Psychological Aspects
- Early Experiences
She began drinking at 15, and the enjoyable experiences acted as positive reinforcement. This is a typical example of "conditioning," where pleasant results strengthen the behavior. For instance, Wand's research suggests that the pleasure from alcohol is a key factor in promoting its use (Wand, 2012). Such early experiences lay the groundwork for later addictive behaviors. - Abandonment Anxiety
Feelings of loneliness and abandonment anxiety (due to parental divorce, violence, etc.) made her feel unworthy, leading her to use alcohol as a means to alleviate stress and anxiety. This psychological aspect is common among many addiction patients, and Kendler's research also points out that alcohol use can have a stress-relieving effect (Kendler, 1999). - Conditioning and Dependence
The transition from dependency on nutritional supplements to alcohol occurred with the strengthening of psychological dependence. This process, known as "conditioning," began with seeking pleasure from supplements and gradually turned to seeking similar effects from alcohol.
Biological Aspects
- Brain Reward System
Alcohol promotes dopamine release, activating the brain's reward system. Schuckit's research shows that alcohol is directly linked to pleasure (Schuckit, 2009). The dopamine release reinforces the act of drinking, leading to repetition. - Tolerance and Dependence
Continued alcohol use leads to the development of tolerance, progressing to dependence, with the brain demanding "more and more frequently." As tolerance develops, the same amount of alcohol no longer satisfies, leading to increased consumption. This physiological change is a key indicator of addiction progression.
Process and Coping
Recognizing her alcohol addiction and deciding to enter a specialized hospital was her first step towards recovery. The hospital's program included individual counseling, group therapy, and pharmacotherapy. These treatments not only reduced her physical dependence on alcohol but also helped alleviate her psychological dependence.
Group Therapy
In group therapy, she interacted with other patients facing similar issues, sharing experiences and supporting each other. This helped her realize that she was not alone in her struggles, alleviating feelings of isolation.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling explored her personal problems, emotions, and the deep motivations behind her alcohol use. Specialized counselors helped her deepen self-awareness and learn techniques to manage stress and anxiety healthily.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy is used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. This allowed her to focus on the treatment program, learning the psychological and social skills needed for recovery without being overwhelmed by physical cravings.
Such continuous support and a combination of treatments were crucial for her recovery from alcohol addiction. Her experience demonstrates that while alcohol addiction is a lifelong struggle, it can be overcome with appropriate support.
References
- Wand, G. (2012). Stress and the HPA axis: role of glucocorticoids in alcohol dependence.
- Kendler, K. S., & Prescott, C. A. (1999). Genetic and environmental contributions to alcohol abuse and dependence in a population-based sample of male twins.
- Schuckit, M. A. (2009). Alcohol-use disorders.
(1) "The Trap of Nutritional Supplements": Why a Lonely 15-Year-Old Turned to Alcohol ➤➤
(2) "Revival from Despair": The Path to Recovery from Alcohol Addiction for a 15-Year-Old Girl ➤➤
