All stimulants affect neurotransmission or brain structure, affecting the human psyche in the short and long term. Alcohol is no exception in this case - its harmful effect on human mental health is confirmed by numerous studies. Specialists emphasize that long-term abuse of this stimulant can cause the appearance of characteristic diseases caused by drinking alcohol. What is alcohol paranoia? How common is alcohol anxiety? Find the answers to these questions in the article below!
Studying the effects of alcohol on mental health is an extremely difficult task. Specialists are primarily looking for an answer to the question of whether a given disease or mental disorder is the cause or a consequence of alcohol abuse. It also happens that the disease develops independently of coexisting alcoholism. Which diseases certainly have their origin in alcohol use disorder?
Anxiety disorders have long been included among alcohol-related disorders and diseases. Foreign studies have shown that up to 50% of people undergoing alcohol therapy meet the criteria for the diagnosis of at least one anxiety disorder. It is now known that alcohol abuse more than doubles the incidence of these disorders. Although anxiety disorders are often the cause of more and more frequent drinking, scientists have no doubt that they can be caused by a stimulant. The emergence of anxiety after alcohol is multifactorial. They may result from the direct effect of this stimulant and its metabolism products, but also from numerous neuroadaptive changes in the addicted person's brain or the social consequences of his addiction.
Alcoholic hallucinosis is a rare complication of long-term alcohol abuse. It is estimated that it affects about 1% of alcoholics. This disorder can manifest itself both during abstinence and alcohol withdrawal, and its course is usually chronic. Auditory hallucinations, usually unpleasant for the patient, are characteristic of alcoholic hallucinosis. The patient may also experience delusions of persecution, which make him or her feel strongly about a conspiracy or assassination attempt. The occurrence of alcoholic hallucinosis requires specialist help, as hallucinations and delusions may lead to a suicide attempt or aggression towards other people.
Othello syndrome refers to the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy for a reason. This disorder is classified as a delusional psychosis, in which the patient experiences a persistent conviction of his partner's infidelity. Pathological jealousy leads to the appearance of illogical, even bizarre suspicions. It is not uncommon for people affected by Othello syndrome to look for a partner's betrayal in everyday situations, such as a visit by the postman, going shopping or an accidental phone call. Alcoholic paranoia usually comes on slowly, after many years of alcohol abuse, with periods of exacerbation and remission. Patients with Othello syndrome require psychiatric help, as this psychosis can lead to aggression and violence towards a partner or alleged lovers.
Is it possible to quickly reverse the harmful effects of alcohol on mental health? Unfortunately not. Changes in the psyche of an alcoholic usually require specialist help and long-term therapy. However, one should not forget that one of the most important elements of treatment is abstinence. Treatment of alcoholism and alcohol-related diseases should always be carried out under the supervision of specialists. This rule also applies to the first days of sobriety, when the risk of alcohol withdrawal syndrome increases drastically. In this case, the best solution is to use professional alcohol detoxification.
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You can use our services in a modern clinic located in the center of Warsaw. There is a calm and friendly atmosphere there, thanks to which our patients leave us fully rested and relaxed. However, there are situations when a stationary visit is not the best solution. Then it is worth using our alcohol detoxification service with access to the patient's home. Just contact us by phone and our specialist will arrive at the address even in 45 minutes. Most importantly, we work 24 hours a day, every day of the week, with full discretion!
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