatments (therapeutic baths, saunas) that promote complete cleansing of the body from toxic substances, improve the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, improve mood and calm the nervous system.
• Phyto- and aromatherapy – treatment of beer addiction with medicinal plants and essential oils.
• Hippotherapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment of a patient through communication with horses.

Another interesting method of treating pathological addictions is coding from beer alcoholism. Coding does not require significant expenditure of effort and time and is carried out in conditions of strict anonymity.

Most often, coding is carried out by means of hypnosis without the use of drugs. But there are other methods of coding, for example, by implanting a drug under the skin that causes an aversion to alcohol.

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Prevention

In order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of beer alcoholism, it is necessary to begin the fight against it even before the onset of the disease itself. Prevention of pathological dependence on beer should begin in adolescence, outside the walls of educational institutions and at home. It is necessary to tell children in detail, but unobtrusively, what consequences can result from uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer. Convincingly explain that beer is not such a safe drink for health, as advertising and many adults claim. This should be done visually, using posters and presentations.

Since many teenagers believe that alcohol makes them more attractive, stronger and more confident in the eyes of others, it is necessary to carry out personal prevention of beer alcoholism. It is necessary to form an adequate attitude of the teenager to himself in a state of alcohol intoxication, showing how he really looks and how others see him. Show how a person's judgments and behavior change under the influence of alcohol.

Preventive measures should be aimed at developing willpower and resistance to persuasion, as well as the formation of positive personality traits, as well as reducing to a minimum the number of contacts of children and adolescents with established alcoholics and their adherents.

It would be worthwhile to conduct explanatory work at enterprises, and not just use posters, and not always. Discussion and condemnation of this addiction will definitely lead to a decrease in the number of beer alcoholics.

The ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people under 18 is a big step towards reducing the level of beer alcoholism among the younger generation. But it is also reduced to "nothing" due to the lack of awareness or insufficient information about the consequences of drinking beer by adult young men and women who often buy beer for their younger friends. This means that explanatory work on the issue of beer alcoholism must be carried out both in adolescence and in young adulthood.

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Forecast

Beer alcoholism, like any other type of alcohol addiction, is a systematic poisoning of the body with alcohol breakdown products and a progressive movement towards psychological degradation of the personality. This means that the earlier this pathological need is identified, the easier it is to treat.

A huge role in the positive outcome of treatment is played by the patient's desire to get rid of the addiction to beer, as well as the support of friends, relatives and loved ones. If a person does not realize this problem and continues to abuse beer, then the prognosis in most cases is as follows: in 5-15 years, problems with the heart and liver are likely to lead to death.

Moreover, this does not mean that all these years he will be a completely healthy and happy person. External and internal disorders of the body's functioning make the life of a beer alcoholic far from as cloudless and joyful as one would like.

Beer alcoholism is not only a dangerous disease. It is a problem concerning the health of the current and future generations. It is for the sake of our children's future that it is very important to actively solve this problem now, before it buries all our dreams and hopes.