is a type of alcoholism accompanied by a pathological addiction to beer. It is manifested by constant consumption of large doses of this drink, increased tolerance to alcohol, inability to control the time of intake and the amount of alcohol consumed, withdrawal syndrome and other symptoms characteristic of alcohol dependence. Distinctive features are the insignificant severity of the “struggle of motives” and the late development of psychopathological symptoms. The diagnosis of “beer alcoholism” is established by a narcologist based on a conversation with the patient and his relatives. Treatment – ​​medicinal or non-medicinal coding, psychotherapy, symptomatic therapy.

ICD-10

F10.2 Dependency syndrome

General information

Beer alcoholism is an unofficial term. This category is not included in ICD-10, is not recognized by most foreign narcologists and cannot be considered as an official diagnosis. However, some Russian experts insist that addiction to beer should be considered as a separate form of alcoholism, which has a number of differences from other types of alcohol addiction. Availability, low alcohol content, preservation of performance and the absence of gross changes in behavior after drinking the drink lead to the fact that a significant part of the population does not take into account the possible negative consequences of abuse. As a result, the early stages of beer alcoholism go unnoticed by the patient and his loved ones. Beer is more often abused by teenagers, which causes the rapid formation of addiction followed by a transition to stronger drinks. The exact prevalence of the pathology is unknown.

Causes

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of development of beer alcoholism is based on dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Alcohol intake provokes a forced release of dopamine and norepinephrine, characterized by some arousal, the appearance of pleasant emotions, and a feeling of pleasure. Constant consumption of large doses of beer causes depletion of regulatory mechanisms, a persistent decrease in the level of norepinephrine and dopamine, accompanied by a deterioration in performance and mood. Drinking alcoholic beverages only a short time stimulates an increase in the level of neurotransmitters, which encourages the patient to increase the dose and frequency of intake. A vicious circle arises, leading to the progression of the disease. Patients do not attach importance to increasing the dose of alcohol for a long time, so beer alcoholism is often detected only in the later stages.

Classification

Most classifications of alcohol dependence include three stages, but modern narcologists point out that such a division does not fully reflect the dynamics of changes in this pathology. In this regard, leading Russian experts in the field of studying beer alcoholism (A. A. Kovalev, A. S. Okhapkin) in their works use the expanded classification of N. N. Ivanets, which consists of the following stages:

• I– there is an increase in the frequency of intake and an increase in the single dose of alcohol. The duration of alcoholic excesses usually does not exceed one day.
• TransitionalI- II– there is a decrease in control over the amount of drinking. The impetus for the onset of alcoholic excesses is an external reason (birthday, payday, etc.). Pseudo-binges predominate.
• II– drinking beer becomes daily or almost daily. A significant increase in tolerance is revealed.
• TransitionalII- III– against the backdrop of constant use, true binge drinking occurs. The first signs of alcohol degradation appear.
• III– the predominance of the binge form of beer alcoholism is noted. Degradation increases, and pathopsychological symptoms appear.

Taking into account progression, three types of alcoholism are distinguished: slowly progressive, moderately progressive and rapidly progressive. Depending on the predominance of one or another form of use, constant (daily use prevails), periodic (false and true binges are observed) and mixed (binges are replaced by daily alcohol intake) forms of the disease.

Symptoms of beer alcoholism

Typical features of addiction are the early onset, severity and constant nature of the pathological craving for alcohol with little intensity or complete absence of a “struggle of motives”. The first drink often occurs before the age of 15 years. Many patients begin to abuse beer during their studies at a higher or secondary educational institution (for comparison, beer alcoholism among students is 8 times more common than addiction caused by drinking strong alcoholic beverages).

At the initial stage, the motive for use is usually the desire to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and eliminate psychological discomfort. A special attitude towards beer is quickly being formed as a drink that can regulate the psychological state. Patients become the initiators of feasts. Intoxication is accompanied by relaxation and some euphoria. With frequent use, the dose quickly increases, and there is a decrease in situational and quantitative control. During the transition from stage I to stage II of beer alcoholism, the first mildly expressed personality changes occur, characterized by a sharpening of premorbid traits.

At stage II, there is a decrease in resistance to various irritants, pathological desire appears with any discomfort, the duration of continuous use increases to several days. Due to loss of control over the amount of alcohol consumed and the time of drinking, conflicts develop in the family and at work. In a state of sobriety, affective and autonomic disorders develop. Melancholy, anxiety, irritability, dysphoria, sleep disorders, increased sweating, and abdominal discomfort may be detected. Working capacity decreases. A withdrawal syndrome with a predominance of vegetative, neurological and somatic symptoms is detected. The amount of beer required to achieve a state of intoxication increases by 5-10 times compared to the original figures.

A characteristic feature of beer alcoholism is considered to be long-term preservation of memory, intellectual, moral and ethical personal characteristics. Clear signs of degradation are detected only at stage III. Pseudo-binges are replaced by true binges. The clinical picture of withdrawal syndrome is complemented by psychopathological manifestations; some patients develop hypochondriacal, phobic, and obsessive disorders. The ability of volitional control over the time of drinking alcohol is completely lost; the only limiter is hypochondriacal experiences in combination with real somatic pathology, accompanied by painful sensations from vital organs.

Complications

Beer alcoholism is typically characterized by the early development of somatic disorders, including fatty liver and increased blood pressure, which is subsequently replaced by persistent arterial hypertension. There is an expansion of the borders and thickening of the walls of the heart, a decrease in mitochondria and the formation of areas of necrosis in the myocardium. Various sexual disorders, endocrine disorders, muscular dystrophy, and an increase or (less often) decrease in body weight are noted. The risk of varicose veins of the lower extremities and the formation of telangiectasia increases. The relationship between regular intake of large doses of beer and mental and neurological disorders has been confirmed. Patients complain of headaches, tremors, insomnia, and MRI reveals damage to brain tissue in the form of central myelinolysis (death of the myelin sheaths of nerve cells).

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is established by a specialist in the field of narcology based on symptoms and laboratory test results, while the basis for identifying beer alcoholism is always clinical signs of the disease, and additional studies are considered only as auxiliary techniques. Dependence is established when the following signs are detected: inappropriately high subjective importance of beer in the patient’s life, loss of quantitative and situational control, and the occurrence of withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of use. The following methods are used in the diagnostic process:

• Conversation with a narcologist. The doctor clarifies complaints, specifies the duration of abuse, usual doses of alcohol, the circumstances and duration of alcoholic excesses, the presence of characteristic somatic diseases, family and social problems. The survey can be carried out individually or with the participation of the patient’s relatives.
• Special tests. They are an addition to the survey and collection of anamnesis of patients with beer alcoholism. Includes the Michigan Alcoholism Test and a standardized screening test for alcohol dependence.
• Laboratory research. A biochemical blood test reveals increased levels of enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase, AST, ALT, GGT), changes in lipid metabolism (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) and micronutrient deficiency. A general blood test reveals anemia, thrombocytopenia, and changes in the morphological properties of red blood cells. There are methods based on assessing the level of immunoglobulins and autoantibodies to glutamate receptors.

According to indications, consultations with specialists in various fields are prescribed: therapist, neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, hepatologist, endocrinologist. The list of instrumental procedures is determined by the identified therapeutic pathology and may include ultrasound of the abdominal organs, ECG, echocardiography, MRI of the brain, functional techniques for assessing the state of the nervous system, etc.

Treatment of beer alcoholism

Treatment for beer addiction is carried out in public and private drug treatment clinics, carried out on a planned or emergency basis. During emergency procedures (detoxification, detoxification), infusion therapy is carried out, vitamins, microelements, and work correction agents are administered internal organs. When carrying out planned activities use:

• Drug therapy. There are many drugs that cause alcohol intolerance. Medicines, administered parenterally or sewn under the skin, provide a pronounced negative reaction of the body to drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages for a certain period of time (from several months to several years).
• Non-drug coding. Along with medication, non-drug treatments are used in the treatment of beer alcoholism (according to Dovzhenko, using hypnosuggestive techniques). A combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods is possible.
• Psychotherapy. They use cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, psychoanalytic and other methods. They identify and work through the problems underlying beer alcoholism, correct beliefs, and help resolve family difficulties. Both individual work and family or group therapy are possible.

Taking into account the severity of the disease, treatment is carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis. The listed methods, if necessary, are supplemented with measures aimed at improving the functioning of various organs and systems. After the main course, social rehabilitation is carried out. Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous groups based on the principles of mutual assistance has a good effect.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for beer alcoholism is determined by the duration and characteristics of beer intake, as well as the personality traits of the patient. In the initial stages, the chances of cure are quite high. Subsequently, the likelihood of recovery decreases, especially with intensive use, a rapid increase in dose, and the presence of unstable or excitable character traits. On average, pathological attraction persists for 3-4 months after completion of therapy. Asthenia may occur throughout the year. Prevention consists of forming the right attitudes in childhood and adolescence, creating a favorable family atmosphere, reasonable organization of work and rest, and timely contacting a psychologist if signs of psychological distress appear.

Many people, especially young people, consider beer safe drink, from which alcoholism will definitely not develop. And they even prove this by the fact that kefir contains more alcohol than beer, but it is considered healthy. And get-togethers with friends, especially common among teenagers, usually don’t end with just one bottle.

Almost no one will drink 0.5 liters of vodka, but 5–6 bottles are the norm for some. And few people think about the amount they drink, believing that beer is a safe low-alcohol drink. And the worst thing is that beer alcoholism among teenagers is almost as common as among adults. After all - a sign of societal degradation.

A half-liter bottle of beer contains so much alcohol that it can be compared to half a classic shot of vodka. Thus, 1 liter of beer equals 100 g of vodka, and then alcoholism begins. And it needs to be treated as quickly as possible, otherwise it will cause irreparable harm body. What alarming symptoms should you pay attention to in order to protect the lives of loved ones?

Symptoms

Beer alcoholism develops very slowly, and in the early stages the onset of the disease may not be noticed. There is no reason to worry if a person drinks a bottle of beer 2 times a month, because this is not a daily ritual. But if this happens all the time, then the following symptoms appear:

These symptoms refer to, and then the following unpleasant symptoms appear:

• A sign of beer alcoholism in men is a weakening of potency. Male power weakens to the point of erectile dysfunction.
• It grows in women and men; breasts also increase in men due to the effects of female hormones contained in beer.
• Women have a rough voice, men have a high voice.
• Lack of appetite.
• There is constant swelling on the face and body due to emerging pathologies of the kidneys and heart.
• Menstrual cycle disorders in women.
• After drinking too much, memory is lost.

As you can see, such symptoms are also characteristic of ordinary alcoholism, so beer also negatively affects the human nervous system, making it extremely unstable. Numerous hormonal imbalances begin in the body, and mental health is endangered.

Stages

It is very important to understand how the disease develops. Beer alcoholism does not have any features: a person also develops an attachment to an alcoholic drink, as with ordinary alcoholism. If drinking beer in large quantities occurs systematically, an alcohol addiction is formed.

At the first stage, the disease is difficult to recognize, because many people drink a can of beer after work 2-3 times a week. And at the same time they do not become dependent, i.e. they will calmly accept the inability to buy beer late in the evening if they want, for example. Another category of people develops an attachment, and such use becomes daily.

A persistent desire to drink beer appears on the second stages of alcoholism. A person drinks 2–3 liters of his favorite drink per day. The patient no longer cares what time of day to drink beer: he can start drinking in the morning and continue drinking several times during the day. If at the initial stage you can influence a person a little, then at the second stage this already requires drug treatment and serious psychological work.

The third stage of alcoholism looks the same as regular alcoholism. The functions of all vital organs of a person are disrupted, everything suffers nervous system. The personality of an alcoholic degrades to the point that he no longer needs anything except beer.

At the same time, alcoholism develops faster in women than in men due to the characteristics of the body. Therefore, women feel the craving for alcohol much more strongly. This can lead to hormonal changes in the body. As a result, women's menstrual cycle becomes irregular and diseases of the pelvic organs occur, which can lead to infertility. This is why women who constantly drink beer experience constant miscarriages, problems with bearing a child, and difficult childbirth.

Consequences

Why is beer alcoholism dangerous?? If you start the disease at an early stage, then it can be difficult to protect yourself from the consequences. They are very predictable. For example, beer is a high-calorie drink, which means it will put additional stress on the heart, liver and kidneys. There will be problems with blood vessels and blood flow. Overloaded areas of the heart enlarge, causing the vessels to become compressed. The heart muscle gradually weakens and wears out. Therefore, death from strokes and heart attacks is common among beer alcoholics.

It doesn’t matter what a person drinks: the liver will still begin to deteriorate, be it beer or other alcohol. Over time, there are so many damaged liver cells that the organ shrinks and cirrhosis develops. And this disease is the second most common among beer alcoholics.

Beer, like any other alcohol, disrupts communication between neurons in the brain. The more cells are destroyed, the more likely a person is to develop dementia. He becomes indifferent to everything that was dear to him, and his behavior is completely uncontrolled. Therefore, a beer alcoholic can raise his hand against his loved ones, lash out at them, and come up with any reasons to drink more beer.

Since beer has a strong diuretic effect, then a person’s water-electrolyte balance is disturbed, all useful microelements. The kidneys work overtime and wear out quickly, just like the heart. All this can lead to kidney failure, which is a very serious disease. After all, a person will not be able to be treated with almost all medications, because such a disease is a contraindication to taking medications.

Beer contains ethanol, and it causes irritation to the gastric mucosa. As a result, gastritis and ulcers develop, and all digestive processes are disrupted. Digestion slows down, constant fermentation processes and pancreatitis occur.

Thus, the prospects of beer alcoholics cannot be envied. A person develops so many pathologies that life expectancy is significantly reduced.

Diagnostics

If a person still finds most of the signs of alcoholism, then he needs to consult a narcologist. The specialist will assess addiction to beer using the following questions:

This is how the doctor assesses the degree of addiction to beer and determines the severity of the disease. After this simple test The narcologist prescribes treatment to prevent relapses of the disease in the future.

Treatment of beer alcoholism with drugs

To treat the disease, the same drugs are used as for ordinary alcoholism. For example, the drug Colme is a solution to reduce cravings for alcohol. The usual dosage is 10 to 25 drops 2 times a day. The solution is in a bottle with a dropper, which helps to measure the right amount of the drug. The good thing about the drug is that it does not cause severe side effects (but sometimes there may be slight drowsiness).

Another drug intended to treat alcoholism is Disulfiram. The dosage is determined individually, and it is also possible to implant the drug under the skin. The difference is that when taking tablets the effect lasts 72 hours, and when implanted it lasts 9 months. When sewing tablets into the subcutaneous fat layer active substance released into the bloodstream in small portions, which explains such a duration of action. During treatment, it is better for the patient to avoid alcohol, because he experiences a disulfiram-like reaction with a number of unpleasant side effects. In any case, the patient’s craving for alcohol decreases, and significantly.

Naltreaxone is a drug available in tablet form. Take the medicine for 3 months, 1 tablet per day. Contraindications are renal failure, acute hepatitis, withdrawal symptoms, liver failure. The disadvantage of the drug is that it has a number of side effects: respiratory failure, disorders genitourinary system and musculoskeletal system. Therefore, therapy should be carried out under the supervision of medical professionals. The drug should be taken after consultation with a narcologist and a full medical examination.

Homeopathy against beer alcoholism

Homeopathic remedies - preparations, containing the active substance in a very small dosage. They are made on a plant basis and rarely cause side effects. Such drugs include Coenzyme compositum, Nux vomica, Ubiquinone compositum and other drugs.

Ubiquinone compositum is a drug for general strengthening action. It is not prescribed as monotherapy, only in combination with basic medications. Administration is carried out using intramuscular injections: 1 ampoule 3 times a week. The course of treatment lasts up to eight weeks.

Nux vomica is available in the form of granules and drops.. Granules should be taken 5 pieces between main meals. And the drops should be taken according to this scheme: 10 drops 3 times a day at equal intervals.

Coenzyme compositum is given as an injection. The effect of the drug is based on the fact that the metabolism in the patient’s tissues is normalized. The patient needs to receive one injection three times a week.

Other treatments for alcohol addiction

Complete treatment for any alcoholism includes:

• drug treatment;
• psychological (sessions with a psychologist, communication with loved ones, working with yourself);
• physiotherapeutic.

Complex therapy is always successful if it includes the following procedures:

• A massage that activates all the body's defenses to fight the disease.
• Therapeutic saunas and baths, which quickly cleanse the body of toxic substances. Saunas and steam baths improve performance of cardio-vascular system, normalize breathing and sleep.
• Aromatherapy essential oils, treatment with medicinal plants.
• Therapy with animals: communication with horses, for example, has a therapeutic effect on the patient.

Another common method is encoding, which does not require a lot of money and effort. It takes place in conditions of anonymity, so the patient does not have to worry that someone will find out about it. Most often coding is done using hypnosis and implantation of the drug under the skin.

Disease prognosis: conclusions

Beer alcoholism is accompanied by constant poisoning of the body, as a result of which toxic decay products accumulate in tissues, organs and systems. Therefore, it is better to start treatment when the patient has the initial symptoms of the disease.

Positive treatment includes the patient's desire to be cured. This is also facilitated by the support of close friends and family. But if the patient does not realize the harm of alcoholism, then after 5 years serious problems with the liver and heart will begin, which can result in death.

Oddly enough, beer alcoholism among young people is very common. At the same time, teenagers may not be aware of their illness and even consider it a normal pastime. Another problem is. Such a disaster happens in families of alcoholics, when parents no longer care about their children. And children also start drinking, and this unhealthy behavior is approved by their degraded parents. Therefore, in educational institutions it is necessary to regularly conduct educational conversations with children and adolescents so that they understand the harm of alcoholism and its consequences as early as possible.

Attention, TODAY only!

The problem of beer alcoholism has recently become more acute. It affects both young people and middle-aged and elderly people, equally spicy for all genders. Many people believe that beer is useful, especially in the heat. Of course, there is less alcohol in it than in strong alcohol, but a carefree perception turns beer into almost more dangerous drink. Most of the varieties on the market are within the five-degree strength range, so people consider this drink to be something like lemonade, but more “interesting.” The situation is largely explained by the low level of awareness.

Harmful or not?

Often beer alcoholism begins with the belief that it is useful to drink beer while it is hot. Others explain their addiction by strong stressful situations, in which it is a low-alcohol drink that allows them to relax. Indeed, beer is slightly intoxicating, calming, relaxing - but this is not yet a reason to consider it a kind of medicine for all occasions. Over time it turns into an element Everyday life person, the dosage increases, and the start of use shifts from evening to day, and then the next morning - and here we have to talk about addiction. However, the patient himself is ready to deny it with foam at the mouth, making promises left and right to completely stop drinking the drink tomorrow.

The official sign of beer alcoholism is the daily consumption of one liter of such a drink. Over time, volumes increase, sometimes in sharp leaps. They are most noticeable if a person makes no attempt to control his condition. Patients are characterized by a strong mental dependence, often more pronounced than that characteristic of those addicted to strong drinks. In the later stages, alcoholism is accompanied by daily consumption of tens of liters of drink. Such a person constantly needs beer; he is never sober in principle. A hangover becomes a source of unpleasant experiences, and the alcoholic strives to avoid them with all his might. Immediately upon waking up, addicted people drink a bottle to get rid of the symptoms of withdrawal symptoms, but this does not end there - the drink is required throughout the day.

Features of the problem

With beer alcoholism, addicts are forced to drink quite large volumes of drink at a time, since low level strength does not allow you to immediately achieve intoxication. This specificity is the reason why alcoholism physically manifests itself much earlier than in the case of those suffering from addiction to stronger alcohol. But psychological manifestations come a little later.

Regular consumption of beer leads to a lack of ascorbic acid, so a patient suffering from alcoholism reveals himself with dark circles under the eyes. Symptoms of beer alcoholism also include weight gain, since beer itself is high in calories, and many of its lovers prefer to eat snacks rich in salt, which are harmful to the human body. Obesity is characteristic of the predominant percentage of beer alcoholics. This causes deformation of the muscle tissue of the sternum, leads to difficulty breathing, and air escapes from the lungs with noise. The reason is not only excess weight, but also the elements contained in the drink that negatively affect muscle fibers. The figure changes quite characteristically - a large belly, popularly called a beer belly, grows, and the pelvis becomes deformed. Many beer addicts suffer from impaired pancreatic function, and elevated blood sugar levels are observed. This explains the characteristic unpleasant, strong odor from the mouth.

Psyche: harm is multifaceted

It is not difficult to notice beer alcoholism from the outside, but the patient himself often cannot realize his situation. The peculiarities of psychological dependence on the drink are such that it is extremely difficult to get rid of it. Before the next dose enters the body, a person feels a severe headache, so he is aggressive. Some are in a state of depression and anxiety, but soon after consuming a certain dose, the mood changes, relaxation comes, as if an anxiety disorder is relieved by hand. From time to time, to achieve such an effect, you have to consume increasingly larger volumes of the product. If in the evening a person feels like he hasn’t drunk enough during the day, sleep simply won’t come until he manages to “catch up.” By the way, studies have shown that it is in the evenings, shortly before bedtime, that the desire to drink becomes especially strong.

Symptoms of beer alcoholism in men and women include sleep disturbances. This provokes a sluggish state during the day, many are drawn to sleep. Since the patient himself does not recognize the fact that there is a problem, he does not try to solve it, suppresses the attempts of others to provide help, becoming even more aggressive if he assumes that he is being accused of alcoholism. Sooner or later, this provokes irreversible consequences for health, standard of living, and interpersonal relationships.

What can it lead to?

If symptoms of beer alcoholism appear in a man, the disease can cause sexual dysfunction. When drinking beer, any representative of the stronger half should remember this risk. Currently, beer is one of the main causes of sexual dysfunction in many of our compatriots. This is due to the presence of specific substances that stop the production of testosterone - a hormonal compound, in the absence of which a man’s intimate life is completely impossible. At the same time, the figure gradually changes, becoming more like a woman’s: the pelvis expands, the back narrows, muscle tissue is depleted. Doctors attribute this to the influence of phytoestrogen, which is rich in hops. This compound activates the production of estrogen, a sex hormone characteristic of female body. Since testosterone production is suppressed, estrogen takes its place, so the body undergoes active changes.

The hormonal imbalance that the patient’s body encounters leads to breast enlargement, but there is less hair. Reproductive function is suppressed not only by erectile disorders, but also by a lack of sperm. Most of them cannot move, which means conception is impossible.

What about women?

If symptoms of beer alcoholism are observed in women, over time their body is also destroyed. Many features are similar to those described above, but the process of getting used to the drink develops very quickly, several times faster than is typical for the stronger half of humanity. If a woman becomes addicted to the drink during her reproductive period, she passes on her love for beer to her child (if she manages to get pregnant).

Symptoms of beer alcoholism in women are noticeable in their behavior among people. Such ladies love to be capricious, are prone to depressive disorders, and often burst into tears for no reason. Depression and bad mood deprive people of strength and interest in life, so a woman does not care about her family and home, forgets about her children, completely immersing herself in her passion. However, the most negative consequences are associated with beer alcoholism during pregnancy, as the likelihood of having a child with disabilities increases. There are many cases of visually noticeable abnormalities: a larger skull than normal, improperly formed eyes, limbs. Statistics show that women with an alcohol habit are more likely to give birth to children who are developmentally behind their peers. Such kids cannot concentrate on anything, they are aggressive, and are unable to communicate with other people. In such an environment, the risk of suicide attempts is higher; mental development often does not correspond to physiological age.

What to do?

Treatment of beer alcoholism is an acute social problem that has attracted the attention of doctors for decades. Currently, the same methods are used as in the fight against addiction to other alcoholic beverages. If the disease has not yet developed to a severe stage, psychological influence is enough, but you need to contact a competent specialist. The main task of the doctor is to explain to the average person who is gradually drawn into alcoholism how big the problem is, how addiction can affect life. Often detailed description picture, there is enough evidence of its authenticity to reduce the craving for beer.

The situation is much more complicated if the person has already gone on a drinking binge. To return him to normal life, you will have to resort to medicinal methods. The classic approach to treating beer alcoholism is coding. The procedure is lengthy, responsible, and requires care. The patient, in turn, needs not only the services of a qualified doctor, but also the support of loved ones. First, a cleansing drip is placed, after which the patient is sent for a coding procedure.

What else will help?

Many people are interested in treating beer alcoholism at home - this allows them not to wash their dirty laundry in public, which is something that some people are still afraid and embarrassed to do in our time. Of course, it is better to contact a qualified specialist, but if this is not possible, you can try methods traditional medicine. They also suggest a step-by-step effect on the alcoholic. First you need to get a person out of binge drinking. Brines and mineral waters with the addition of lemon juice. The liquid can be salted for a better effect.

The next step in the strategy on how to treat beer alcoholism involves developing an aversion to harmful drink. For this, various decoctions come to the rescue. The simplest option is for oats. Half three-liter saucepan fill with unrefined grain, add water and boil for 30 minutes, strain off the water, add 100 g of calendula and leave for half a day, then filter again. The drink should be consumed three times a day, one glass at a time. The duration of the program is at least two weeks. At the same time, to cleanse the body, they resort to hot baths, adding rosemary and lavender to the water.

What else should I try?

When figuring out, it makes sense to pay attention to useful qualities This remedy for cravings for alcohol has been used for quite a long time. For 10 g of branches, take 200 g of water, place it in a container and boil for a quarter of an hour. The finished decoction is used for food in the amount of two tablespoons every hour until an aversion to alcoholic beverages develops. True, you need to be treated carefully, there is a risk of side effects. Perfect option- first consult a doctor, only then start the program.

Another way to treat symptoms of beer alcoholism in men and women is the use of lovage rhizomes. They take a glass of vodka, infuse the root of one plant in it for three days, after which the drink is given to the alcoholic. As a rule, vomiting follows immediately after administration. The procedure must be repeated at least four times. In most cases, this is enough to form a persistent disgust.

Consequences: what does it lead to?

If treatment for male and female beer alcoholism is not started on time, the results can be very disastrous. Doctors say addiction to beer is more dangerous than addiction to strong drinks, the process of addiction is less noticeable and proceeds faster. Beer has a negative effect on human body, disrupting the functioning of numerous systems and organs, including hormonal disorders. Very great harm It is also applied with consumed liquid volumes, as this creates a load on the blood vessels and heart.

The most adequate assistance in treatment can be provided by clinic specialists, so at the first symptoms you should undergo a consultation. If a loved one is sick, and the alcoholic himself refuses to acknowledge this fact, you need to come to the appointment first alone in order to clarify with the doctor how to proceed. specific case. The doctor will help, focusing on the situation, and will also suggest effective methods on how to persuade the patient to come to an appointment. You should not put it off until the future, hoping that the problem will go away on its own - over time, the situation will only get worse, and this should be realized.

Subtle points

The current classifier of diseases does not distinguish beer alcoholism in women and men as a separate form of the disease, but experts say that the addiction to low-alcohol drinks differs from the craving for strong drinks, so the use of such a term is completely justified. Doctors rarely talk about beer alcoholism as an independent phenomenon, noting in the medical record only the fact of addiction - for the diagnosis it does not matter which product is used. At the same time, when choosing a strategy to combat a problem, the specifics of the case must be taken into account. To recognize in time that alcoholism has already begun, you can undergo tests and special testing. True, not everyone has enough responsibility and self-awareness for such measures, and the majority do not give in to the persuasion of loved ones, do not agree to examinations, considering themselves absolutely healthy.

It must be remembered that excessive consumption of the drink causes the so-called beer heart. This is not only very dangerous, but also irreversible. Over time, the walls of the organ thicken, the cavities expand, individual foci are affected by necrotic processes, and mitochondria cannot function normally. Beer transforms the heart, leading to an increase in the volume of the organ, sagging, which reduces the quality of blood flow. By the way, you also need to know how to treat beer alcoholism in men and women because of the increased risk of malignant neoplasms: statistics show that drinkers low alcohol drink are at risk.

How to protect yourself?

The responsibility of a modern person is to adequately perceive himself, his actions, actions, habits. You must be able to observe yourself as an outside spectator, noticing any pathological changes in behavior, features of everyday life, and appearance. A good method of preventing alcohol addiction is to work on yourself, your social status, and develop willpower. If among your friends there are people already suffering from addiction, and it is not possible to help them, it is necessary to limit communication with them as effectively as possible.

Every modern person can realize how unacceptable it is to use substances and products that affect mental condition, way of thinking. If some connection does not allow you to think soberly, makes actions uncontrollable, changes your train of thought, you need to be able to limit its presence in your life.

State forces: all to fight alcoholism!

The authorities of our country are also taking measures to prevent beer (and other forms) of alcoholism. It is for this reason that a ban has been introduced on the sale of any alcoholic beverages to minors. At the same time, measures are being taken to reduce points of sale and reduce the volume of intoxicants consumed in society. Drinking establishments are regularly closed to encourage people to give up harmful products. In large groups, a negative attitude towards alcohol and people who abuse it is formed. Friday get-togethers at the workplace are a thing of the past.

If a person appears drunk in a public place, he may be punished - given a fine or even found to have violated articles of the criminal code, much depends on how exactly he behaves. At the same time, it is prohibited at the state level to advertise alcohol. Strict quality control of the manufactured product has been established. All this is designed to reduce the percentage of compatriots suffering from alcoholism. However, you need to understand: authorities are one thing, but personal responsibility is completely different. By choosing for themselves, deciding independently, everyone can create the conditions for a healthy, successful life. It is believed that the situation of young people is the most vulnerable, therefore it is necessary to carry out preventive work with minors, regularly organize conversations, and familiarize them with the consequences of beer abuse. This makes it possible to convey to the future of the nation from school age how destructive even a low-strength drink has on the body.

There is an opinion that beer alcoholism does not exist. Ordinary people may even ironically ask whether beer alcoholism exists, they say, what are you talking about?

But for doctors there is no question whether beer alcoholism exists.

Experts who are professionally involved in alcohol-related research claim that alcohol addiction due to addiction to an amber drink is no less dangerous than from vodka. And generally speaking, harmless alcohol can not be.

So, does it exist or not, and, if yes, then what is beer alcoholism?

Let's remember that beer, like any alcoholic drink, contains ethanol. It is he who calls alcohol addiction. By analogy with diseases associated with alcohol abuse, beer alcoholism is the same, painful addiction, in this case, to an amber drink. Sometimes bad habit called in one word - gambrinism. The phrase comes from the name of the Flemish ruler, who became famous in history for his love of beer.

He has always had and still has many followers today. But so far not one of them has admitted his sin and said, yes: I have beer alcoholism - so much so that I am ready to be treated, etc.

Narcologists have become convinced in practice that beer alcoholism is just as dangerous and harmful to human health and psyche as its other varieties.

At the moment, the spread of beer alcoholism has already managed to exceed all known limits, capturing the population, many of whose representatives sincerely believe that they are not sick and do not need treatment, and when discussing the problem they are sincerely surprised: “Beer alcoholism! What is this?" The consequences of beer alcoholism are much more serious than the consequences of wine or vodka alcoholism.

History presents us with such a well-known and reliable case: the British, who were trying to actively fight alcoholism, did everything possible to “get the population hooked” on weaker drinks, but it soon became clear that the idea was not only in vain, but even destructive. Naturally, such government zeal to fight one type of alcoholism became the reason for the emergence of another more dangerous looking alcoholism.

An opponent of alcohol, starting a conversation on the topic “Beer alcoholism: features”, recalls Chancellor Bismarck, who once noted that beer is a drink that can make the population stupid, sexually passive and lazy. In the long term, beer can indeed have such an effect on the drinker. Moreover, beer is especially dangerous due to the fact that a person does not even notice how he begins to slowly become an alcoholic, drinking beer every day.

The reasons that give rise to beer alcoholism are listed below. In the meantime, let's still note the “harmful” sides of beer.

Beer alcoholism has a direct Negative influence on the human body. Among the most difficult for drinking consequences– the harm that beer brings to the heart. Excessive doses of “foam” will certainly affect the well-being of the drinker, as well as the condition of his heart. There is even a well-known term “Bavarian beer heart”, which was coined by a German physician for people whose hearts have undergone changes as a result of daily beer consumption. This condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

• thickened walls;
• necrosis of the heart muscle;
• dilated heart cavities;
• reduction in the number of mitochondria.

Such serious changes cannot go unnoticed for a person’s well-being. Changes in the heart muscle are caused by cobalt, which is present in abundance in beer as a foam stabilizer. Doctors report that in beer alcoholics, the cobalt content in the heart can be ten times higher than in normal people. Cobalt negatively affects the following internal organs:

• heart;
• esophagus;
• stomach.

IN gastrointestinal tract cobalt can cause inflammatory processes that can be relatively asymptomatic, periodically causing discomfort to the beer alcoholic.

Beer is also dangerous because carbon dioxide, which is contained in large quantities in beer, can provoke the development of varicose veins of the heart. This is another symptom that is referred to as “beer heart” syndrome. The stretched walls of the heart lose their elasticity. A flabby heart with stretched walls begins to pump blood worse, which affects the functioning of the entire body.

Negative effects of beer on hormonal profile

The negative effect that beer has on a person’s hormonal status is no joke. Substances with toxic effects found in beer can change the normal hormonal status of the body. In addition, beer contains heavy metals, the effect of which on the human body cannot be called beneficial.

Men who are accustomed to constantly drinking beer should prepare for the fact that the production of testosterone in their body will gradually decrease under the influence of phytoestrogens from beer. Men can also expect an increased production of sex hormones, which are normally produced by the male body in minimal quantities: we are, of course, talking about female sex hormones. Increased estrogen levels and decreased testosterone gradually lead to the following results:

• pelvic enlargement in men;
• breast enlargement;
• female-type fat deposition (hips, buttocks, arms, chest);
• the occurrence of obesity.

It is worth noting separately that obesity is a consequence of the fact that beer has the property of increasing appetite. In addition, it is a well-known fact that beer does not have the best effect on male fertility as a consequence of the changes it has on the level of hormones in the male body.

• drinking more than one liter per day foamy drink;
• the appearance of irritability and anger if there is no beer;
• presence of a “beer belly”;
• male dysfunction;
• problems with relaxing without beer;
• the appearance of night insomnia;
• the appearance of daytime sleepiness;
• frequent headache;
• drinking beer to get a hangover in the morning or to cheer up.

If readers of these lines recognize themselves or their friends, colleagues and family members in the above, then it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist who can help fight developing alcoholism and do everything possible to overcome a disease that has not yet taken control of the body.

Remember that the main danger of beer alcoholism is that it is quite difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Often the disease is detected even when it is more difficult to treat. The symptoms of beer alcoholism do not differ significantly from the symptoms of wine or vodka alcoholism; the only difference is in the drink consumed by the alcoholic. The disease can begin to develop from the fact that the patient drinks one or two small bottles of beer per day. Very quickly a craving for drinking beer arises every day, followed by an increase in the dose consumed.

If the case of an alcoholic is severe, then the dose of beer consumed may well increase to fifteen liters per day. Beer alcoholism Binge is not typical, which means that patients almost never sober up. The point is that such an alcoholic drinks beer several times a day without completely sobering up. A person can live like this for weeks, months and even years. In the worst cases, the patient’s entire life consists of half a dozen bottles of beer a day and the intoxication they give him.

A hangover after drinking a lot of beer resembles the symptoms of a regular hangover, but they are much more difficult to get rid of. Symptoms of a beer hangover include:

• Strong headache;
• persistent diarrhea;
• general low level of well-being.

How to recover from beer alcoholism?

Until recently, what seemed to be the absence of a problem for beer lovers, over time makes us think about it: “Here it is - beer alcoholism: is it curable or incurable, how to treat it, if there is a chance, is it possible to cure yourself, get rid of the habit?”

For problems, such as whether it is possible to cure, how to cure a husband, wife, relative, etc. doctors are optimistic.

With timely treatment and the desire of the patient himself, it is possible to cure a loved one and save him from such a disaster as beer alcoholism.

Only a qualified doctor can prescribe treatment and determine the appropriate technique. You should not contact “individuals” who unfoundedly claim that they know how to cure beer alcoholism, how to cure it, and even promise guarantees.

An example of addiction to beer

Pay attention to one typical situation; maybe someone has encountered a similar problem.

School gatherings with a glass of beer among friends, then in the institute dormitory. Over time - a glass of beer on the way to work and a glass of fresh home - straight from the refrigerator.

Training the body led to the fact that it began to “demand” beer regularly.

Treatment example

In such cases, the narcologist recommends changing the usual route past tempting retail outlets. Before leaving home, eat a hearty, low-calorie meal, drink tea, mineral water or juice. Abstaining from the drink will “push” the body to get used to a different mode of life.

Of course, without the advice and help of a narcologist, it is difficult to count on an effective result.

Children and adolescents are precisely the category of the population that most often becomes the first victim of any harmful attachment. Regardless of whether we are talking about drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, children and adolescents, as a rule, are the first to suffer from these addictions, and also become “carriers” of infection among their peers.

Experts consider beer to be a real scourge of our era, which is essentially a legalized drug that is psychologically and physiologically addictive. You can often hear from doctors that beer is just the first step along the vicious path that an alcoholic leads to stronger alcohol, cigarettes and even drugs.

Aggression, which occurs as a result of beer abuse, is also a well-known consequence of beer alcoholism. A patient who does not receive the next dose of foamy intoxicating drink on time becomes so irritable that this irritation may well develop into aggression. In addition, beer drinking is characterized by an increased level of violence. Fights, brawls and even murders are natural effects of drinking beer.

It is believed that teenagers are the category of citizens most vulnerable to the development of beer alcoholism. Moreover, many commercials that can be seen on television or in magazines are aimed specifically at young people, who are easily bribed and provoked into buying beer. The number of children who suffer from beer alcoholism is growing not in arithmetic, but in geometric progression.

Among schoolchildren and preschoolers, this is also an important event, which allows them to instill in children the right attitudes in life, which in the future will protect them from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Needless to say that in this case, the example of parents and the work of teachers with children is of paramount importance, which allows us to properly educate the younger generation? How morally stable and savvy the children will be in this matter also determines how they will raise their own offspring. It is safe to say that the future and well-being of our descendants depend on it.

Female beer alcoholism

As is known, women are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than men. Firstly, this is dictated by a number of physiological reasons that make the fair sex easy victims for beer. In addition, due to a more unstable psyche, women also quickly develop an attachment to intoxicating drinks. Statistics show that women of reproductive age suffer from beer alcoholism almost as often as teenagers and children.

The countries of the former CIS are the geopolitical area where beer consumption is growing every year. It is regrettable to admit that the growth in consumption of beer and stronger alcoholic beverages is due to the female part of the population, as well as young people. Research conducted by sociologists suggests that more than 70% of first-graders who have just started attending school have already tried alcoholic beverages or use them periodically. Over the past ten years, the percentage childhood alcoholism grew twelvefold. It’s time to sound the alarm, because these data are truly monstrous!

Beer alcoholism is the beginning of personality degradation. It is extremely rare for a young alcoholic to grow into a full-fledged personality, because, as a rule, alcohol for a child is a road to nowhere. Treating any type of alcoholism in women is not an easy task. Often the difficulty is that a woman refuses to admit that she really has an addiction problem and that she needs help from loved ones and doctors.

Readers probably have a question about why people all over the world consume such great amount beer, if information about the harm that the drink causes to the body is publicly available? It can be assumed that beer alcoholism is akin to some type of bulimia, caused by the special taste of beer, as well as the calming effect that the drink has.

In addition, beer producers have managed to spread many false myths about the so-called “social” properties of beer. Advertising often says that beer can bring people closer together, make them the soul of a company, remove embarrassment and spend leisure time brighter. Gullible viewers and customers who believe the half-truths that beer producing companies present to them have every chance of becoming the next patient diagnosed with beer alcoholism. It's no secret that not a single alcoholic drink can make a company more interesting, or the time spent with it more meaningful.

Prevention of beer alcoholism is important stage improvement of society, which will minimize the risks of the spread of this type of alcoholism among the most vulnerable categories of the population. The strong institution of marriage and family, traditional family values ​​are precisely those things that in many cases help fight female beer alcoholism. It's no secret that women often start drinking because of lack of self-confidence, because of problems in the family or with their spouse. Beer alcoholism is not a solution to problems that should be discussed and resolved within the family circle. In addition, a drinking mother is a very bad example for children, who tend to absorb both good and bad from their parents.

• children (preschoolers, schoolchildren);
• the youth;
• women;
• socially unprotected categories of citizens of all genders.

We must not forget that beer alcoholism is as terrible a disease as vodka alcoholism, which is addictive and also has a destructive effect on the human body and psyche. If a loved one shows symptoms of beer alcoholism, you should definitely consult a doctor.